The Los Angeles Rams have enjoyed the Matthew Stafford era. Stafford, the hero of their Super Bowl LVI run, has been a rock for the team. However, at 37 years old, his future in the NFL is becoming a yearly talking point.
That’s where Jaxson Dart, the rising star from Ole Miss, enters the conversation. Could the Rams be quietly setting the stage for Dart to take over when Stafford eventually hangs up his cleats?
The Matthew Stafford Situation: Jaxson Dart, the Clock Ticking in L.A.
Stafford isn’t done yet — not by a long shot. He’s still one of the league’s most reliable quarterbacks, and his leadership remains invaluable to the Rams. The team recently restructured his contract, ensuring he’ll be under center in 2025. But beyond that? The future gets a bit gloomy.
Head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have built the Rams on a foundation of bold moves. They aren’t shy about planning for the future while competing in the present.
The team has already been linked to potential successors, with Dart’s name popping up in multiple NFL Draft discussions. Could the Rams be eyeing their next franchise quarterback?
Dart has been a standout at Ole Miss, throwing for nearly 12,000 yards and 81 touchdowns over his collegiate career. A dual-threat QB, he’s racked up over 1,500 rushing yards. He proved himself to be one of the most electrifying players in the country.
Dart’s stock has been rising in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft. Multiple analysts predict he’ll be selected in the first round, with some even speculating that the Rams could trade up to land him. Given McVay’s preference for quarterbacks who can execute his complex offense, Dart seems like a logical fit.
Could Dart Be the Future for the Rams?
So, why would the Rams be interested in Dart? A few key reasons:
- His play style fits McVay’s scheme: Dart’s ability to throw on the run and make quick decisions would mesh well with the Rams’ offensive system. McVay has worked wonders with quarterbacks in the past, and Dart’s skill set could be maximized under his guidance.
- He can learn from Stafford: Drafting Dart wouldn’t mean an immediate quarterback controversy. The Rams could take the Green Bay Packers approach—let him sit and learn behind an experienced starter before handing him the reins.
- The Rams need a long-term plan: L.A. has been aggressive in roster-building but hasn’t had a young quarterback waiting in the wings since Jared Goff. Drafting Dart could set them up for another decade of success.
NFL Draft Positioning: Would the Rams Need To Move Up?
As it stands, the Rams aren’t in an ideal draft position to simply select Dart without making some moves. Their current pick falls outside the top 10, and Dart’s rising stock could mean he’ll be gone by the time they’re on the clock.
Could the Rams shock everyone and stay put? Of course, the Rams could always choose the most surprising option: do nothing.
KEEP READING: NFL Draft Expert Reveals Jaxson Dart Hype Has Teams Eyeing a Trade Back into Round 1
If Stafford stays healthy and plays at a high level for another two to three seasons, they might decide to delay the quarterback succession plan. After all, they’ve already proven that they can win with Stafford at the helm.
Could Dart be the next great quarterback in the Rams’ history? If he gets the call on draft night, it won’t be a shock—it’ll just be the Rams being the Rams.
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