The Los Angeles Rams should consider alternate backup plans after the latest Jimmy Garoppolo news
The Los Angeles Rams have wanted to keep Jimmy Garoppolo in LA. However, they should consider pivoting elsewhere after the latest update.
While the Los Angeles Rams have their starting quarterback handled with Matthew Stafford, their primary backup has been a spot of concern this offseason.
The Rams extended offers to Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins this offseason. Cousins opted to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Garoppolo hasn’t signed with a team yet. Los Angeles wants to keep Jimmy G around, but the latest news from Garoppolo’s camp has me thinking they should look elsewhere.
Los Angeles Rams should pivot away from Jimmy Garoppolo
On Monday, Ian Rapoport broke the news that Garoppolo is “mulling retirement”.
A part of me wonders if this is a play from Garoppolo and his camp to entice a better offer. The Rams are running out of options for an experienced backup, and Garoppolo is beloved in the building. It could be the signal-caller hoping for one last solid payday before he does retire.
What if it’s legitimate, however? What if Garoppolo does actually want to retire? At that point, I have no doubt the Rams would consider trading for a proven backup or one with developmental upside.
They don’t trust Stetson Bennett to be the QB2, and I doubt they would consider any rookie a QB2 for the same reason. The only free agents left are Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Tyrod Taylor, all of whom are equally as unappealing.
What names could make sense as trade options?
Trade targets for Los Angeles Rams backup quarterback
- Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts: The Rams have been linked to Richardson frequently over the years. He brings enough starting experience that he knows what to expect, and he has the upside worth developing. There’s risk with the offense not flowing as smooth, but he could unlock more of the offense than a normal backup.
- Davis Mills, Houston Texans: Davis Mills has taken a backseat to C.J. Stroud, but he’s been a productive option when on the field. The former third-round pick has thrown for over 7,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. With 29 starts under his belt, he could be a solid option to keep things moving.
- Will Levis, Tennessee Titans: Levis would be a similar dart throw to Anthony Richardson. He has 21 career starts under his name, and there’s a good bit of arm talent there to unlock. He was coached by former Rams’ standout OC Liam Coen at Kentucky, so there could be a good connection there.
- Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks: I’m not sure the Rams would want to do business with Seattle, but Lock checks off some boxes here. He’s shown enough in Seattle to suggest he can keep an offense running, and his contract is set to expire at the end of 2026. Seattle might want something instead of nothing for when his deal ends.
- Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears: Bagent’s name has been floated often as a trade candidate around the league. With Case Keenum as the primary backup, the Bears could try and dangle Bagent around the draft for picks and see who bites. Bagent is a fit in the Rams’ offense in a similar mold to Garoppolo, although he doesn’t have the same experience.
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