Rams Eyeing Will Levis? Exploring LA’s QB Succession Plan
The Los Angeles Rams’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster, culminating in a Divisional Round playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. While the team showed resilience, a key question looms large: what’s the long-term plan at quarterback? With Matthew Stafford’s future still somewhat uncertain, the Rams might be exploring options, and one name that’s surfaced in recent NFL trade rumors is Will Levis.
Stafford’s Current Situation
Matthew Stafford, who will turn 37 in February, has indicated he plans to play in 2025, but his situation with the Rams is not fully resolved. After restructuring his contract last year, he carries a hefty $49.6 million cap number for the 2025 season. The Rams could save $27 million by trading him after June 1st or $23 million by cutting him post-June 1st, according to Over The Cap. While Stafford’s arm talent remains elite, his play in 2024 was described as mercurial, though he was impressive in the postseason. He finished the regular season with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The Rams and head coach Sean McVay would like to resolve the situation “sooner than later,” but the team currently has no immediate plan to replace Stafford.
The Succession Question
The Rams’ quarterback depth chart behind Stafford is thin. Jimmy Garoppolo, who served as the primary backup in 2024, is an unrestricted free agent. Stetson Bennett, drafted in 2023, has yet to play a regular-season game. This lack of a clear succession plan has led to speculation about the Rams’ potential interest in other quarterbacks. The team has been described as being at an “impasse” with an aging quarterback and no clear succession plan.
Will Levis: A Potential Target?
Will Levis, drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has emerged as a potential trade target for the Rams. Bleacher Report recently suggested the Rams take a “flyer” on Levis as a possible successor to Stafford. The argument is that Levis, who has had two years of experience with the Titans, could benefit from the coaching of Sean McVay. Levis has a strong arm and good size, but his decision-making has been questioned. In college, he threw for 43 touchdowns and 24 interceptions in 24 starts at Kentucky.
Why Levis Could Fit
The Rams have a history of trading for established players, as seen with the acquisitions of Stafford and Jalen Ramsey. Taking a chance on a young quarterback like Levis could be a strategic move to secure a potential long-term solution at the position. While Levis has had some struggles, the idea is that McVay could help him develop into a starter.
Other QB Options
While Levis is a name that has surfaced, other quarterbacks could be on the Rams’ radar. Sam Darnold, who had a strong season in 2024, has been mentioned as a potential option if Stafford were to leave. The Rams could also look to the 2025 NFL Draft for a quarterback. Some mock drafts have the Rams selecting Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss in the later rounds, or Riley Leonard from Notre Dame.
The 2025 NFL Draft
The Rams hold the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While they could use this pick on a quarterback, they also have other needs, including tight end, offensive line, and cornerback. Some mock drafts have the Rams selecting tight end Colston Loveland from Michigan with their first-round pick. Other potential targets include offensive lineman Armand Membou and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.
Contract Implications
Stafford’s contract situation is complex. He essentially has a one-year, $40 million deal for 2024, with only $4 million guaranteed in 2025. This gives the Rams flexibility but also means they may need to negotiate a new contract with Stafford if he returns. The Rams also have limited draft capital, which could make trading up for a quarterback in the draft difficult.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Rams are at a crossroads at the quarterback position. While Matthew Stafford has stated his intention to play in 2025, his long-term future with the team is uncertain. The Rams may be exploring options, including a potential trade for Will Levis, or drafting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team’s decisions in the coming months will be crucial in determining their success in the years to come.
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