Rams GM makes feelings clear on potential Matthew Stafford $330m backup

Apr 2, 2026 - 13:00

The Los Angeles Rams were handed a major boost at quarterback.

Matthew Stafford’s 17th season in the league faced uncertainty through contract issues and a niggling back injury that sparked talk of retirement.

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the field prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 — There were questions as to whether Stafford would play in 2025 due to contract debates, and a niggling back injury

However, the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback announced his decision to return for his 18th season.

Stafford will play the final year of his two-year, $84.4 million deal, which was restructured in February of last offseason.

Stafford, who controversially won the first MVP award of his career least season, will continue as the Rams’ QB1 in 2026, but there are questions marks about the quarterback room at large.

Behind Stafford, Stetson Bennett, who is yet to take a regular season snap, is the only quarterback under contract for the 2026 season.

Head coach Sean McVay sent a public plea to free agent Kirk Cousins, and now general manager Les Snead has added fuel to the fire.

“That is a possibility,” Snead said about Cousins joining the Rams in an appearance on Up & Adams.

“I think in all of this, I think Kirk’s got opportunities and our approach with the backup QB situation has been to give those players some space.

“They’re trying to figure out what’s next for them. If it’s a win-win, then we’ll make it work.

“The win of Kirk is, the experience he’s had in the league, the experience he’s had with Sean and that offense.

“So if we were to go to Kirk, that experience is going to, probably at a macro level, be more net positive than negative.”

Les Snead of the Los Angeles Rams on the sideline before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. — Snead has said that the signing of Cousins is a possibility, but he is aware that he has other options on the table.

Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons stands on the sidelines — Cousins is likely to have options on the table, but would be a solid back up behind Stafford in Los Angeles

Cousins is currently still on the market, having been released by the Atlanta Falcons at the start of the new NFL year last month.

The 37-year-old quarterback, who has made $330 million during his NFL career, started eight games for Atlanta in 2025 after Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL in Week 11.

Cousins posted respectable numbers, with 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, leading many to believe he’s still a more than serviceable signal caller.

If stars align, Cousins and McVay with the Rams will be more of a reunion rather than an introduction.

The current Rams head coach was the Washington Redskins’ offensive coordinator when Cousins was named as the starter after serving three years as a backup.

McVay’s final season as OC in Washington saw Cousins earn the first of his four Pro Bowl nods to date.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8), left, talks to offensive coordinator Sean McVay during day 4 of the Washington Redskins summer training camp in Richmond VA, August 1, 2016. — Cousins / McVay – Cousins and McVay worked together with the Washington Redskins

In his 15-year career, Cousins has a 66.7 percent completion rate, with 44,700 passing yards and 298 touchdowns to 131 interceptions.

A decade later, McVay is hoping that he can reunite with his former quarterback, but admitted things won’t be that easy.

“It’s really Premature,” McVay said via the Rams’ website.

“I know Kirk has some other options and opportunities as well, but he’s a guy that I have familiarity with, history and a lot of reverence for because of the gratitude from our experiences together.”

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