CBS Sports: Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford May Be Replaced by a Star Quarterback
org Since joining the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions has won a Super Bowl, proving that he has already reached the pinnacle of the NFL. There has been talk about who the Rams would choose to replace Stafford as quarterback now that Stafford is 36 years old, which is getting up there in age for an NFL quarterback, and the Rams are 1-3 heading into Week 5. According to one idea, a former first overall pick might move to Los Angeles to work with the offense and eventually succeed Stafford as his “heir.”
Benched QB Might Be a Part of Matthew Stafford’s “Succession Plan”
Bryce Young, an Alabama star and former first overall pick, has been benched by the Carolina Panthers this season, despite being one of the most promising quarterbacks available for a trade. NFL analyst and specialist Brock Vierra writes that Pasadena, California native Young “is very familiar with Los Angeles as he starred for LA county powerhouse Mater Dei and was once set to play for USC” in a feature published on September 28 for USA Today’s Rams Wire.
Young deserves a new beginning, and Vierra suggested that it take place at the house he spent the most of his youth in. “You ought to be a Ram,”
Additionally, Vierra writes that the Rams ought to sell Young for little more than a fourth-round pick. “Young would fit perfectly in the Rams’ offense, as it’s very similar to what he ran at Alabama,” the coach continued after Young joined the squad. “Young would be exposed to resources unseen in Carolina and the Rams have some of the best offensive minds in the league.”
In other words, should Young ever be called into service, Vierra said, “Young in LA would be the backup, allowing him to grow in a low-pressure environment with a play caller who understands his needs.”
An Additional Rams Quarterback Option
NFL analyst and specialist Kristopher Knox also advises the Rams trade for Young, stating that the team “could look to add a possible heir on the cheap—they did, after all, take a flier on Mayfield a couple of years ago” in a Bleacher Report piece published on October 2. He also lists the New York Jets as a possible landing destination for Young as a potential successor to Aaron Rodgers, who’s 40 years old and presumably doesn’t have very many seasons left in him.
Zach Wilson, the backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos, is another candidate Knox has in mind for the Rams quarterback position.
Wilson has started 33 games in the NFL, despite not being a very good player, according to Knox. He is therefore a more viable bridge/spot-starter than Young. In addition, he is younger than Russell Wilson at just 25 years old, which increases his long-term value.
Knox also mentioned that the Rams “may take a flier on a young quarterback as they work out a succession plan behind Stafford” and that “Zach Wilson could be an option for multiple teams, regardless of whether they’re seeking a short- or long-term solution.”
Wilson might be able to replace Daniel Jones, the team’s quarterback, if he joins the New York Giants, according to Knox.
