The Los Angeles Rams continue their playoff run after beating the Chicago Bears in an overtime thriller, 20-17, thanks to a game-winning field goal by Harrison Mevis.
The win over the Bears was the second consecutive game that was decided by three points or less for the Rams. Now headed to the NFC Championship game against division rival, the Seattle Seahawks, LA is in the final stretch before the Super Bowl.
While there are three more games left in the 2025-26 NFL season, the Rams could look to the future of the franchise.
Best Case Fit For ACC Quarterback
GettyThe Rams may have a replacement option at backup QB
Matthew Stafford is one of the two main frontrunners for the Most Valuable Player Award this season. The former Georgia Bulldog led the league in passing yards and pass touchdowns in his fifth season with the Rams.
Still in contention to win a Super Bowl this season with the 17-year veteran, Los Angeles will have to be prepared for the future at quarterback.
Stafford was dealing with a back issue during training camp that had many worried he wouldn’t be able to play at the beginning of the season, with some believing it could force him into retirement.
The injury concerns are no longer there, but the possibility of Stafford retiring remains in place.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes the Rams should focus on getting a replacement for Stafford in the 2026 NFL Draft, naming Miami quarterback Carson Beck as the best fit.
“The Los Angeles Rams opened the Matt Stafford era with a Super Bowl victory and still have a fantastic chance at potentially ending it with another, but this club lacks a succession plan for when the superstar signal-caller’s inevitable retirement. Regardless of whether Stafford opts to run it back in 2026 or call it a career after this playoff run ends, the Rams must prioritize finding their QB of the future in the upcoming draft,” Kay wrote.
“Beck could be ready to compete for the starting job as early as his rookie season. The 23-year-old has a wealth of experience stemming from a decorated collegiate career…While his upside is limited compared to some of the other elite prospects in the class, Beck could be a strong game manager for a Rams team that can find ways to win with a powerful running game and strong defense.”
The Miami quarterback recently finished his collegiate career with the University of Miami, losing in the College Football Championship Game, 21-27.
But during his last three seasons as a starter has shown upside if put in the right environment. Beck threw for 11,239 yards and 82 touchdowns in his final three collegiate seasons.
Placing him with head coach Sean McVay could bring the best out of Beck and set up the Rams for the next few seasons.
The last few drafts have seen older quarterbacks perform better compared to their younger counterparts, including Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who won the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Option Already On The Los Angeles Rams
GettyThe Rams may have their answer for the era post-Matthew Stafford
Carson Beck may find himself on an NFL team in a few months, but the answer to the Los Angeles Rams’ future quarterback woes could already have been answered.
Current backup Jimmy Garoppolo could be the player to replace Matthew Stafford, depending on whether Stafford decides to call it quits.
Garoppolo has experience being a starting QB in the league and has played in the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.
“I look at Jimmy — he’s a starting quarterback,” McVay said, via Rams Wire. “Jimmy’s played at a really high level. And he’s going into Year 12. He’s got so many things to bring to the table… There’s no doubt in my mind he’s a starting quarterback in this league and I think he’ll get a chance to be able to do that again. … Having Jimmy has been a real blessing.”
In his best season as a starter, Garoppolo threw for 3,978 yards and 27 pass touchdowns, while rushing for 63 yards and getting a TD with his legs.
The Rams will need to sign Jimmy G to an extension as he is currently on a one-year deal with Los Angeles.
If LA doesn’t extend the backup, Carson Beck can be seen as a low-risk option for the future during the 2026 NFL Draft.
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