As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, all eyes are turning to the bustling world of free agency, especially in the quarterback market. This year’s class is a mixed bag, particularly with a draft class that lacks strong quarterback prospects. What this means is that we might see an uptick in teams looking to snag a signal-caller on the open market.
The Los Angeles Rams are currently fielding veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, but recent whispers suggest that he could be seeking an exit from L.A. This chatter has intensified in the wake of Cooper Kupp trade discussions, leaving fans pondering what’s next for the franchise.
One intriguing option that has come into the spotlight is Trey Lance. The former third overall pick has not had the career many anticipated, leading him to spend recent seasons as a backup. With the Rams potentially in need of a fresh face under center, Lance could be a fitting candidate to step into a Sean McVay offense that thrives on versatility.
Why should the Rams consider moving on from Stafford? At 37 years old, there’s no denying that Stafford’s window for peak performance is narrowing. While he finished the last season with impressive numbers—4,295 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions—there were telltale signs of regression. His performance dipped in critical areas; for instance, his reads weren’t as sharp, as he routinely missed open receivers. Under pressure, his game seemed to falter, leading to a concerning turnover-worthy play rate of 3.7%, the highest he’s recorded since 2017. Furthermore, his adjusted completion percentage of 73.2% marked a low not seen since 2014.
Fortunately for the Rams, restructuring Stafford’s hefty $40 million contract opens up avenues for parting ways without incurring a massive salary cap hit. This could pave the way for a fresh start.
Enter Trey Lance. Although his NFL journey has faced challenges—most notably his limited playtime in San Francisco followed by a brief stint in Dallas—Lance still has raw potential. After being traded to the Cowboys, he finally got a chance to see some action in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the game was beyond salvageable, he managed to show glimpses of promise by completing four of his six pass attempts for 21 yards and showcasing his dual-threat ability with 17 rushing yards.
Lance’s first start in Week 18 might not have been a stat line for the ages, as he completed 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards without throwing a touchdown or interception. Yet, what those numbers do hint at is development. If there’s any offensive mind in the league capable of unlocking Trey Lance’s potential, it’s Sean McVay. His offensive scheme thrives on dynamic playmakers, and Lance’s athleticism could provide a different dimension to the Rams’ attack.
With key young players like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams in the mix, Lance would have a solid supporting cast to help guide his progression. As the Rams evaluate their path forward, taking a chance on Lance could be a move that revitalizes their offense and keeps them competitive in a rapidly evolving league.
