Should Rams backup QB Garoppolo or Cousins be pursued?
Potential QB Backup Targets: Rams backup QB Garoppolo or Cousins — Should the Rams Pursue Either?
Rams backup QB Garoppolo or Cousins is a hot topic after offseason moves. Los Angeles faces questions behind starter Matthew Stafford. Sean McVay has said the team needs to add another reliable arm. Because Jimmy Garoppolo offers familiarity with the Rams system and Kirk Cousins brings veteran stability and recent starter experience, speculation has grown about trading or signing one as a high-end backup, and optimistic fans imagine a seamless bridge if Stafford misses time, and McVay would value a dependable plan B to protect the season.
However, evaluating medical history, contract cost, age, and locker room fit will determine whether Los Angeles should pursue Garoppolo, Cousins, or a cheaper alternative like Gardner Minshew, and this piece will explore those pros and cons while weighing roster flexibility, cap implications, and we will compare age, recent stats, health, and contract guarantees to measure true value urgently and to forecast season-long depth.
Garoppolo Profile: Rams backup QB Garoppolo or Cousins — Background and Recent Form
Jimmy Garoppolo represents a familiar, veteran option the Rams can build around as a high-quality backup. Because he already joined Los Angeles in 2024 and earned a one-year extension, the coaching staff has direct experience with his strengths. Sean McVay noted the need for depth, saying, “We do need to be able to add another guy to that room.” As a result, Garoppolo’s mix of experience and system familiarity makes him an attractive short-term solution.
Key facts and contract notes
- Age 34 years
- Joined the Rams in 2024
- Re-signed to a one-year extension last offseason
- Served a two-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancing substance policy
2024 on-field snapshot
- Appeared in one game for the Rams
- Completion percentage 65.9%
- Passing yards 334
- Touchdowns 2
- Interceptions 1
Why the Rams remain interested
Familiarity with the offense gives Garoppolo a short learning curve, and that reduces risk if Stafford misses time. Furthermore, McVay has praised both potential targets, adding, “…Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I would love to be able to have back with us.” In addition, Garoppolo offers game-planning experience as a starter, which helps protect the roster during injuries. However, teams must weigh his suspension history and age against roster flexibility and cap cost before committing. Overall, Garoppolo looks like a calm, experienced bridge option who could stabilize the quarterback room quickly.
Comparison Table: Rams backup QB Garoppolo or Cousins — Side-by-Side
The table below compares key dimensions to help differentiate these backup options. It highlights age, contract details, recent team history, performance stats, notable incidents, and practical considerations.
| Category | Jimmy Garoppolo | Kirk Cousins |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 | 37 |
| Contract terms | One-year extension with Rams (re-signed last offseason) | Four-year, $180 million with Falcons; $100 million guaranteed |
| Recent team history | Joined Rams in 2024; limited action in 2024 | Signed with Falcons this offseason; started eight games in 2025 |
| Performance stats | 2024: 1 game — 65.9% comp, 334 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT | 2025: 10 games (8 starts) — 61.7% comp, 1,721 yards, 10 TD, 5 INT |
| Notable incidents | Two-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancing substance policy | No public suspension; high contract cost and guarantee |
| Strengths for Rams | System familiarity; short learning curve; starter experience | Veteran leadership; recent starter snaps; consistent pocket passer |
| Considerations | Limited 2024 playing time; age and suspension history | Age and large guaranteed money; likely expensive to acquire |
As a result, the table clarifies trade off points for Los Angeles.
Cousins Profile: Rams backup QB Garoppolo or Cousins — Career and Market Standing
Kirk Cousins enters the conversation as a proven veteran who can start if needed. During his long career he earned big guarantees and consistent production. Therefore teams view him as both a leader and a safe bet in pressure moments. Sean McVay has signaled interest, saying, “We do need to be able to add another guy to that room.” He later added, “…I know [Cousins] has got some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I would love to be able to have back with us.”
Career and contract timeline
- Drafted and rose to prominence with the Minnesota Vikings
- Signed a three-year, $84 million deal with the Vikings earlier in his career
- Agreed to a two-year, $66 million extension in 2020
- Took a fully guaranteed one-year, $35 million deal in 2021
- Signed with the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason with $100 million guaranteed
2025 Falcons snapshot and recent form
- Appeared in 10 games, starting eight in 2025
- Completion percentage 61.7%
- Passing yards 1,721
- Touchdowns 10
- Interceptions 5
Market picture and fit for the Rams
Cousins would likely cost significant cap space or draft capital. However, he gives the Rams reliable experience and starter-level reps. Because he started recent games, he would not need many practice reps to be ready. As a result, Cousins remains a viable high-end backup option if Los Angeles wants an immediate and trustworthy bridge.
Conclusion
The Rams face a clear need to add dependable quarterback depth, and both Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins present credible solutions. Garoppolo offers system familiarity, a short learning curve, and starter experience that can stabilize the room quickly. Cousins brings recent starter snaps, veteran leadership, and proven pocket passing that can step in without long ramp time. Both choices carry trade offs. Garoppolo has a suspension and limited 2024 action. Cousins likely commands significant cap space or draft compensation. However, either veteran could protect Matthew Stafford and preserve the Rams’ title window.
Because the team values readiness, adding one of these experienced quarterbacks would improve roster insurance immediately. Furthermore, a move would signal ambition to contend and to prioritize short term playoff viability. As a result, Los Angeles has options that fit different strategic plans, whether prioritizing cost control or immediate reliability.
For more Rams analysis and timely updates follow Rams News LLC. Visit ramsnews.com and follow on Twitter X at @ZachGatsby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Jimmy Garoppolo or Kirk Cousins currently available to the Rams?
Jimmy Garoppolo is already in the Rams’ orbit after joining Los Angeles in 2024 and re signing a one year extension. Therefore the Rams can keep him as a backup with minimal roster changes. By contrast, Kirk Cousins signed a four year, $180 million deal with the Falcons this offseason with $100 million guaranteed. Consequently Cousins is less available and would likely require a trade or major contract restructuring.
How do their recent performances stack up?
In 2024 Garoppolo played sparingly but posted efficient numbers: a 65.9 percent completion rate for 334 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception in his appearance. Meanwhile Cousins started eight games in 2025 and completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Thus Cousins brings more recent starter reps, while Garoppolo offers cleaner efficiency in a small sample.
What are the contract and cap implications for each choice?
Garoppolo’s one year extension gives Los Angeles better cost control and roster flexibility. Conversely Cousins carries substantial guaranteed money and would eat cap space or demand draft capital if acquired. Therefore the Rams must weigh short term certainty against long term cap health.
How would each player affect the locker room and game readiness?
Garoppolo offers a short learning curve because he knows the offense. He would slide into the role quickly. Cousins supplies veteran leadership and starter level experience, and he would be game ready with fewer practice snaps. Both can stabilize the depth chart, but they do so in different ways.
Which option is more realistic for the Rams to pursue right now?
Realistically Garoppolo is the easier and cheaper option. However Cousins remains a high end backup if the Rams are willing to spend or trade for immediate starter reliability. Ultimately the choice depends on budget, risk tolerance, and strategic priorities.