The Los Angeles Rams are approaching a crossroads with 37-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, this isn’t about who will replace him. It’s about who’s going to back up Stafford, or his future successor. With no promising signal-caller behind him on the depth chart, Bleacher Report recently spotlighted two intriguing backup quarterbacks — Malik Willis and Mac Jones.
Both Willis and Jones are young and experienced veterans on rosters that might be willing to deal them under the right circumstances. For a team like the Rams, who run a quarterback-friendly system under head coach Sean McVay, either option could serve as a future bridge and reliable backup at quarterback.
Malik Willis: A Dual-Threat Wild Card with Untapped Potential
If the Rams are looking for a more dynamic long-term option, Malik Willis could be the answer. Currently backing up Jordan Love in Green Bay, Willis showed serious growth in 2024. In seven appearances, two of them as the starter, he posted a 124.8 QB rating and went 2-0, establishing himself as a legitimate No.2 in Matt LeFleur’s system.
Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 2022 third-round pick may be available under the right conditions. The Packers have two other young quarterbacks in Sean Clifford and UDFA Taylor Elgersma, and if they believe in either’s upside, Green Bay could entertain a trade offer.
Willis’ tools are tantalizing: a strong arm, great mobility, and growth as a playmaker outside of structure. At 26 years old, he also still has time to grow.
LeFleur served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2017 and runs many of the same concepts Willis is familiar with in Green Bay. That makes Willis a natural schematic fit, even if he doesn’t mimic Stafford’s dropback-heavy style.
If McVay wants to evolve his offense in a more dual-threat direction after Stafford is gone, Willis presents a fascinating option. The Rams could tailor packages to his strengths early on while giving him a chance to potentially compete as the future starter.
Mac Jones: A Potential Fit in McVay’s Timing-Based Offense
GettyMac Jones could be another intriguing option for the Rams.
After a disappointing final stretch with the New England Patriots and a year in Jacksonville, former first-round pick Mac Jones has been given another opportunity when the 49ers brought him in on a two-year, $8.4 million deal to back up Brock Purdy. While his trajectory has been anything but stable, there’s reason to believe Jones still has untapped upside.
49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke highly of Jones’ skillset and potential, telling ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, “I think Mac’s capable of being a starter in this league.”
Jones will turn just 27 in September and earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie, indicating that when placed in a stable, structured system, he can deliver results.
Jones’ best attributes, being timing and accuracy, would fit well in McVay’s spacing-oriented attack. While he lacks Stafford’s elite arm strength and off-platform creativity, the Rams have shown they can scheme success with a rhythm passer, especially when surrounded by playmakers like Puka Nacua and newly signed Davante Adams.
The reality is neither Stetson Bennett nor Jimmy Garoppolo are the long-term answer or even viable as a backup option. Both Willis and Jones offer upside and fit McVay’s offensive blueprint, and it’s time to evaluate the future in the quarterback room for the Rams.
