Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Los Angeles Rams have taken an upfront approach to their quarterback room with Matthew Stafford back in the mix for the 2026 season. But this offseason has seen renewed speculative connections for the Rams to Kyler Murray.
Murray was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
His relationship with the organization has soured, though. Former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s hire as head coach in Arizona led to Murray’s exit, possibly to LA.
Rams Linked to Kyler Murray in Free Agency
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams’ newest update on Murray’s situation comes via Arizona Sports 98.7’s John Gabodoro. He noted the speedy, undersized QB is visiting the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday. But the QB’s outlook is wide open beyond that following his release.
“A starting spot is a priority, and Minnesota does offer that and a deal could be done in the next 24 hours,” Gambadoro posted on X on March 11. “But Murray and his camp are expected to explore several options as a backup in 2026 for teams that could need a starting QB in 2027 over the next 24 hours.”
Gambadoro expounded on the situation on the radio on Wednesday, too.
“They [Murray’s camp] are going to use the next 24 hours to look at other options that could be better for him in 2027. That would mean what teams may need a quarterback in 2027?” Gambadoro said on “Burns & Gambo” on March 11, naming the Rams among the list of potential landing spots. “Again, this is just a feeling-out process. The only visit scheduled is Minnesota.
“They will take these next 24 hours to look and discuss other options for teams that might need a quarterback in 2027. They’re not opposed to being a backup for one year.”
Kyler Murray Setting Stage for 2027
Kyler Murray draft
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts against the Los Angeles Rams.
Gambadoro believes starting is still Murray’s “priority,” calling the Vikings the “front-runner.” Still, Stafford turned 38 in February. The Rams have navigated uncertainty about his return, albeit briefly this offseason, for the past several years now.
LA could make an appealing landing spot for Murray in 2026 or 2027.
“I do think that they will try to get to know some teams. Some of these teams haven’t talked to Kyler since he was a 21-year-old kid,” Gambadoro said, again listing potential landing spots. “I do think that there’s some options. So, I do think that the plan is to talk to five or six different teams that don’t need a quarterback right now, but that could need a quarterback in 2027.”
How interested the Rams would be in Murray remains the greatest unknown factor in the discussion.
Murray, who turns 29 in August, is a two-time Pro Bowler and was the Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has completed 67.1% of his passes for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions.
He has $170 million in career earnings and will be cheap, since the Cardinals are still paying him.
Rams QB Room Heading for Transition
Stetson Bennett, Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 and Stetson Bennett #13 of the Los Angeles Rams look on against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stafford is all in for 2026, and the door is open for his return to the Rams in 2027, too. But their plans behind the reigning MVP are tenuous at best.
Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent and getting up in years himself. That makes him less of a “QB of the future” than other options. Meanwhile, 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV is 28. He has yet to log even a cursory snap in a regular-season contest.
The Rams built their roster to contend with Stafford under center.
They have work to do in finding their long-term solution when he is no longer the linchpin of the operation offensively.