Los Angeles Rams fans could breathe a sigh of relief when Matthew Stafford returned to practice this week, but the optimism comes with a giant caveat: his back. The 37-year-old franchise quarterback is dealing with an aggravated disc issue that has kept him out for most of training camp and the preseason. While head coach Sean McVay insists Stafford is trending toward Week 1 availability, the uncertainty has fueled an uncomfortable reality in Los Angeles — they may need a stronger insurance policy behind him.
That’s where the calls for Kirk Cousins enter the picture.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan recently floated the idea of the Rams swinging a deal for the four-time Pro Bowler, who has been relegated to QB2 in Atlanta behind rookie Michael Penix Jr. Sullivan argued that while such a move would require “some salary cap gymnastics,” the football fit makes plenty of sense:
“If L.A. wanted to truly give itself a bona fide safety net at quarterback behind Stafford, they could explore a Kirk Cousins trade as he continues to serve as QB2 behind Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta. Of course, there’s familiarity with Cousins on the coaching staff as Sean McVay was his OC in Washington from 2014 to 2016. Cousins could also serve as a stopgap beyond 2025 in the event that Stafford (who has flirted with retirement) decides to hang it up after this year.”
That connection to McVay isn’t just narrative fluff. Cousins played some of his best football under McVay in Washington, and the scheme overlap could make a midseason transition seamless.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Durability in Question
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The push for Cousins isn’t necessarily about Stafford. It’s about Jimmy Garoppolo.
The 33-year-old was re-signed this offseason and has been endorsed publicly by McVay and GM Les Snead as a “starting-level quarterback.” He even flashed in limited duty last year, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns in his lone start. But Garoppolo’s biggest issue has always been availability.
A quick glance at his injury history paints a sobering picture:
- 2023: Back injury (missed 1 game), concussion (missed 1 game)
- 2022: Broken foot (out for season)
- 2021: Torn thumb ligament + calf strain (played through, missed time)
- 2020: Two high ankle sprains (missed 10 games)
- 2018: Torn ACL (missed 13 games)
- 2016: Shoulder sprain (missed 2 games)
It’s a laundry list that makes Sullivan’s “iron man” jab feel generous. As FS1’s Nick Wright bluntly put it on First Things First:
“You can’t go into the year with Jimmy G.”
The Kirk Cousins Factor
The Rams aren’t the only ones monitoring Cousins’ situation. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero confirmed that Atlanta fielded calls on Cousins this spring, and while nothing materialized, he didn’t rule out a move before the November 4 trade deadline.
“Now, if there is a coach and a scheme that Cousins knows well, for instance, the Rams and Sean McVay, it is certainly possible that Cousins could end up elsewhere at some point between now and November 4,” Pelissero said.
A midseason rental would be costly, both in dollars and draft capital. Cousins carries a $40 million cap hit, though his value has dipped since the Falcons handed the reins to Penix Jr. A mid-round pick might be enough to get a deal done, particularly if Atlanta is ready to move off his contract.
Rams’ Current Stance
For now, the Rams are putting on a confident face. McVay continues to talk up Garoppolo’s leadership and experience:
“I look at Jimmy, he’s a starting quarterback,” McVay said on Up & Adams. “Jimmy has played at a really high level. He’s going into year 12. He’s got so many things to bring to the table and we were really fortunate that he chose to come back here.”
But beneath the public vote of confidence, the Rams know they’re walking a tightrope. If Stafford’s back flares up and Garoppolo can’t stay on the field, the season could unravel quickly. And with a roster built to contend — from Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp to breakout star Puka Nacua — wasting a year isn’t an option.
The Bottom Line
The Rams aren’t calling Atlanta today. But the chatter around Cousins won’t fade as long as Stafford’s health is a weekly storyline and Garoppolo’s durability remains suspect.
Cousins-to-L.A. may sound far-fetched right now, but all it would take is one Garoppolo injury or Stafford setback to make it the most logical move on the table.
For a franchise built on bold swings, the “escape hatch” is already there.
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