Latest news with #post-Stafford
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mina Kimes explains how Rams GM Les Snead pulled off a 'masterclass'
Mina Kimes explains how Rams GM Les Snead pulled off a 'masterclass' Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead is one of the most successful active front office executives in the NFL. After rocky start to his tenure, he's navigated the Rams to six playoffs, two Super Bowls and won one. Snead has done so despite trading away countless first-round picks and losing key franchise stars along the way. ESPN's Mina Kimes ranked the Rams as her No. 4 front offices in the league based on the idea that Snead was able to build a winning team around veterans while simultaneously draft stars to build a youthful core for the future. "The idea that a team could both be all in with older players but then rebuilding at the same time with younger players — the Rams did it," Kimes said on her podcast. "You have to give Les Snead all the credit in the world. The fact that they did 'F them picks,' won a Super Bowl and immediately became competitive again through the strength in their draft picks is incredible." Kimes specifically mentioned how well Snead fixed the Rams' defensive issues immediately after Aaron Donald retired from the NFL — a feat Snead himself said was a tough task that involved a lot of players and picks. "The defense post-Aaron Donald was supposed to go off a cliff," Kimes added, "The fact that it didn't is Les Snead's masterclass." The Rams will once again be competing for a division crown and possible another Super Bowl appearances after L.A. brought Matthew Stafford back and switched up some key positions across the roster. The defense gets another year to gel together, too, after finishing the regular season with three consecutive games from Weeks 14 to 17 allowing fewer than 10 points. A lot of that falls on Sean McVay's coaching, but Snead's ability to put together a roster of quality veterans and young players is a testament to his roster-building strategy. However, the next endeavor will be what he's able to pull off in the post-Stafford world in a year or two.
NBC Sports
26-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Which teams could target Shedeur Sanders in round four?
After quarterback Shedeur Sanders wasn't drafted in round one, most thought he would be drafted in round two. After he wasn't drafted in round three, most think he'll go in round four. If that happens, where are the hot spots? The first one that stands out is the Raiders, at the sixth pick (No. 108). They did their homework on Shedeur, and they need a long-term answer at the position. Then there's minority owner/majority influence Tom Brady's relationship with Shedeur. They now have something else in common — and Brady can use that shared experience of being made to wait way too long to light a raging fire that will never be extinguished. Two picks later, the Jets will be on the clock. The Jets have 2024 draft pick Jordan Travis, who was a Heisman finalist before suffering a serious leg injury during the 2023 college season. For now, their contenders to start are Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. The Eagles are a sneaky wild card at No. 111, one pick after the Jets. If they're committed to taking the best available player, why not Shedeur? While his style is different from starter Jalen Hurts, there's real value in snagging Shedeur this late in the process. The same thinking applies to the 49ers at No. 113. With Brock Purdy's long-term deal not done, what if coach Kyle Shanahan becomes intrigued by the possibility of making Shedeur into the next Purdy? The Colts at No. 117 could make sense, since they basically have co-starters who may not coagulate as the answer. The Steelers will be back on the clock at No. 123. While it's clear that they expect Aaron Rodgers to show up, they need a developmental quarterback. Shedeur could be the answer. The Rams at No. 127 also make sense. They took a fourth-round flier on Stetson Bennett two years ago. Sanders is objectively better than Bennett — and the Rams clearly need a post-Stafford answer. We'll see how it goes. Round four starts soon. If Sanders is still on the board when round five starts, one of the nuttiest stories in draft history will be even nuttier.
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky doesn't think Rams should take a QB in 2025 NFL Draft
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky doesn't think Rams should take a QB in 2025 NFL Draft The Los Angeles Rams have been named a potential quarterback-needy team throughout the 2025 offseason. Even after the team retained Matthew Stafford, insiders claimed the Rams could take a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft to secure their future in a post-Stafford world. Since then, players like Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe and even Shedeur Sanders have been connected to the Rams with the No. 26 pick. But former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky doesn't think taking a quarterback that early is a good idea for the Rams. "You are the team that went on the road and pushed the super Bowl champions further tan anybody else," Orlovsky said. "You have all the roster makings of a team that is second, third-best when it comes to the NFC. ... I understand the premise of getting it when you want it rather than when you need it at the quarterback spot. But this is a legit Super Bowl contender. And legit Super Bowl contenders don't, in the first round, take quarterbacks.' Instead, Orlovsky suggested the Rams go for dynamic playmakers like Georgia safety Malaki Starks or LSU tight end Mason Taylor. In his mind, it doesn't make sense to waste a premium on a player for the future when there are needs that need to be met for a Super Bowl this year. Orlovsky finished his NFL career in L.A., but was only with the Rams for two months before he was released and retired from the league in 2017. General manager Les Snead has already admitted to wanting to add a young quarterback and said was "open" to drafting one, while Stafford himself even would welcome a rookie quarterback "with open arms" and help him develop to be his successor. No one knows the Rams' true draft plans except for the Rams themselves. And we'll find out soon enough what they do with the No. 26 pick.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rams contemplating life after Matthew Stafford, but will they draft a QB at No. 26?
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford scrambles against the 49ers at SoFi Stadium in September. The Rams appear to be in no rush to find Stafford's successor via the draft. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Matthew Stafford is the Rams' starting quarterback. For now. And perhaps for several more seasons. But how much longer the 16-year veteran and Super Bowl champion will play is unclear, and the team is preparing for the post-Stafford era. Advertisement Perhaps a replacement will fall into place as soon as this week's NFL draft, which begins Thursday. The Rams have the No. 26 pick in the first round and seven other picks. Cam Ward of Miami, Shedeur Sanders of Colorado, Jaxson Dart of Mississippi, Tyler Shough of Louisville and Jalen Milroe of Alabama are among the top quarterbacks in this class. Not that Rams general manager Les Snead or coach Sean McVay acknowledges much interest. Read more: Matthew Stafford's teammates were a 'little worried' he wouldn't return to Rams 'We're very well aware that there is a life after Matthew coming at some point,' Snead said last month at the NFL's annual meeting. 'When that is — it could be two, three years from now, so it's not urgent for us.' Advertisement Like Snead, when asked if the Rams would consider using a first-round pick on a quarterback, McVay was cagey. 'I think that's unlikely,' McVay said. But he also quipped, 'That's not something that I would see us doing, but maybe not, huh?' On Monday, Stafford reported for the start of voluntary offseason workouts. Unlike last year, when a contract impasse lasted until the first day of training camp, the quarterback's contract situation was not hanging over the organization. The Rams and Stafford worked out another contract adjustment on the final day of February. Details have not been made public. But as they did last year, the Rams are expected to move money due Stafford next year to this year. Advertisement A year-to-year contract scenario with the record-setting passer is 'a good problem to have,' said Tony Pastoors, the Rams' vice-president of football and business administration. 'We all would acknowledge here — you probably have to start planning and figuring out the future,' Pastoors said. 'But in the here and now, you appreciate that you've got a guy like Matthew. .… You feel like you've got a chance every time you step on the field. 'And so, is it ideal? Probably not. But I don't think anyone's complaining.' Why would they? Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is introduced before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium in October. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Since trading for Stafford in 2021, the Rams have won a Super Bowl and made the playoffs three times. Last season Stafford led the Rams to a 10-7 record and the NFC divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles. Advertisement At 37, Stafford still ranks among the NFL's top passers and savviest leaders. And he has given no indication publicly that he plans to retire anytime soon. But a couple of years ago the Rams made at least one attempt in the draft to identify a potential successor. In 2023 they selected former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round. However they no longer regard Bennett, who is No. 3 on the depth chart, as a viable replacement. Jimmy Garoppolo re-signed in March and the 11-year veteran could be a bridge if Stafford retires or is traded after this season. So the Rams once again could select a quarterback in the draft. Along with the 26th pick — which Snead might opt to trade back from — the Rams have two picks in the third round, one in the fourth and four in the sixth. 'If the right guy fell to 26, maybe he's the right guy for another team — they might want to move into the first round to draft that right guy,' Snead said. 'Maybe that's better for the Rams than picking that right guy.' Advertisement But Snead apparently could not help himself in introducing some gamesmanship to the conversation. Read more: NFL mock draft live: 32 team reporters make their first-round picks 'So that's how I'd honestly answer that question,' he said. "And then to be honest about the dishonesty, if we were really looking at a QB at 26, we'd probably say an answer like that because you're maybe hoping they would fall.' If the Rams do not find Stafford's heir apparent, there is always next year. Next year's class includes quarterbacks such as Arch Manning of Texas and Drew Allar of Penn State. Whenever that day comes, Stafford said that if the Rams 'feel the need' to take a quarterback, the team would welcome him with open arms. Advertisement 'And I'll try to teach him as much as I possibly can,' Stafford said. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Rams contemplating life after Matthew Stafford, but will they draft a QB at No. 26?
Matthew Stafford is the Rams' starting quarterback. For now. And perhaps for several more seasons. But how much longer the 16-year veteran and Super Bowl champion will play is unclear, and the team is preparing for the post-Stafford era. Perhaps a replacement will fall into place as soon as this week's NFL draft, which begins Thursday. The Rams have the No. 26 pick in the first round and seven other picks. Cam Ward of Miami, Shedeur Sanders of Colorado, Jaxson Dart of Mississippi, Tyler Shough of Louisville and Jalen Milroe of Alabama are among the top quarterbacks in this class. Not that Rams general manager Les Snead or coach Sean McVay acknowledges much interest. 'We're very well aware that there is a life after Matthew coming at some point,' Snead said last month at the NFL's annual meeting. 'When that is — it could be two, three years from now, so it's not urgent for us.' Like Snead, when asked if the Rams would consider using a first-round pick on a quarterback, McVay was cagey. 'I think that's unlikely,' McVay said. But he also quipped, 'That's not something that I would see us doing, but maybe not, huh?' On Monday, Stafford reported for the start of voluntary offseason workouts. Unlike last year, when a contract impasse lasted until the first day of training camp, the quarterback's contract situation was not hanging over the organization. The Rams and Stafford worked out another contract adjustment on the final day of February. Details have not been made public. But as they did last year, the Rams are expected to move money due Stafford next year to this year. A year-to-year contract scenario with the record-setting passer is 'a good problem to have,' said Tony Pastoors, the Rams' vice-president of football and business administration. 'We all would acknowledge here — you probably have to start planning and figuring out the future,' Pastoors said. 'But in the here and now, you appreciate that you've got a guy like Matthew. .… You feel like you've got a chance every time you step on the field. 'And so, is it ideal? Probably not. But I don't think anyone's complaining.' Why would they? Since trading for Stafford in 2021, the Rams have won a Super Bowl and made the playoffs three times. Last season Stafford led the Rams to a 10-7 record and the NFC divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles. At 37, Stafford still ranks among the NFL's top passers and savviest leaders. And he has given no indication publicly that he plans to retire anytime soon. But a couple of years ago the Rams made at least one attempt in the draft to identify a potential successor. In 2023 they selected former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round. However they no longer regard Bennett, who is No. 3 on the depth chart, as a viable replacement. Jimmy Garoppolo re-signed in March and the 11-year veteran could be a bridge if Stafford retires or is traded after this season. So the Rams once again could select a quarterback in the draft. Along with the 26th pick — which Snead might opt to trade back from — the Rams have two picks in the third round, one in the fourth and four in the sixth. 'If the right guy fell to 26, maybe he's the right guy for another team — they might want to move into the first round to draft that right guy,' Snead said. 'Maybe that's better for the Rams than picking that right guy.' But Snead apparently could not help himself in introducing some gamesmanship to the conversation. 'So that's how I'd honestly answer that question,' he said. 'And then to be honest about the dishonesty, if we were really looking at a QB at 26, we'd probably say an answer like that because you're maybe hoping they would fall.' If the Rams do not find Stafford's heir apparent, there is always next year. Next year's class includes quarterbacks such as Arch Manning of Texas and Drew Allar of Penn State. Whenever that day comes, Stafford said that if the Rams 'feel the need' to take a quarterback, the team would welcome him with open arms. 'And I'll try to teach him as much as I possibly can,' Stafford said.
