Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the NFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Carolina Panthers.
The Los Angeles Rams are looking to address their quarterback room this offseason, and that has led them to Garrett Nussmeier.
Matthew Stafford is coming off an MVP season. But he is also in the final year of his contract, while Jimmy Garoppolo remains a free agent, and Stetson Bennett IV is the only other passer under team control for 2026.
Nussmeier could be the Rams’ choice for a developmental option behind Stafford.
Rams Make Plans With Garrett Nussmeier
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
GettyGarrett Nussmeier #18 of the LSU Tigers warms up before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies.
Nussmeier was one of several now-former Tigers whom NFL personnel came to see, though he revealed the Rams’ interest.
Nussmeier is the son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. He appeared on “The Insiders” and spoke candidly about overcoming the adversity he faced during his career, including injuries that have limited him, and his plans to link up with the Rams this offseason.
He said he has “a lot of stuff coming up” before the draft.
“I got the Jets coming the next couple days here, I got the Rams coming into town. I’m headed out to Indianapolis. Headed to [Jon] Gruden this weekend, which I’m excited for. That’s going to be a lot of fun. So, excited to get to cut it up with him a little bit,” Nussmeier told Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero during the program on March 25.
“I got a lot of other stuff going on, and I got Zooms every day and things like that, and I’m sure there’ll be a couple more visits in there.”
Nussmeier led the SEC in pass attempts and completions (and interceptions) during the 2024 season. He finished with 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 INTs on 64.2% completion for the Tigers. Nussmeier posted a 1,927-12-5 line on 67.4% completion this past season.
Injuries cut his campaign short, and he expressed gratitude for any opportunity to prove himself.
“I’m just grateful to any organization that’s going to give me a chance. I just want the opportunity to prove that I belong in this league. And I just want to be able to prove that the Garret Nussmeier that everyone saw in 2024 is still Garrett Nussmeier. I’m still that player,” Nussmeier told Pelissero and Rapoport.
“Just because an injury stopped me from showing that this year, doesn’t mean that I’m not going to get back to being me, and I just want an opportunity to be able to show that.”
Nussmeier finished his collegiate career with 7,699-52-24 on 64% completion.
Garrett Nussmeier a Polarizing Prospect
Garrett Nussmeier
GettyGarrett Nussmeier #13 of the LSU Tigers reacts after throwing a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins.
Nussmeier’s evaluation suggests he would be a project for the Rams. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Nussmeier to 2019 Denver Broncos second-round pick Drew Lock. Lock won the Super Bowl as a backup with the Seattle Seahawks this past season.
Zierlein called Nussmeier an “undersized pocket passer with legitimate arm talent.”
However, Zierlein added that Nussmeier “has not been able to make up for some flaws in his game.”
“Nussmeier is inconsistent diagnosing coverages and working through progressions, which limits his ability to counter what defenses show him. He plays with a gunslinger’s mindset and doesn’t consistently prioritize ball security,” Zierlein wrote.
“Will make a throw that makes you a believer in one series, but he often follows that up with a turnover that reignites the doubt. He has adequate mobility in the pocket and limits his sack count. Teams will need to balance Nussmeier’s mistakes and durability concerns against his potential to improve on his LSU output.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Nussmeier 82nd overall and third among QBs in the class.
“Nussmeier is an undersized, strong-armed passer who can efficiently deliver from various arm slots without sacrificing velocity. He can make any throw he wants and isn’t shy about testing quickly expiring windows — although those overconfident decisions can lead to turnovers,” Brugler wrote in February. “The foundation of his game will translate well as a backup who can start (and win) games, if needed.”
The repeated mentions of Nussmeier being undersized loom large amid the durability concerns, which the Rams and any other potential suitor must be mindful of.