Los Angeles Rams Predicted to Trade for Former First-Round QB

Shortly after the Los Angeles Rams’ season came to an end, Matthew Stafford admitted that he’s not sure if he’ll continue his playing career. Stafford turns 37 before the 2025 NFL season starts, so it’s understandable if he wants to be done after 16 years as a starting quarterback.

Yet, if Stafford hangs up his cleats, what will the Rams do to replace him? Heck, even if Stafford doesn’t retire, the Rams could use another addition to the QB room with Jimmy Garoppolo’s contract expiring, leaving Stetson Bennett as the only other option on the roster.

One analyst has a Rams trade candidate in mind, and he’s a recent first-round selection.

Related: Top 3 Los Angeles Rams Predicted To Be Cap Casualties

ESPN Predicts Los Angeles Rams to trade for Kenny Pickett

Los Angeles Rams, Kenny Pickett
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

If the Los Angeles Rams are forced to scramble for a new quarterback this offseason, there are several options available. They could add another option through free agency or in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Yet, another common theme is for teams to find a player who hasn’t been able to reach his full potential in previous stops. We’ve seen the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings have extreme success with this method, turning to Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who led their respective teams to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Rams could also turn to the trade market. If so, ESPN’s Ben Solak suggests trading for former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“The Rams desperately need a young quarterback to develop behind Matthew Stafford. I predict they’ll trade for Kenny Pickett, currently the QB2 of the Eagles, to fill the role after failing to land an acceptable rookie option in the draft.”

Solak on Los Angeles Rams Kenny Pickett trade prediction

The Steelers made Pickett the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. After leading the team to back-to-back 7-5 records, the Steelers moved on from Pickett by trading him and a fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for the 98th overall pick, plus two 2025 seventh-round picks.

Still just 26 years old, Pickett could still have some untapped potential, and getting a chance to develop under Sean McVay could be the perfect solution for everyone involved.

Related: Los Angeles Rams QB options in 2025 if Matthew Stafford Retires