Sportsnaut
Matthew Stafford may be 37 years old, but he’s off to a great start with the Los Angeles Rams. A 3-1 start means the Rams won’t have to think about replacing Stafford this season. Yet, since he’s only signed through 2026, the Rams may want to start thinking more about the QB’s long-term future.
The Rams have clearly been thinking about a future after Stafford for quite some time. In 2023, we saw them select Stetson Bennett in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. But Bennett is already 27 years old, he’s never seen the field in the NFL, and he’s still stuck behind veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo.
In other words, the Rams may not feel like they have the right developmental quarterback on the team again, and trading for a new one could be their best way to ensure they will for many years to come.
Recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested the Rams’ QB of the future just might end up being Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts. Of course, there’s no guarantee that he’s available, but Daniel Jones is thriving, so the former Colts No. 4 pick may be up for grabs for the right price.
Richardson may no longer have a future with the Colts following the breakout season from Jones. While Indiana Jones is only signed through the end of the season, we don’t envision the Colts suddenly being willing to turn back to Richardson next year, especially if he doesn’t get on the field and show them something special before the end of the season.
Yet, there’s also no urgency for the Rams to make a trade right now or at all during the season. They still have Jimmy Garoppolo as Stafford’s primary backup, and even a chance to further evaluate Bennett later in the season wouldn’t be the worst thing either.
Still, once the offseason arrives, chances are the Colts will be ready to listen to offers on Richardson, and the Rams may be wise to present a respectable offer. After all, if coach McVay can help the 23-year-old become more consistent with his accuracy, then the Rams may have a superstar on their hands.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings
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