The Los Angeles Rams could address the quarterback position either in free agency or the upcoming draft, as only Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett IV are under contract. Jimmy Garoppolo remains unsigned while he is weighing his options. With Bennett slotted as the current backup and having yet to play or throw a pass in a regular-season game, the Rams would like to add a veteran presence with some starting experience.
A quarterback who played under Sean McVay in Washington has yet to sign.
A potential Los Angeles Rams backup option remains a free agent
Washington Redskins, Kirk Cousins and Sean McVay
Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) talks with Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Kirk Cousins is one of the top quarterbacks available in free agency after being released by the Atlanta Falcons and will likely settle as a backup next season. For a quick refresher, the four-time Pro Bowler played under Sean McVay with the Washington Redskins from 2012-2016, during which McVay was the offensive coordinator from 2014 to 16. Cousins became the full-time starter in 2015 and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2016.
The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, coming off an Achilles injury. The experiment did not pan out, as he lost the starting job to Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 and regained it in 2025 following Penix’s injury. Cousins ended his tenure throwing for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, finishing with a 9-8 record.
Also Read: Atlanta Falcons: Rework 4x-Pro Bowlers Contract, Signaling a Likely Exit
The Rams are interested in a 4x-Pro Bowler
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Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
During the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting, Sean McVay was asked about the possibility of re-signing Jimmy Garoppolo or potentially bringing in Kirk Cousins in an interview with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The head coach hopes to bring back Garoppolo but would love to sign Cousins. McVay also mentioned how Cousins was influential in helping him get the head coaching job in Los Angeles.
“People make some of the connections with Kirk,” McVay said. “If it doesn’t work out with Jimmy, that’s definitely something that — Kirk is as influential as anybody in helping me get to L.A. in the first place. I know he’s got some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I’d love to have back with us.”