The Los Angeles Rams, considered among the favorites for the upcoming Super Bowl, are reportedly grappling with a significant question mark at the backup quarterback position. With veteran signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo contemplating retirement, the team is assessing its options to provide stability behind starting quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the April NFL Draft. This selection raised some eyebrows, given Stafford's performance last season as NFL MVP and the team's need for premium talent at other positions. The team also has Stetson Bennett on the roster, who served as the third-string quarterback last season behind Stafford and Garoppolo.
However, with Garoppolo's potential departure, the Rams face uncertainty regarding whether Simpson or Bennett can secure the No. 2 role. According to The Athletic, there is internal debate about which of the two younger quarterbacks is best prepared to back up Stafford, who has experienced recent time off due to back issues.
Adding to the team's aggressive pursuit of a Super Bowl title, the Rams also traded for Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, in May. Coach Sean McVay may be hesitant to enter the season with limited experience behind Stafford.
One potential solution could be acquiring Mac Jones. Reports have emerged suggesting the San Francisco 49ers might consider trading him. Jones started eight games for the 49ers last season when Brock Purdy was injured, leading the team to a 5-3 record in those starts. Despite his popularity, his future with the 49ers has become uncertain following the emergence of Kurtis Rourke, a seventh-round draft pick, who has impressed coaches during early practice sessions. This development has reportedly led the 49ers to reconsider trading Jones, whom they had previously indicated could be moved for a significant offer.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 34, has spent the last two seasons as Stafford's backup. He previously played for the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders, reaching a Super Bowl with the 49ers. Garoppolo has played limited snaps for the Rams, primarily appearing in the final game of the 2024-25 regular season when Stafford was rested. He has not yet signed with another team for the upcoming season, and Rams General Manager Les Snead acknowledged in April that Garoppolo was exploring all his options. Snead stated that Garoppolo was the team's "priority No. 1 for the backup" and that the Rams were allowing him to proceed through his decision-making process.