The Rams‘ calculated Standstill: Balancing Present Contention with Future Quarterback Planning
The Los Angeles Rams approached the NFL trade deadline with a clear objective: maintain their current competitive window while strategically positioning for the future, particularly at the quarterback position. Despite opportunities to address needs at several positions, the Rams largely stood pat, a decision rooted in their current success and the uncertain landscape of the upcoming quarterback draft.
The team’s focus remains heavily influenced by Matthew Stafford‘s continued performance. However, the Rams recognize the inherent risk associated with relying on a quarterback of Stafford’s age. Any injury could drastically alter the team’s trajectory, possibly leading to a prolonged period of instability similar to the Indianapolis Colts’ experience following the retirements of Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers.
Crucially, the Rams retained their two 2026 first-round draft picks, assets that hold meaningful value in a potentially crowded quarterback market. The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, both possessing multiple first-round selections, are expected to be aggressive in pursuing quarterback talent. This competition could drive up the cost of acquiring a top prospect, potentially pushing the Rams towards a developmental quarterback who can learn behind Stafford, mirroring accomplished transitions seen with the Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes learning from Alex Smith) and the Green Bay Packers (Jordan Love learning from Aaron Rodgers).
While quarterback remained a key consideration, the Rams determined that immediate upgrades at other positions weren’t essential. The running back situation, despite Blake Corum’s limited pass-catching experience, was deemed sufficient given his 4.6 yards per carry average. Similarly, the receiving corps is expected to be bolstered by the return of Tutu Atwell from injured reserve.
opportunities to improve at tight end, potentially through acquiring T.J. Hockenson from the Minnesota Vikings or David Njoku from the Cleveland Browns, ultimately didn’t materialize as those teams were unwilling to trade their players. The Rams also explored potential special teams improvements, particularly addressing the struggling kicking game, but ultimately concluded that a trade wasn’t a viable solution. Kicker Brett Karty has struggled with consistency, missing five of his last thirteen field goal attempts and three extra points, contributing to costly losses against the philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. The team has since signed veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide to the practise squad in an attempt to address the structural issues plaguing the unit.
Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged the urgency of fixing the special teams issues, stating, “It’s gone on for too long, and we’ve got to be able to fix it.” The Rams now intend to address these problems internally or through free agency.
Ultimately, the Rams’ quiet trade deadline reflects a calculated approach. Having previously been a team willing to trade future assets for immediate gains, the institution is now focused on sustaining contention both this year and in the years to come, believing their current roster is largely capable of achieving that goal.
