As we step into the 2025 NFL offseason, the attention quickly turns towards free agency, and this year’s quarterback class presents a fascinating mix. With the 2025 NFL Draft holding fewer enticing quarterback options, we could see a surge of teams looking to bolster their signal-caller positions via free agency.
Take the Los Angeles Rams, for example. Matthew Stafford has been under center, but whispers are growing louder that he might want out of Los Angeles. Reports suggest that his dissatisfaction is tied to potential changes, like the trade rumors surrounding receiver Cooper Kupp.
Now, with Stafford at 37 years old and showing signs of wear, the Rams may need to reassess their quarterback situation sooner rather than later. While Stafford put up respectable numbers—4,295 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions—there are concerning trends. His accuracy has seemed to wane, evidenced by an increase in turnover-worthy plays, which saw a 3.7% rate, the highest he’s experienced in six years. To add to that, his adjusted completion percentage of 73.2% marked a downward slide, the lowest since 2014. The writing seems to be on the wall: it’s time for the Rams to seek out a quarterback with fresh upside.
Fortunately, there’s a viable candidate available on the free agent market: Trey Lance. His career hasn’t unfolded as expected since being drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers, and he’s primarily seen backup duties in recent seasons. However, Lance offers an intriguing blend of talent and potential.
His numbers may not jump off the page after two seasons—just 797 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions—but there’s a silver lining. After a stint with the Dallas Cowboys, in which he had limited opportunities until Week 10 of 2023, Lance displayed some encouraging signs. In a challenging offensive environment, he exhibited improved decision-making and accuracy, completing four of six passes for 21 yards while also contributing with his legs, rushing for 17 yards. In a subsequent start during Week 18, Lance completed 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards, free of touchdowns and interceptions. That’s solid, incremental progress for a young quarterback still finding his footing.
This is where Sean McVay comes into the picture. If there’s anyone capable of unlocking Lance’s potential and optimizing his skill set, it’s McVay. The Rams haven’t had a quarterback with Lance’s unique dual-threat ability, and pairing him with the team’s youthful talent—think Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams—could create a recipe for success.
In essence, if the Rams do choose to move on from Stafford, bringing in Lance could infuse the offense with the dynamism it needs while also fitting the profile of a quarterback suited to thrive under McVay’s innovative scheme. Free agency could very well be the turning point for both the Rams and Lance, providing the chance for new beginnings.
