Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been with the Los Angeles Rams since 2021, winning a Super Bowl in his first year. Now, at 36, Stafford’s age is becoming a concern for the Rams, who sit at 1-3 heading into Week 5. As discussions arise about potential successors for Stafford, one intriguing option is a former first overall pick.
Benched QB Could Be Part of a ‘Succession Plan’ for Matthew Stafford
Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick and Alabama standout, has been benched this season by the Carolina Panthers and frequently appears in trade rumors as a promising candidate. In a September 28 article for USA Today’s Rams Wire, NFL analyst Brock Vierra highlighted Young’s familiarity with Los Angeles, noting his impressive high school career at Mater Dei and his previous commitment to USC.
“Young needs a fresh start, and it should be in the place he called home during his youth,” Vierra stated. “Young should be a Ram.” He also suggested that the Rams shouldn’t offer more than a fourth-round pick for Young, emphasizing that his skill set aligns well with the Rams’ offense, which is similar to what he ran at Alabama. Vierra pointed out that joining the Rams would provide Young with valuable resources not available in Carolina.
Vierra added that Young would initially serve as a backup in LA, allowing him to develop in a low-pressure environment under a play caller who understands his strengths.
Another Quarterback Option for the Rams
In an October 2 article for Bleacher Report, analyst Kristopher Knox also proposed the Rams trade for Young, suggesting they could acquire a potential successor at a low cost, especially given their past success with quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield. Knox mentioned the New York Jets as another possible landing spot for Young as a future replacement for Aaron Rodgers, who is 40 and nearing the end of his career.
Additionally, Knox suggested Denver Broncos backup quarterback Zach Wilson as another option for the Rams. “While Wilson hasn’t excelled in the NFL, his experience as a starter in 33 games makes him a viable bridge quarterback,” he noted, emphasizing Wilson’s 25 years of age as a factor that adds long-term value compared to Stafford.
Knox also mentioned that Wilson could be a target for several teams looking for both short- and long-term solutions, suggesting that the Rams might consider a young quarterback as they plan for life after Stafford. He also identified the New York Giants as a potential new home for Wilson, possibly replacing Daniel Jones.