The Los Angeles Rams are exploring experienced options to strengthen their quarterback depth behind Matthew Stafford, with Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins emerging as leading candidates.
Stafford, now 38, is coming off a standout MVP season in which he threw for 4,707 yards and a career-best 46 touchdowns, completing 65% of his passes with just eight interceptions. Despite his durability, the Rams appear focused on securing a reliable veteran backup.
Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team’s interest during league meetings, noting that the roster currently includes only Stafford and Stetson Bennett under contract for 2026. Garoppolo, who served as Stafford’s backup last season, is now a free agent, while Cousins recently became available after being released by the Atlanta Falcons.
“I think Jimmy is working through his process right now,” McVay told NBC. “We would love to be able to have him. There are some other guys that are out there. We do need to be able to add another guy into that room. That’s something we are looking at. Obviously, people make some of the connections with Kirk. … I know he has some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I would love to be able to have back with us.”
Garoppolo, 34, saw limited action last year and did not attempt a pass in three appearances. His most recent meaningful playing time came in 2024, when he completed 27 of 41 throws for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a spot start.
Cousins, 37, brings both familiarity and experience. He and McVay previously worked together in Washington, a stretch that helped launch McVay’s rise to a head coaching role. During that time, Cousins developed into a full-time starter and even earned a Pro Bowl selection. However more recently, Cousins’ tenure in Atlanta was uneven. After signing a four-year, $180 million deal, he was eventually replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr.. When injuries forced him back into action, Cousins helped guide the Falcons to a strong finish, including a late-season winning streak. Across his time in Atlanta, he went 12-10 as a starter, throwing for 5,229 yards with 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Last season alone, he completed just over 61% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 scores, and five picks.
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