As we dive into the 2025 NFL offseason, all eyes are turning towards the free agency landscape, particularly in the quarterback department. The upcoming draft is notably thin on options under center, making this year’s free agent class crucial for teams looking to bolster their signal-calling situations.
Currently, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves at a crossroads with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Reports suggest that Stafford may be exploring a trade, stemming from dissatisfaction with recent discussions around trading star receiver Cooper Kupp. This ongoing situation has prompted speculation about the Rams’ future and their need for a fresh face behind center.
Amidst this uncertainty, one intriguing name on the free agent market stands out: Trey Lance. While Lance’s journey has been rocky since being selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers, there’s potential for a resurgence if he finds the right fit.
Taking a closer look at Stafford, it’s clear the Rams might benefit from making a change. At 37 years old, he’s not only nearing the twilight of his career but also showing signs of decline in performance. Last season, he put up respectable numbers with 4,295 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. However, inconsistencies crept in, with Stafford increasingly missing open receivers and struggling under pressure.
His turnover-worthy plays reached a worrying 3.7%, the highest rate he’s seen since the 2017 season, underscoring a growing inability to diagnose defenses effectively. His adjusted completion percentage dipped to 73.2%, the lowest since 2014, revealing further cracks in his performance. Fortunately for the Rams, there’s flexibility in Stafford’s $40 million contract; restructuring could allow them to move on without facing crippling cap penalties.
Enter Trey Lance, a player who could thrive in Sean McVay’s offensive system. Although his early career hasn’t met expectations, having logged only 797 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions over two seasons, there are signs that he has the tools needed to flourish. In 2023, after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, Lance finally saw some game action in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he showcased glimpses of promise, completing four passes for 21 yards and adding 17 rushing yards.
Despite limited opportunities, his starting assignment in Week 18 illustrated his dual-threat capability—he completed 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards with no turnovers, hinting at his potential for growth with the right coaching and game plan.
Although things didn’t pan out for Lance in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan, McVay has a reputation for unlocking player potential. Lance’s athleticism and rushing skills could be game-changers for a Rams offense that hasn’t fully leveraged such dynamics. With a youthful supporting cast that includes talents like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, Lance might finally find the environment he needs to take the next step in his NFL journey.
In a league that demands adaptability and innovation, the Rams might just find that moving on from Stafford and investing in Lance could not only revitalize their quarterback position but also set them on a competitive trajectory in the years to come. If McVay can harness Lance’s talents, Los Angeles could be on the cusp of an exciting new chapter.
