Despite Matthew Stafford playing at an MVP level and Puka Nacua playing like one of the best wide receivers in the league, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a bit of a jam over the last few weeks.
LA has lost three of the last five games and now finds itself in a wildcard spot in the playoffs, instead of fighting for the number one seed.
While Stafford has recorded over 4,000 passing yards and over 40 touchdown passes this season, the Rams need to begin thinking about who will be the player behind the center next season. It was rumored that the quarterback could be retiring at the end of this season after some
It could be either Stafford, backup Jimmy Garoppolo, or someone else. LA needs a solid answer to help the team get back to the Super Bowl instead of going for a rebuild for the next few years. One NFL writer gives his thoughts on who the Rams should target.
Rams Could Get Two-Time CBPOY
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Atlanta Falcons
Matthew Stafford had a bit of a down game in Week 17, throwing for 3 interceptions and having a quarterback rating of 41.8, his lowest of the season.
While it is most likely an off-game for the Super Bowl-winning QB, some people can take it as a precursor to how the rest of Stafford’s career could play out.
The Rams have the assets to make a move happen, with FanSided’s Julian Fadullon naming the Rams as one of the top suitors for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to lead LA after the Stafford era.
“How incredible would it be to pivot from Matthew Stafford’s MVP-level 2025 campaign to Joe Burrow… And as one of four teams boasting two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, Los Angeles has a shot to do so. They don’t have the draft capital of the Jets, nor the movable players of the Raiders and Cardinals, but what Los Angeles has is the strength of positioning to keep going all-in on winning now,” Fadullon wrote.
“Unique on this list, they are the only team that can really afford to not draft high… In fact, Los Angeles hasn’t actually drafted in the first round since they took Jared Goff in 2016… So if any team can actually afford to offer the Ricky Williams experience the Bengals are rumored to be seeking, the Rams are it.”
The Rams traded out of the first round in the 2025 draft after making a deal with the Atlanta Falcons and received their first pick in the 2026 draft. Currently, Atlanta’s first is looking like a selection in the early to mid-teen range, which could entice the Bengals to at least focus on their offer a bit more.
Cincy would give Burrow’s hefty $275 million contract to LA and receive a substantial return. With three first-round picks, the Bengals could use one of those picks on a QB, even possibly trading those picks to trade up in the draft and get Fernando Mendoza.
While Burrow has given the Bengals and their fan base many good memories, paying three offensive players a significant portion of their salary cap isn’t the way to go.
What Joe Burrow Brings To LA
GettyJoe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals
If you thought Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua were an elite QB-WR combo, then having Nacua pair up with Joe Burrow could be one, if not the best, in the league.
Landing Burrow would also give the Rams some more versatility. While Burrow isn’t known for his running prowess, he can evade sacks with his feet and get some touchdowns on the run.
Stafford does not have the running capacity that Burrow does and gives offensive playcaller Sean McVay some more ways to create chances on offense.
Through 17 seasons, Stafford has rushed for 15 touchdowns. Burrow through 6 seasons? 12 rushing touchdowns.
Burrow, who just turned 29 earlier in December, will still have a lot of good playing years left before deciding if he wants to call it quits.
Los Angeles would give Burrow the best chance to win a Super Bowl and winning with the team you lost to in the 2022 Super Bowl would be somewhat bittersweet.
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