The Los Angeles Rams have made some explosive moves during free agency, but they need veteran backup help for Matthew Stafford, so they could target Davis Mills before the 2026 season. Bleacher Report believes Mills is a fit for the Rams even though they have Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett waiting in the wings for a chance. Stafford announced his return for what could be his final season in the NFL, so the Rams need to start preparing for the next successor. However, the team hasn’t re-signed Garoppolo and Bennett hasn’t developed much as an adequate third-string.
While Bennett and Garoppolo could be ready for the moment, the Rams need another veteran to keep this offense steady. It won’t be because Stafford might anticipate an injury, but they should get Mills as their next starter if they view him as the true successor.
Rams “Urged” to Trade for 40-TD Veteran Davis Mills as Matthew Stafford’s Successor
Originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Stanford product went 3-0, stepping in for an injured CJ Stroud. Mills showed that he can still be a reliable starting quarterback in this league despite being only 27. After signing a one-year extension in 2025, the veteran is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. This means he’s set to be an attractive free agent if the Texans do not decide to extend him.
On the other hand, the Rams need to search for the next answer. Head Coach Sean McVay has the brains to develop the next round of talent, so it wouldn’t be long for Mills to adjust in Los Angeles. He won’t be a Stafford in his prime, but Mills has the talent to establish himself as the long-term starter.
Other Potential Fits
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are officially in rebuild mode after releasing Kyler Murray earlier this offseason. The team brought in head coach Mike LaFleur to lead this offense, but they need work in the quarterback room. Between Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, it’s hard to imagine that the Cardinals start the season with these two veterans unless they’re tanking. If the Cardinals want to get themselves in the winning column, the team should consider trading or signing a veteran option this offseason.
While Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson are too old, Mills is the perfect fit for this offense that needs a stable quarterback. Mills isn’t going to blow the offense out of the water, but he does have the right weapons between Michael Wilson, Trey McBride and Tyler Allgeier to explode.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers need a backup after trading Andy Dalton to Philadelphia. The team realized that Dalton is no longer a long-term starter and won’t be replacing Bryce Young. Head Coach Dave Canales has benched Young before, and if he can’t stay consistent and play explosively as he did in 2025, he will most likely be replaced. It might be smart for the Panthers to trade for Mills to give Young backup and he might emerge as the starter if he outperforms.
Indianapolis Colts
The same can be said about the Colts, but Daniel Jones isn’t going anywhere for now. The Colts have to make sure that Jones’ impressive 2025 campaign wasn’t just a fluke. With that, the team is actively trying to trade Anthony Richardson. This means the Colts could trade for Mills as the new backup and let the two battle it out for the starting job if Jones struggles.