Matthew Stafford, the former quarterback for the Detroit Lions, has been with the Los Angeles Rams since 2021. In his first season with the team, he won a Super Bowl, therefore he has already seen the pinnacle of the NFL. The Rams are 1-3 heading into Week 5, and Stafford is 36, which is getting up there in age for an NFL quarterback. As a result, there is speculation about who the Rams might choose to replace Stafford. According to one theory, Stafford’s “heir” is a previous first overall pick who comes to Los Angeles to practice with the team’s offense.
Benched QB Could Be Part of a ‘Succession Plan’ for Matthew Stafford
Bryce Young being benched and linked to trade rumors is definitely surprising, considering the high expectations after he was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers. The idea of him needing a “fresh start” makes sense if he’s struggling to find his rhythm in Carolina’s system.
NFL analyst Brock Vierra’s argument that Young should return to Los Angeles, where he grew up and thrived at Mater Dei, seems to be about more than just football. Familiar surroundings could indeed help him reset mentally and physically. Moreover, Vierra points out that the Rams’ offensive system could be a good fit, as it shares similarities with what Young excelled in at Alabama.
However, it’s interesting that Vierra suggests the Rams shouldn’t trade anything higher than a fourth-round pick. This valuation reflects the concern that Young’s current performance may not match his potential, at least in the short term. But if he can take advantage of the Rams’ offensive minds, it might just be the perfect situation for him to develop.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Rams pursue this or if Carolina gives him more time to adjust. What do you think—would it be too soon for the Panthers to part ways with Young?
In other words, “should Young ever be called into service, Young in LA would be the backup, allowing him to grow in a low-pressure environment with a play caller who understands his needs,” Vierra wrote.
Another Quarterback Option for the Rams
The Rams “could look to add a possible heir on the cheap—they did, after all, take a flier on Mayfield a couple of years ago,” according to NFL analyst and expert Kristopher Knox, who also advises the Rams trade for Young in an October 2 Bleacher Report piece. Additionally, he mentions the New York Jets as a potential destination for Young as a replacement for Aaron Rodgers, who is 40 years old and likely has a few seasons remaining in him.
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