As Matthew Stafford and the Rams Stay Put, Here’s How 5 Quarterback-Needy NFL Teams Could Respond
The NFL landscape has changed dramatically in recent years with franchise-altering quarterback moves happening regularly. From blockbuster trades to surprise free-agent signings, the league has witnessed a shift where acquiring a top-tier quarterback is seen as a necessity for teams aspiring to reach the playoffs and Super Bowl contention. With the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford deciding to remain together, it might have a ripple effect throughout the league, especially for teams that are in search of a new quarterback. These teams, needing a significant upgrade under center, must now adjust their strategies and react accordingly.
The decision to keep Stafford in Los Angeles—at least for now—sends a clear message: the Rams believe in their quarterback’s ability to continue leading the team forward, despite the team’s inconsistent performance in recent seasons. For five quarterback-needy teams, this decision could either bring a sense of clarity or force them to reconsider their backup plans. Here’s how five of these teams, all of whom could use a new face under center, might respond.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Assessing the Veteran QB Market
The Situation: The Indianapolis Colts have been on a never-ending search for stability at the quarterback position ever since Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement in 2019. Despite trying multiple veteran quarterbacks over the years, including Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan, the Colts have failed to find a long-term solution. As of now, they have the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving them a chance to draft a quarterback of the future. However, with Stafford staying in LA, the Colts’ approach to their QB situation becomes a little more complicated.
How They’ll Respond: With Stafford off the table as a potential target, the Colts are likely to turn their attention toward the veteran market. Names like Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, and potentially even Aaron Rodgers will be heavily considered. However, there’s also the possibility that the Colts may opt to stick with the draft. They might go after a top quarterback prospect like Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, or Will Levis to fill the void and build for the future.
But the Colts have a long-standing tradition of favoring experienced quarterbacks in the twilight of their careers—something they might do again this offseason. A move to bring in a quarterback like Carr or Garoppolo, both of whom are experienced but still relatively young, could be seen as a bridge until the team is ready to transition to the next phase. The Colts have a solid roster surrounding the quarterback position, meaning their response might also be shaped by the belief that a veteran could immediately improve their playoff chances.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Time to Build for the Future
The Situation: After Tom Brady’s retirement, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found themselves in a precarious position. Although they have a serviceable roster filled with talent, the Bucs are in desperate need of a quarterback to continue their postseason hopes. The team currently has Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, but neither is seen as a long-term solution. While the free-agent market has some intriguing options, with Stafford staying put, the Buccaneers are left to explore either a trade or the draft to fill the void.
How They’ll Respond: Tampa Bay will likely shift its focus toward the draft, particularly since there’s no longer a clear path to acquiring a top-tier veteran quarterback like Stafford. The Buccaneers could move up in the draft to ensure they have a shot at one of the top quarterbacks, but it could depend on the market and the cost of doing so. If the team can secure a young, high-upside quarterback, they could be poised for a rebound sooner rather than later.
However, if the Buccaneers are hesitant to commit to a rookie quarterback or believe they need to be competitive immediately, the team could look into a veteran quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo, who has experience in both high-pressure environments and systems similar to Tampa Bay’s. This would provide the Buccaneers with a stable leader while they continue to build for the future.
3. Washington Commanders: A Key Crossroads in the QB Search
The Situation: The Washington Commanders have been plagued by quarterback instability for years. While they’ve had several quarterbacks start games, none have provided the consistency needed for the team to push for a playoff spot on a regular basis. With the departure of Carson Wentz and the uncertainty surrounding Sam Howell, Washington needs to act quickly to secure its next franchise quarterback. With Stafford no longer available, the Commanders have to consider their next steps carefully.
How They’ll Respond: The Commanders may focus on a more aggressive approach in free agency or a trade to acquire a proven quarterback. Derek Carr, who was previously linked to Washington, remains a viable option for the team. He’s a veteran who can step in and provide a stable presence under center while the Commanders build around him. Washington also holds the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, so they could use that to move up and select a quarterback if they feel the right guy is available.
Another option would be to pursue a trade for a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers if the Packers decide to move him. While this may be an expensive proposition, Washington may see this as their last shot at acquiring an elite quarterback to compete in the NFC East.
4. Las Vegas Raiders: A Fractured QB Situation
The Situation: The Las Vegas Raiders were quick to move on from Derek Carr after his recent struggles, but the decision left them without a clear-cut solution at quarterback. The team has played musical chairs with quarterbacks over the past few seasons, with Derek Carr being the only consistent presence. With no reliable QB option currently on the roster, the Raiders are once again in the market for their next franchise signal-caller.
How They’ll Respond: With Stafford staying put in LA, the Raiders will likely pivot towards one of two strategies: pursuing a veteran quarterback or drafting one early. Given the uncertain future of current free-agent quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo and the potential availability of high-profile names such as Aaron Rodgers, the Raiders could look to make a bold move. The team might not want to enter the 2025 season with another transitional year, and a trade for Rodgers would signal a move to win now.
However, Las Vegas has the seventh overall pick in the draft, which gives them an opportunity to select a young quarterback. Names like C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson could be in play for the Raiders, depending on how the draft unfolds. But with head coach Josh McDaniels under pressure to show results, the Raiders could feel the need to add a quarterback who can make an immediate impact. This could mean going all-in on a veteran with a proven track record.
5. New York Jets: Struggling to Find Stability
The Situation: The New York Jets have one of the most talented rosters in the league, but their Achilles’ heel continues to be quarterback play. The team has cycled through numerous quarterbacks over the past few years, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco. The Jets have the pieces in place to be a playoff team, but they need a competent quarterback to take them to the next level.
How They’ll Respond: The Jets have long been rumored to be in the market for a veteran quarterback, and with Stafford staying with the Rams, the Jets might double down on their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers. New York has the salary cap space to absorb a potential deal for Rodgers, and the team’s young roster, led by a top-tier defense and offensive weapons like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, is built to compete immediately.
If Rodgers is too expensive or if the Packers are unwilling to trade him, the Jets could turn to free agency and make a play for Jimmy Garoppolo. He has experience in systems that align with the Jets’ offensive philosophy under Robert Saleh, and he would provide the team with a solid, dependable option at quarterback. Another scenario is that the Jets could target a draft prospect like Will Levis or Hendon Hooker if they want to develop a long-term solution.
Conclusion:
The decision to keep Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles for the time being sends ripples through the NFL, especially among teams that are looking for a franchise quarterback. As the market shifts and the Rams’ stability at quarterback becomes a known factor, other teams will have to get creative. Whether through free agency, trades, or the draft, the quarterback-needy teams mentioned above must find ways to adjust their strategies. The 2025 offseason will be a pivotal moment for many of these franchises, as they seek to find the stability and leadership at the quarterback position that can elevate them to championship contention.
