Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford remains confident in the team’s direction after the organization selected Ty Simpson as a potential future successor. While Stafford has embraced the move and continues to lead the team through offseason activities, concerns remain about whether the Rams have enough depth around their veteran signal-caller heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Lack of Wide Receiver Depth Could Be Rams’ Biggest Problem
Despite coming off one of the most dominant offensive seasons in franchise history, the Rams may have a glaring weakness that could create problems for Stafford.
According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, Los Angeles’ lack of depth at wide receiver is the biggest obstacle facing Stafford this season.
The Rams led the NFL in total offense, passing offense, and scoring in 2025. Stafford captured NFL MVP honors after leading the league in passing yards and touchdown passes. Star receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams were equally dominant, with Nacua leading the NFL in receptions and Adams finishing atop the league in receiving touchdowns.
However, questions arise beyond the Rams’ elite receiving duo.
“There isn’t a lot of talent or experience beyond Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at that position, which is far from ideal,” Gagnon wrote. “Adams is 33 years old and Nacua has encountered several alarming issues this offseason. If faced with extended stretches without either or both, the 38-year-old Stafford could be in big trouble.”
Both receivers dealt with absences during the 2025 season, highlighting how vulnerable the offense could become if injuries strike again. While the Rams have several capable tight ends and could rely more heavily on heavier offensive formations, those packages generally lack the explosiveness that Nacua and Adams bring to the field.
Quentin Lake Delivers Strong Praise for Matthew Stafford
While concerns exist regarding the supporting cast, Rams safety Quentin Lake made it clear that Stafford remains one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
Speaking on “The Arena: Gridiron,” Lake compared Stafford’s arm talent to some of the league’s biggest stars, including Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Justin Herbert.
“He could throw 60 yards in the air, on a dime, every time,” Lake said. “No hitch, no nothing, and it’s going to be right in the pocket every single time. Although Ty has a great arm, Matthew Stafford is a different breed.”
Lake emphasized that his comments were not intended as criticism of Simpson, who has impressed coaches and teammates throughout the offseason. Instead, the remarks underscored just how unique Stafford’s physical abilities remain even at this stage of his career.
Ty Simpson Represents a Different Future for the Rams
While Stafford continues to operate at an elite level, the Rams are preparing for the future with Simpson waiting in the wings.
Unlike Stafford, who has built his career as a powerful pocket passer with one of the strongest arms in NFL history, Simpson’s strengths revolve around his athleticism, mobility, and football intelligence.
The eventual transition from Stafford to Simpson could dramatically change the identity of the Rams’ offense. For now, however, Los Angeles remains firmly committed to its MVP quarterback as it pursues another Super Bowl run.
As long as Stafford stays healthy and Nacua and Adams remain on the field, the Rams should once again field one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses. But if injuries expose their lack of receiver depth, Stafford could face one of his toughest challenges in recent years. :::
