As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for the 2025 NFL season, head coach Sean McVay has emphasized the depth and quality of his quarterback lineup. While much attention centers on Matthew Stafford‘s ongoing health and his role as a leader, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo has quietly become an essential figure in the team’s offensive plans.
On the Up & Adams podcast, McVay expressed strong confidence in Garoppolo’s abilities, positioning him firmly among starting quarterbacks in the league.
Garoppolo’s Role Confirmed Amid Stafford’s Leadership
McVay stated,
“Yeah, I do. I look at Jimmy, he’s a starting quarterback,”
highlighting Garoppolo’s valuable presence. He acknowledged Stafford’s lasting influence, saying,
“the respect and reverence he has for Matthew and the way that Matthew leads that room.”
Nonetheless, McVay underscored Garoppolo’s own credentials, noting,
“Jimmy has played at a really high level, and he’s going into year 12.”
Garoppolo’s decision to return to the Rams on a one-year contract this past March was seen as a significant benefit during training camp. With Stafford managing minor back soreness, Garoppolo stepped in for first-team reps without issue, demonstrating readiness and consistency.
Proven Performance Under Pressure Bolsters Garoppolo’s Standing
The experienced quarterback’s recent gameplay included a standout final game of last season, where he threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns against Seattle’s top-tier defense.
Reflecting on that performance, McVay said,
“You look at what he did in that game, right? Seattle’s an upper-echelon defense, and he did a heck of a job of giving us a chance to almost pull that thing off, and that’s who he is, and he’s done a great job.”
Garoppolo’s choice to remain with the Rams, despite having offers from other teams that may have included starting roles, reveals his preference for team culture and leadership over mere opportunity.
He credited McVay’s influence and the organization’s environment, saying,
“Sean plays a big role. Honestly, it’s just the people here. … Having been around 12 years, you see both sides of it and the other side can get old real quick. … You’ve got to be around good people.”
Long-Term Impact of Garoppolo’s Experience and Rams’ Strategy
With a career record of 43-21 as a starter and a Super Bowl appearance on his resume, Garoppolo brings notable experience and resilience to the Rams roster. His return on a modest contract—reported to be just over $3 million—marks a smart offseason move for the team, balancing talent retention and salary cap considerations.
As the season unfolds, Matthew Stafford’s quarterback leadership remains central to the Rams’ identity, but Garoppolo’s presence offers both stability and competitive depth. This dual strength provides the Rams with flexibility should Stafford face ongoing health challenges, ensuring continuity in both leadership and performance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Matthew Stafford have brain surgery?
A. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs has set a new NFL record. In the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders, Mahomes hit 30,000 career passing yards. He reached this milestone in only 103 games, surpassing Matthew Stafford’s earlier record of achieving it in 109 games.
Q. Does Matthew Stafford have a photographic memory?
A. Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has an incredible memory for the nearly 10,000 plays he has experienced in his NFL career. He remembers the defensive setups, his passes, and different game situations vividly.