The Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback situation is expected to be a key storyline in the coming years. They may look to secure a potential replacement for Matthew Stafford through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, who recently defeated them in the NFC Divisional Playoff, targeting Kenny Pickett.
Pickett, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was traded to the Eagles in March 2024. ESPN’s Benjamin Solak suggests the Rams could trade for Pickett to eventually succeed Stafford, who has faced questions about his future over the past few seasons.
Solak writes, “The Rams desperately need a young quarterback to develop behind Matthew Stafford. I predict they’ll trade for Kenny Pickett, currently the QB2 of the Eagles, after failing to land a viable rookie option in the draft.”
Pickett, 26, completed 59.1% of his passes for 259 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception in 2024, appearing in five games with one start.
Heading into the final year of his four-year, $14 million contract, Pickett may be available for trade. Although Stafford’s future remains uncertain, he recently expressed that he still feels capable of playing at a high level.
Meanwhile, with a projected $46.6 million in cap space for the 2025 offseason, the Rams may explore a trade as their best option. They also hold the No. 26 overall pick in the upcoming draft, which could be used to address their quarterback needs.
A proposed trade would see the Rams acquiring Pickett in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick, reflecting Pickett’s limited playing time and contract status. However, the Eagles might be hesitant to trade him, given the emergence of their backup QB Tanner McKee, who could challenge Pickett for the QB2 spot in 2025.
In any case, the Rams will likely have to wait until later in the offseason for Pickett to become available, especially if the Eagles remain confident in McKee’s potential.