The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly preparing for a quarterback transition by targeting a rising star to potentially replace Matthew Stafford by the 2026 NFL season. Head coach Sean McVay is considering Fernando Mendoza, a transfer quarterback known for his 30-touchdown season, as the team positions itself for the future. This development comes amid speculation surrounding Stafford’s longevity with the franchise and strategic moves to ensure a smooth succession.
Stafford’s Contract and Role with the Rams Amid Speculation
Despite ongoing interest from other teams, including the Steelers who reportedly eyed Stafford as their top quarterback option, the Rams have kept him firmly in Los Angeles. The franchise restructured Stafford’s contract with $23.5 million guaranteed in 2024 and a projected $44 million salary in 2025, partially guaranteed through a roster bonus. Although Stafford remains the starting quarterback, insiders suggest he might not be the long-term answer for the team beyond the next few seasons.
Potential New QB Hopefuls and the Rams’ Draft Strategy
While the Rams currently have backup options in Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett, there is growing consensus that acquiring another quarterback is wise as part of their future planning. The team’s trade giving up their 2025 first-round pick to the Falcons for a 2026 first-round pick has fueled speculation the Rams intend to use that selection on a prospective franchise quarterback. NFL Spin Zone’s analyst Sayre Bedinger highlighted Fernando Mendoza, who transferred from California to Indiana, as a prime candidate for the Rams’ 2026 draft plan.
Bedinger remarked,
“Even if the Rams are planning on keeping Stafford around for 2026, and even if Stafford plans on continuing to play, the Rams are in a great spot to bring in the heir apparent and move on to that guy whenever they see the wheels coming off for Stafford,”
illustrating the team’s readiness to move forward strategically.
Fernando Mendoza’s Record and Potential Impact with the Rams
Mendoza has generated early buzz as a transfer quarterback with promising athleticism and arm talent. During his last season at California, he threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and maintained a 66.5% completion rate across two seasons. His move to Indiana to join Curt Cignetti’s Air Raid offense marks a chance for him to refine his decision-making and elevate his draft stock, as noted by ESPN analyst Matt Miller. Miller added,
“Who will be the transfer quarterback to rocket up draft boards this year? A lot of early buzz is centered around former Cal quarterback Mendoza … and for good reason. After a breakout last season in which he threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, Mendoza transferred to Indiana to play in Curt Cignetti’s Air Raid offense,”
underlining Mendoza’s rising profile.
Concerns About Stafford’s Longevity and Future with the Rams
At 37 years old, Matthew Stafford remains a highly skilled and productive quarterback, posting 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2024. However, there are ongoing rumors that Stafford has contemplated retirement multiple times. PFF analyst Sam Monson noted in a discussion with Steve Palazzolo that quarterbacks typically begin to decline physically at this stage in their careers. Monson said,
“Stafford is now at the age, 37 years old, where quarterbacks used to decline badly. This was the end for Joe Montana. This was the end for Eli Manning,”
emphasizing the natural aging curve for quarterbacks, though he acknowledged exceptions such as Tom Brady, who performed at a high level even at age 45.
Stafford’s Career Achievements and Current Outlook
Stafford has had a distinguished career, ranking 11th all-time in passing yards with over 56,000 yards and 12th in touchdown passes with 357. He earned the Comeback Player of the Year award and led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship. Despite a strong career and two Pro Bowl selections, Stafford’s future remains uncertain as he balances competing desires to continue playing with considerations of retirement. During a podcast appearance with Jason and Travis Kelce, Stafford expressed his intention to play at least another season, with hopes to extend beyond that. This leaves the Rams with the critical task of planning for their quarterback room’s future stability regardless of Stafford’s final decision.
What This Means for the Rams’ Quarterback Situation Moving Forward
The prospect of Sean McVay replacing Matthew Stafford with Fernando Mendoza or another promising quarterback highlights how the Rams are maneuvering to maintain competitiveness while preparing for inevitable change. Moving forward, the team’s ability to transition smoothly at the quarterback position will be crucial to sustaining success. By leveraging their strategic draft pick from 2026 and developing emerging talent, the Rams aim to avoid the pitfalls of a sudden vacuum at this vital position. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the 2025 and 2026 seasons unfold, signaling when the shift in leadership under center might formally occur.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Matthew Stafford have brain surgery?
A. Patrick Mahomes set a new record by reaching 30,000 passing yards in just 103 games, the fastest for any quarterback. His 52nd touchdown pass to Travis Kelce placed them third for the most touchdowns between a quarterback and tight end. It was a remarkable first half for Mahomes.
Q. Does Matthew Stafford have a photographic memory?
A. Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for the Detroit Lions, can remember nearly every one of the 10,000 plays he has participated in during his NFL career.