Mike Mayock identifies Matthew Stafford’s long-term replacement in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is edging closer to calling time on his illustrious career in the National Football League (NFL).

While the Rams are in no rush to part company with the 2021 Super Bowl winner, they are reportedly taking a ‘year-to-year’ approach with his contract.

The 37-year-old will eventually need to be replaced by the Ramsand none of the current back-up options look good enough to step into his shoes on a long-term basis.

Head coach Sean McVay has indicated that the Rams are not in the market for a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, but his comments could have been designed to throw other teams off the scent.

In a recent interview with Betway Insider, former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock urged the Rams to consider acquiring Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

“Most people around the league think he’s a project, and I don’t disagree,” Mayock said. “They also think he’s got an exciting skillset, and again, I don’t disagree.

“I don’t think he’s going to go until the second day, and to me the best place for him to land would be the Rams. They have no second-round pick, but I love the fact they’ve got two thirds, and maybe they can go get this kid.”

While McVay has downplayed the Rams’ chances of drafting a quarterback this year, several respected pundits have tipped them to target Milroe.

They include draft analyst Todd McShay, who has predicted that the New York Giants are considering trading up to number 24 in the draft so they can snap him up ahead of the Rams.

Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron has been linked with the Rams for their pick at number 26, but they would have an intriguing decision to make if Milroe is still available.

Waiting until the 2026 NFL Draft to find a long-term replacement for Stafford is undoubtedly an option, but Maycock believes they should not waste the opportunity to add Milroe to their ranks.

“You get him in Los Angeles playing behind Stafford, learning every day, similar to a Green Bay situation with an ageing quarterback,” Maycock added.

“What a veteran quarterback will do for a rookie is they willl use him to help them prepare every week. 

“Stafford would go to Milroe and say, ‘I’m going to get all the blitz coverages for the last four weeks, but I want you to go back and pull everything off the tape, and if there’s anything different, I want to see you edit it and present it to me in two days’.

“Veteran quarterbacks look at young guys as another opportunity to help them prepare every week, but in doing so it helps the young quarterback learn.

“If Milroe goes to the Rams and plays behind Stafford with Sean McVay, who are one of the best couple of play callers out there, with that offensive staff, I think he’d have a real chance to develop.”