“If they can’t come to terms on a number or the commitment [Stafford’s] looking for, the Rams will need a Plan B.”—NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, dropping truth bombs. Let’s cut to the chase: The Rams’ QB carousel is spinning faster than a TikTok dance trend. But Sean McVay doesn’t do chaos—he orchestrates it. When the Rams traded for Matthew Stafford in 2021, it wasn’t just a move; it was a masterstroke. A Super Bowl ring later, McVay had cemented himself as an offensive savant. The kind of coach who turns quarterbacks into symphonies.

But even the greatest compositions need rewrites. With Stafford at 37 and his contract looming large, the Rams are facing a familiar question: what’s next? The whispers have turned into full-blown debates. Stafford is still slinging it—3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024 prove that. But NFL Insider Tom Pelissero just threw gasoline on the speculation fire: If they can’t come to terms on a number or the commitment [Stafford’s] looking for, the Rams will need a Plan B. And just like that, the QB carousel in LA is spinning again.

McVay has been here before, but this time, the options are… complicated. Some names are non-starters, others come with asterisks, and one—well, let’s just say it would be the kind of Hollywood reunion that writes itself. Enter Plan B candidates… or as Pelissero calls them, the “least expensive options”. But before we get to the who, let’s talk about who not.

The “Nope list”

Russell Wilson? Nah. The dude’s 2024 Steelers stint (2,482 YDS, 16 TDs, 5 INTs) was like watching Fast & Furious 12: solid action. You’ve seen this plot before and it’s just not your cup of tea. Pelissero put it bluntly: “It’s hard to see Wilson as a fit in LA.” Translation: McVay’s offense—a precision-passing symphony—isn’t vibing with Russ’ playground scramble style. Think Top Gun: Maverick trying to land on a runway made of Jell-O.

Justin Fields? Double nah. Sure, Fields flashed dual-threat magic in Pittsburgh (289 rush YDS, 5 rush TDs), but McVay’s playbook isn’t exactly Dora the Explorer—no room for ‘Swiper, no swiping!’ improvisation. As Pelissero quipped, “Fields doesn’t seem like the guy.” Translation: McVay wants a QB who throws like he’s solving a Rubik’s Cube, not one who treats the pocket like a mosh pit.

Then there’s Aaron Rodgers—yes, that Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old’s reps are reportedly cold-calling teams like a telemarketer with a caffeine addiction. But Pelissero isn’t sold: “I don’t think he’ll get top-tier starter money… he still wants to play.” Translation: Rodgers in LA would be like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button—charming, but are we really doing this again?

So, what’s left? Cue the Ocean’s 11 heist music. The Rams need a QB who can sling it like Stafford but won’t cost $27M in 2025 cap space. Enter Kirk Cousins—yes, that Kirk Cousins—who Pelissero dubbed the “least expensive option” with a twist. “He has experience in that offensive system and knows Sean McVay well.” Translation: Cousins ran McVay’s scheme in Washington back when TikTok was just a clock sound. But there’s a catch: Cousins has a no-trade clause. “Unless he’s convinced they’ll keep him as a backup, I don’t see why he’d cooperate,” Pelissero added. Cue the Friends meme: ‘WE WERE ON A BREAK!’

Sean McVay’s Cousins conundrum—A reunion 10 years in the making

“I could go on and on about my support for Kirk Cousins… he’s off the charts.”—Sean McVay, in 2016, sounding like a rom-com lead gushing over his high school sweetheart. Flashback to 2014: McVay, then a baby-faced OC in Washington, helped Cousins throw for 4,000+ YDS in back-to-back seasons. Fast-forward to 2025, and the stars might align again.

Cousins’ 2024 Falcons run (3,508 YDS, 18 TDs, 16 INTs) wasn’t exactly The Notebook levels of romance—Atlanta benched him for rookie Michael Penix Jr.—but Pelissero sees potential. “If [Cousins] does get released, the Rams could get him at a minimum salary and use the savings… to upgrade the rest of the roster .”

Let’s not forget: Sean McVay turned a 30-27 Wild Card loss to Philly into a “Trust the Process” TED Talk. His roster’s stacked with young talent—Puka Nacua (aka ”The Intern”), Kyren Williams (the human pinball), and Tyler Higbee (Mr. Reliable). But the QB question looms.

Stafford’s legacy? Secured. He’s Top 10 in all-time passing YDS, and his 2024 playoff performance (324 YDS, 2 TDs vs. Green Bay) was pure Gladiator energy. But as Pelissero noted, “Ideally, teams want a young QB on a rookie deal”. Enter Stetson Bennett, the Rams’ 2023 draft pick who missed his rookie year. Is he McVay’s next muse? “He’s still an unknown,” Pelissero shrugged.

One thing’s clear: McVay’s playing 4D chess while everyone else is stuck on checkers. As he once said about Cousins: “He is one of the few players that you’re around [that] makes you accountable as the coach”. Translation: McVay’s ready to cook—whether it’s with leftovers or five-star ingredients.