Rams Prepare for QB Upgrade: Daniel Jones Signing would Shake Up NFC West
The ongoing contract negotiations between the Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford will continue to fuel speculation about his future with the team. Even if a new agreement is reached, questions will persist regarding the Rams’ long-term quarterback strategy beyond 2025 and the potential succession plan.
The Rams’ limited quarterback depth leaves little margin for error should they part ways with the veteran. Even if Stafford remains with the team, Los Angeles will add another quarterback to the roster, someone who could potentially step into the starting role if needed.
While possibilities abound, ESPN’s Ben Solak suggests the Rams might explore a different avenue this offseason, targeting a veteran quarterback to serve as both backup and eventual successor. Solak specifically mentions former Vikings and Giants quarterback Daniel Jones as a potential target.
Is Daniel Jones The Los Angeles Rams Best Option?
“It seems like the Rams might entertain cutting bait on Stafford and starting a franchise reload on offense, which screams opportunity for bridge quarterbacks hoping to become more. McVay and Puka Nacua immediately provide the sort of offensive incubator we’re looking for, Stafford’s big shoes create low expectations and pretty much every quarterback who has played for McVay has looked better there than they have elsewhere.
If I were Darnold’s agent, I wouldn’t let him sign anywhere until I was certain this job wasn’t available. But assuming Stafford stays and/or Darnold gets an enormous deal elsewhere, Los Angeles is the perfect landing spot for Jones. He has a big frame and would bring an added QB run dimension to McVay’s bootleg/rollout series (something that has been absent under Goff and Stafford alike). He can warm the bench behind Stafford for 2025 and have pole position for the starting job in 2026.”
While it may seem like Jones’s NFL story has already been written the Rams organization, under Sean McVay’s leadership, has demonstrated a proven ability to maximize the potential of young quarterbacks and revitalize careers. Jared Goff’s development in 2017, following a disastrous rookie season, exemplifies this.
Baker Mayfield’s experience in 2022 further illustrates this point. After being released by the Cleveland Browns and subsequently joining the Carolina Panthers, Mayfield eventually found his way to Los Angeles. His improved performance in the latter half of the season with the Rams earned him another opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While Daniel Jones certainly has areas for improvement, he demonstrated solid performance in 2022 under Brian Daboll’s offensive scheme with the New York Giants. That season, Jones completed 67.2% of his passes for 3,205 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also contributed significantly with his legs, rushing for 708 yards and seven touchdowns.
He also led the Giants past the Minnesota Vikings to their first playoff win in 11 seasons, completing 24 of 35 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns and an additional 78 yards on the ground.
Regardless of who the Rams select to back Stafford in the upcoming season, a succession plan needs to be in place sooner rather than later. Jones may or not be that quarterback, but they won’t know until they start taking the process as seriously as it is.
