After re-renegotiating quarterback Matthew Stafford’s contract this spring, the Los Angeles Rams made their level of commitment to the 37-year-old very clear. That is to say, they aren’t. Head coach Sean McVay said that they are approaching his situation in a year-to-year manner.
This is all well and good, but it does highlight one massive oversight- the Rams have no clear plan to replace Stafford when he inevitably leaves the team.
Los Angeles Rams Select QB Jaxson Dart With No. 26 Pick
Despite the uncertainty, ESPN analyst and former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum has offered his perspective. In his recent mock draft, Tannenbaum projects the Los Angeles Rams to select Jaxson Dart in the first round, with the No. 26 overall pick, envisioning him as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford.
“He had a great week at the Senior Bowl and was, in my opinion, the best thrower at the combine,” Tannenbaum wrote. “Dart has a sturdy lower frame and really good movement skills, and he has a lot of upside. Matthew Stafford’s contract restructure means he will be the Rams’ starter for at least another season, but if I’m taking over the Rams’ GM role today, I’m absolutely eyeing the future.”
Jaxson Dart’s collegiate career at Ole Miss, marked by impressive statistics, has positioned him as a fascinating prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his draft projection is far from uniform, with significant discrepancies among expert evaluations.
Dart’s four years in college saw him amass 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, alongside 1,541 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. This production has led to a wide range of opinions, with ESPN ranking him as the No. 28 overall player, while Pro Football Focus places him much lower, at No. 129. This disparity has made predicting his draft destination a challenging endeavor.
Stafford’s contract extends through the 2026 season, and given his age, the Rams’ long-term quarterback situation is a consideration. A scenario where Dart develops behind Stafford, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with extensive experience, could prove beneficial. Dart’s 2024 season, which included completing 276 of 398 passes for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions, demonstrates his potential. If he continues to progress, he could emerge as a significant asset for the Rams.