Things don’t seem to be going well for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford has been dealing with a back injury and has yet to return to the Rams’ training camp, but should be ready to go for the start of the regular season.
Los Angeles has three backups in the QB room, but could add one more. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin lists Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett as an emergency option for the Rams if things get severe in the quarterback situation.
“Shedeur Sanders’ composed debut as Cleveland’s quarterback in the club’s preseason opener all but secured him a spot in the Browns’ crowded room of signal-callers. The biggest loser of Sanders’ game-day showing may have been Pickett, who no longer feels like a lock to make the roster behind Joe Flacco and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel. He’s not necessarily a seamless stylistic fit for McVay’s attack, but he’s got real starting experience thanks to his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Pickett is currently in a position battle for the starting quarterback job in Cleveland. The former 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft last played for the Philadelphia Eagles, but only appeared in five games.
Kenny Pickett In Cleveland
GettyKenny Pickett played one season for the Philadelphia Eagles
Kenny Pickett will be on his third team in four years in his NFL career. The former Eagle was traded to the Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Pickett is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and wasn’t able to make his preseason debut with the Browns. Sanders had an impressive outing against the Carolina Panthers, bumping his spot higher on the Browns’ depth chart. Cleveland also added Tyler Huntley to the quarterback mix, making it hard for Pickett to win the starting spot or make the 53-man roster in a loaded room.
If Kenny Pickett were to end up in Los Angeles, he could be the answer for the Rams post-Stafford.
Stafford, 37, is at the latter end of his career. The starting LA quarterback has not been training with the team due to his back injury, but is labeled a “maintenance issue.”
Pickett would have fewer eyes on him if he were to end up in Los Angeles. He could use the time to learn from Stafford and Sean McVay to help revamp his career.
In his best season as a pro, Pickett threw for 2,404 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, but was downplayed by his 9 interceptions in 13 games.
Backups In Los Angeles
GettyLA Rams QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett
Joining the Rams could restart Kenny Pickett’s career, but it would be no walk in the park with Jimmy G and Stetson Bennett already in the room.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has continued to say that he believes Jimmy G. is a starting-caliber quarterback.
Garoppolo has played in the Super Bowl and in the same season, threw for 3,978 passing yards and 27 touchdowns — his performance earned him runner-up for the Comeback Player of the Year award.
Bennett has not played a single snap in his career, but recently played the entirety of the Rams’ first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The former Georgia Bulldog played and totaled 188 passing yards on 16/24 passing attempts, throwing 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in the win.
Kenny Pickett hasn’t lived up to his expectations as a first-round pick, but using a fresh start with no pressure on him could be good for his career.
