Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead said the organization had a “renewal of vows” with quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason. However, some of Snead’s other offseason activities now serve as an apparent tell about the Rams’ interest in Texas star Arch Manning.
According to a new report from Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, the Rams believe Manning, the nephew of Eli and Peyton, and grandson of Archie, is the “lone Tier 1” QB in the 2026 class.
Snead’s visit to Texas’ pro day in March, where he chatted Manning up, looms large.
“But it goes deeper than that,” Robinson wrote on July 24, noting the Rams’ stance is independent of who else might be available in the class. “Why? The Rams covet Manning’s prototypical size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) and throwing acumen … but also believe his high level of athleticism sets him apart from every other college quarterback.
“The comparison for Manning inside the franchise is that his ceiling after the 2025 college season could be a Josh Allen-type of prospect who is actually stronger physically and a faster athlete than Allen was when he entered the draft in 2018.”
—@finebaum on Arch Manning 👀
Robinson called the comparison “significant praise” from the organization. Allen was the No. 7 overall pick of his draft class, and he is the reigning NFL MVP and a three-time Pro Bowler.
Manning threw for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 67.8% completion in 2024.
The Rams possess two first-round picks in 2026 thanks to their trade with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2025 draft, with Robinson noting they “may have the ammunition” to trade up for Manning, “thanks to a boatload of draft picks that include two first-rounders next spring.”
Rams’ Interest in Arch Manning a Reality Check About Matthew Stafford
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams on the field during organized team activities.
Stafford has been in attendance for the start of Rams training camp, but he has been forced to work on the side as he navigates back soreness. Stafford’s injury history is not clean, but the Rams’ interest in Manning (and a QB of the future) makes more sense in that context.
Stafford turned 37 in February and has two years on his $80 million contract, which was renegotiated this offseason.
The veteran has left the door open for a return in 2026, but the Rams are still eying Manning.
“Interestingly, a high-ranking Rams source told Yahoo Sports that even if Stafford returns to the team in 2026, the Rams would — at this point — still lean into drafting Manning (if he were gettable) and then put him on ice for his rookie season,” Robinson wrote.
“The franchise believes Stafford would be open to such a scenario, knowing that 2026 will almost certainly be his last season in the NFL.”
Robinson said the Rams’ belief about Stafford is “regardless” of the team’s success in 2026.
“There are more moving parts than a Swiss watch when it comes to the Rams’ succession plan,” Robinson wrote. “But the reality remains that they’re thinking about it in a very real and tangible way. Maybe moreso than ever, with Stafford once again sidelined with health issues.”
Rams QB Room Ripe For 2026 Prospect
GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 and Stetson Bennett #13 of the Los Angeles Rams look on against the Seattle Seahawks.
Even if the Rams are unable to land Manning, they seem set to select a quarterback in 2026, perhaps with one of their two first-rounders.
Aside from Stafford, QB2 Jimmy Garoppolo turns 34 in November. QB3 Stetson Bennett IV turns 28 in October – which is hardly aging for an NFL passer, but also beyond the developmental stage – and has yet to throw a pass in the regular season.
The Rams also re-signed former undrafted free agent Dresser Winn for training camp.
Manning is a lofty target, even for a team stocked with assets like the Rams appear to be before the 2025 season even unfolds.
Rams Targeting Highly Coveted Dual-Threat QB After Trade: Report