Matthew Stafford Could Be Replaced by Rising Star QB in 2026, Per New Forecast

Matthew Stafford, the longtime former Detroit Lions quarterback and current Los Angeles Rams starter, might be nearing the end of his tenure in LA. A recent prediction hints that a new, younger signal-caller could soon take over his role.

Stafford’s Reworked Deal and Future Uncertainty

Earlier this year, Stafford agreed to a revised contract with the Rams, finalizing the details in March after briefly exploring options with other teams. According to Over the Cap, the updated contract secures Stafford $40 million in guaranteed money and increases his earnings by $17 million.

Initial reports suggested the restructure would save the Rams $8.7 million in cap space for 2025. However, updated numbers now show only a $2.2 million reduction, dropping his cap hit from $49.67 million to $47.47 million.

Despite the commitment, Stafford’s future with the Rams seems limited. With the veteran quarterback set to turn 38 before the 2026 season and the team owning two first-round picks in that year’s draft, many insiders believe a replacement is on the horizon.

LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier Eyed as Possible Heir

In a recent ESPN article, draft analyst Jordan Reid predicted that LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could be Stafford’s successor. Reid noted that if the 2026 draft were held today, Nussmeier would be a strong candidate for the Rams — potentially even worthy of a trade-up scenario.

Nussmeier posted a solid 79.1 QBR in 2024, placing him 11th among FBS quarterbacks. Reid praised his advanced anticipation and ability to make dynamic throws, though he also noted concerns about turnovers, pointing out that Nussmeier threw multiple interceptions in four separate games last season. Still, with improvement, he’s seen as a potential first-round pick.

Other top 2026 quarterback prospects include Texas star Arch Manning, but Nussmeier stands out for his upside and fit in LA’s system.

Draft Strategy Signals QB Plan for 2026

Adding to speculation about Stafford’s future is the Rams’ approach to the 2025 NFL Draft — notably, they didn’t select a quarterback. This wasn’t surprising given the weaker quarterback class, but it further fuels expectations that Los Angeles will target a new franchise QB in 2026.

NFL analysts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports gave the Rams high marks for their draft moves, especially for trading the No. 26 pick this year to the Falcons in exchange for a 2026 first-round selection. That additional draft capital gives them valuable leverage if they need to move up in 2026.

They also praised LA’s second-round selection of tight end Terrance Ferguson and defensive additions like edge rusher Josaiah Stewart. Tice and McDonald highlighted the Rams’ fresh approach this year, positioning the team well for future roster building — particularly at quarterback.