Matthew Stafford’s return to the Los Angeles Rams in 2025 is confirmed, but the team is acutely aware that a succession plan for the 37-year-old quarterback is a pressing matter. With Stafford in the twilight of his career, the Rams recognize the need to identify and develop his eventual replacement, a task General Manager Les Snead acknowledges is far from straightforward.
“I do think part of the equation that’s the hardest part of that equation is — it’s one thing to identify [the] QB, it’s another to actually be able to acquire him,” Snead stated during a video conference. He emphasized the potential benefits of having a young quarterback learn under Stafford’s mentorship. However, Snead also acknowledged the delicate balance between securing a future quarterback and maintaining a competitive roster.
Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead: Fining a QB is Easier Said Than Done
Acquiring a quarterback could necessitate sacrificing assets that would otherwise contribute to the team’s immediate success. “Even if we identified someone, sometimes it’s hard to acquire them and then you get into, OK, wait a minute, we do have Matthew and we want to chase ‘special,’ whatever special may be,” Snead explained. “So maybe it’s best at that moment to draft another position player and keep going that way.” He concluded by noting the historical difficulty of finding a franchise quarterback, citing the Green Bay Packers as a model for successful quarterback transitions.
Stafford’s recent performance underscores his continued value to the Rams. In 2024, he completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. During the postseason, he maintained a 63 percent completion rate, throwing for 533 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
The Rams hold the No. 26 overall pick in the upcoming draft, potentially positioning them to select a quarterback if the right prospect is available. This first-round selection would also grant them the advantage of a fifth-year option. However, the team’s decision to trade their 2025 second-round pick to acquire Braden Fiske may influence their draft strategy. Given Snead’s history as general manager, the Rams could be inclined to trade down in the first round to accumulate additional draft capital.
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