Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead downplayed the need to find Matthew Stafford’s successor. Snead acknowledged that the day is coming sooner rather than later, though, and a new tie to Kyler Murray could be the solution.
Murray is on his way out in Arizona after the Cardinals essentially moved on from him during the 2025 campaign.
Despite Stafford’s presence and the stylistic difference, the Rams and Murray are linked.
Rams Get Intriguing Update on Kyler Murray
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on against the Green Bay Packers.
Not only is Stafford back in the fold for 2026, but Snead and head coach Sean McVay said the Rams are working on contract options, which include a possible extension. Still, Stafford is not getting any younger. Murray is not a “young” QB, turning 29 in August.
Signing him could still extend the Rams’ win-now window.
They may not seem like a team that immediately stands out as a potential landing spot for the former No. 1 overall pick (2019), but they may have a chance thanks to Stafford, no less.
“There’s a long shot to watch, at +7500: The Rams,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on March 4. “They’ll likely need a replacement for Jimmy Garoppolo at No. 2 behind Matthew Stafford, and there’s an unverified (for now) rumor making the rounds that Stafford has already contacted Murray to make the case for coming to L.A.”
Garoppolo, 35 in November, is a free agent and has been linked to the Cardinals, where former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur has taken over as head coach. The only other QB under contract for the Rams in 2026 is 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV.
Bennett, who turns 29 in October, has yet to take a snap during the regular season.
That Stafford could have a hand in the Rams landing his eventual successor would be a fine feather in his cap.
Kyler Murray Sends Strong Words After Cardinals’ Decision
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a two-point conversion against the San Francisco 49ers.
“Sources: Cardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on March 3.
“Arizona already owes him $36.8M guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5M would have triggered on March 15 for 2027. He now will be moving on.”
Murray shared a message soon after news of his impending exit broke.
“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murray posted on X on March 3, adding that he “wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.”
Murray said that he is “no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.”
The Rams have flirted with QBs who possess facsimiles of Murray’s dual-threat skill set.
McVay, who has said that he wants Garoppolo back. He is also aware of the outside interest, though. McVay has helped former No. 1 overall picks (namely, Baker Mayfield) resuscitate their careers with the Rams before. Murray could be a fitting next project.
Rams Linked to Former No. 1 Overall Pick After Major QB News