The Los Angeles Rams could face life after the two-time Pro Bowler Matthew Stafford as soon as the 2026 season. The Rams could also once again find themselves in the thick of the sweepstakes to land Texas QB Arch Manning.
That seemed unlikely last week, when Manning’s grandfather, former NFL QB Archie Manning, said his grandson would not enter the draft early.
The younger Manning denounced that rhetoric in no uncertain terms.
“Yeah, I don’t know where he got that from. He texted me and apologized about that,” Manning told reporters on August 19 when asked how accurate his grandfather’s statements were. “I’m really just taking it day-by-day right now.”
Manning threw for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 67.8% completion as a redshirt freshman.
The Rams are believed to have high hopes of landing Manning in the 2026 draft.
Arch Manning Puts Rams’ Rumored Plan Back on Track
GettyArch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Manning’s pedigree includes uncles Eli and Peyton Manning, and his physical traits have left the Rams enamored.
Archie Manning’s comments threatened to put a significant damper on that.
“Arch isn’t going to do that,” Archie Manning told Texas Monthly about his highly-touted grandson declaring early for the 2026 draft in comments published on August 6. “He’ll be at Texas.”
Arch Manning’s direct update seemingly puts the Rams’ plans to land the highly-regarded legacy QB back on track.
They have two first-round picks in the 2026 draft that they could package to move up if needed.
“The Rams covet Manning’s prototypical size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) and throwing acumen … but also believe his high level of athleticism sets him apart from every other college quarterback,” Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson wrote in July.
According to Robinson, the Rams view Manning as a potential “Josh Allen-type of prospect” with greater speed and strength at the same juncture in his career.
Rams’ QB Options Amid Matthew Stafford Uncertainty
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 and Jimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
With Manning still a long-term consideration at this point, Stafford’s return to practice on Monday sparked enthusiasm that continued following his second day of participation on Tuesday. The Rams turned to Jimmy Garoppolo in practice without Stafford.
They started 2023 fourth-rounder Stetson Bennett IV in their first two preseason games. They also still have former undrafted free agent Dresser Winn on hand.
The Rams could have ample options if they venture outside for help, too.
Kirk Cousins is an expensive backup for the Atlanta Falcons, but he could be a cheap option for the Rams in the unlikely event he gets released. New York Giants backup Jameis Winston is a cheaper and arguably more volatile (on the field) option than Cousins. That is, if he is available.
The Indianapolis Colts insist Anthony Richardson is not available for a trade, but they also demoted him in favor of former Giant Daniel Jones.
The Chicago Bears could make former Rams QB Case Keenum available once he gets healthy.
There will be plenty of time for Manning and the Rams’ situations to change, but their need for quarterback help could be far more pressing. Stafford is returning from an aggravated disc in his back, which popped up unexpectedly and could return in a similar fashion.
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