The Los Angeles Rams came into the 2026 NFL offseason with the news that Matthew Stafford was coming back for at least one more season.
It was some huge news, as they got to keep their Super Bowl window open. However, Stafford's return also raised a significant question about the backup quarterback position. Kirk Cousins emerged as a serious candidate for that job.
However, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, Cousins is set to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving the Rams without a backup quarterback. Now, they'll need to pivot and find a new backup for Stafford in an important role for the 2026 season.
Rams need to pivot after Kirk Cousins goes to Raiders
"Kirk Cousins is signing with the Raiders, per @MikeMCCarthy7," Schefter reported Thursday morning.
This was a tough blow for the Rams, as Cousins was a viable option for them as their backup for the 2026 season.
It might seem like an overpay to sign Cousins as a backup quarterback to Stafford, but in a win-now, all-in mode for 2026, making sure the backup is a competent starter makes a lot of sense.
They cannot rely on an uncertain rookie or a shaky backup in the scenario that Stafford goes down for a few weeks. They need an actual QB to win a few games, just as Mac Jones did for the San Francisco 49ers last year when Brock Purdy got hurt.
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Cousins going to the Raiders now leaves the Rams without their top option, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported the Rams were one of the interested teams in Cousins.
Sean McVay and Les Snead need to pivot, and while Jimmy Garoppolo could be an option, there is some buzz about him not returning this offseason, leading to a different QB on the open market or in a trade.
Spencer Rattler, Tanner McKee, or Davis Mills could be trade options, as the Rams might need to get a bit more aggressive when it comes to filling out this important roster spot this offseason with Cousins now off the board.
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