Sean McVay spoke recently on Aaron Donald’s future. Now, McVay said Corum will “be a big factor in what we’re going to do this year.” Corum competed but was the clear-cut RB2 behind Kyren Williams last year.

McVay also gave an update on Puka Nacua amid holdout rumors. The head coach has had a busy start to the training camp. The Rams have big hype behind them and now Corum could be one of the big factors to improve the team.

Blake Corum’s 2025 NFL season

Corum’s sophomore NFL season was one that saw him get increased snaps and that ended up being a very productive season for an RB2. Corum ended 2025 with 746 yards and six touchdowns.

Corum has shown he is a highly efficient running back for the Los Angeles Rams known for his exceptional vision, low center of gravity, and elite contact balance. He proved to be very reliable in short-yardage plays.

Rams offense looks like world beaters for next season

Having arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver in Puka Nacua, the reigning MVP in Matthew Stafford and mastermind like Sean McVay will certainly boost this team into new heights.

• QB – Matthew Stafford
• RB – Kyren Williams / Blake Corum
• LT – Alaric Jackson
• LG – Steve Avila
• C – Coleman Shelton
• RG – Kevin Dotson
• RT – Warren McClendon Jr.
• LWR – Davante Adams
• RWR – Puka Nacua
• SWR – Jordan Whittington
• TE – Colby Parkinson

Per Stu Jackson, Rams Senior Staff Writer, Sean McVay said that Aaron Donald is “going through his process, and he is putting himself in a position to make a decision” on whether he wants to play. If Donald decides to, the Rams will make it happen, per Jackson. Still, McVay is unclear on what will happen.

Aaron Donald is arguably the best defensive player of all time, he belongs to the elite of the elite. Add that to the fact that the Rams traded for Myles Garrett in the offseason, and the pair would be an incredible problem for the opponents to deal with.

Aaron Donald is just one of many storylines going on for the Rams

It’s also been noted that Puca Nakua reported to training camp for the Rams, but he is still in need of a new contract as this is his final year in his rookie deal. Hence, the Rams are working to go all in on all fronts.

Aaron Donald has been having some workouts in the Rams facilities as he is still testing himself to see if he is able to come back. Donald is arguably the Rams’ best player ever, so everyone is hoping for one last, glorious dance.

Rams are a Super Bowl-or-bust team

With or without Aaron Donald, the fact is that the Rams are a Super Bowl contender. They have an elite coach in Sean McVay, the reigning MVP in Matthew Stafford, arguably the best receiving room in the NFL, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett, and an elite organization top to bottom.

Per Sarah Barshop of ESPN, Sean McVay said Puka Nacua will be at training camp and will take part in the Rams practices. Many rumors stated that Nacua, who is looking for a very lucrative extension, might holdout, but that is not the case.

Nacua is one of the best wideouts in the NFL and has established himself as one of the most lethal weapons in football. However, in a world where WR are mainly diva-esque when seeking contracts, Nacua is taking another approach.

Nacua will go for a record-setting number

Following recent monster deals for wide receivers (Jaxon Smith-Njigba at $42.15M/year and Ja’Marr Chase at $40.25M/year), Nacua’s elite efficiency metrics justify resetting the WR market. The Rams should make it a priority to keep him on the roster. Estimations throw around a range from $42.5 million to $45 million per year.

Nacua had an NFL-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. He also led the NFL in yards per game with 107.2 and in receiving first downs with 80. All this granted him All-Pro honors.

The Rams could still use the Franchise Tag

If the Rams choose not to commit $40M+ per year immediately, they retain leverage with the 2027 Franchise Tag (projected around $31.5 million). This could very well be used by the Rams if needed, as they are also awaiting on the decision of Aaron Donald.

If Donald comes back, the Rams must pay him a heavy price, as Donald is under contract that had one year and $30 million left. So the fact is the Rams have to play chess on these contractual negotiations.

The NFL landscape shifted on Monday when news confirmed that the Cleveland Browns and Rams had agreed to terms to send Garrett to Los Angeles. Almost immediately, Donald ignited the internet by hinting at a potential comeback on social media.

The retired future Hall of Famer uploaded a video teasing that he would seriously consider unretiring just to play alongside Garrett. When asked about the clip, McVay openly admitted that a return is not entirely off the table for the organization.

“Here’s what I would tell you guys overall, too: Aaron is a guy that I stay really close in touch with, and I know the respect that he has for Myles,” McVay said. “Talked to him about the opportunity to bring him on board. If Aaron decides he wants to dust ’em off at the age of 35, I bet you he can still do it at a pretty high clip.“

The Rams position themselves as top 2026 contenders

After watching their division rival Seattle Seahawks hoist the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LX, the Rams’ front office wasted no time launching an aggressive offseason arms race. The acquisition of Garrett is a massive statement, but it is far from their only high-profile move.

Los Angeles has poured significant resources into rebuilding their defense from the back out. This offseason, the team pulled off a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie and fortified the secondary further by signing cornerback Jaylen Watson to a three-year deal.

Meanwhile, the offense secured its short- and long-term stability. The Rams handed veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford a new contract extension that runs through 2027. By subsequently selecting quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft, the front office has designed a seamless transition plan, allowing Stafford to serve as a premier mentor before eventually handing the keys over to the rookie.

The ultimate dynamic duo

If Donald decides to lace up his boots once again, it would provide an unprecedented boost to a roster already overflowing with star power. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is reportedly still in phenomenal physical shape; his retirement was driven by a lack of competitive desire rather than physical decline.

The arrival of Garrett might be exactly the catalyst Donald needs to return, giving football fans a chance to see what happens when you pair two of the most destructive defensive forces in modern NFL history on the exact same line.

“We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could,” Simpson told Ian Fitzsimmons of ESPN Radio. “It was something to where I knew they were interested, but they wanted to make it private and didn’t want people to know that they were interested.“

It was there that the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback finally revealed his private meetings with his new head coach: “So, I had some secret meetings with Coach McVay, and I just was trying to be on script and do what everybody told me and not to tell anybody.”

Eventually, the strategy worked to perfection. Simpson kept things tightly under wraps, and his arrival at the Rams was ultimately finalized, to the satisfaction of both sides. Now, it’s time to repay that trust over the course of the upcoming season.

Was the Rams’ decision the right one?

The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson as a strategic investment in their post-Matthew Stafford future. While the team remains in “win-now” mode with Stafford as the reigning MVP, his age (38) and history of back injuries forced GM Les Snead to prioritize a long-term successor over immediate depth at other positions.

The Rams chose Simpson specifically for his elite football IQ, pocket mobility, and high-level processing skills, which Sean McVay views as the perfect fit for his complex system. By drafting him now, they ensure Simpson can develop for a year or two behind Stafford—much like the Packers’ model with Jordan Love—rather than being forced to overpay for a veteran or reach for a less-talented prospect once Stafford eventually retires.

The rest of Los Angeles’ Draft picks

The Los Angeles Rams prioritized long-term stability in their 2026 draft class, selecting only five players to focus on key developmental roles. Beyond the strategic pick of Ty Simpson, the Rams added Max Klare (TE, Ohio State) in the second round to bolster their heavy personnel packages and Keagen Trost (OT, Missouri) in the third to provide much-needed insurance for their aging offensive line.

On Day 3, they focused on depth by selecting CJ Daniels (WR, Miami) in the sixth round and Tim Keenan III (DL, Alabama) in the seventh, effectively targeting high-upside prospects to secure the team’s future transition once their current veteran core begins to move on.

Prior to the NFL Draft, Jimmy Garoppolo surprised the Rams by considering retirement. This uncertainty forced Los Angeles to adjust their draft strategy, leading them to select Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall to secure the quarterback room.

With Simpson’s arrival, many wondered if he would eventually bench Stafford. However, while the veteran is open to mentoring the former Alabama standout, McVay has emphasized that Stafford is the starter for the foreseeable future—not just for one year.

“He couldn’t be more of a stud,” McVay said about Stafford. “When you’re an elite competitor the way he is, he responded exactly the way I would want to. He’s going to put his arm around this guy. . . . He’s like, ‘I understand it.’ He’s earned the right to be year to year, and if he tells me he wants to play three more years, no one would be more excited about that than me.”

The Rams are preparing for the future

Although Sean McVay stated that Simpson will have to compete for the backup role, the front office clearly views Ty as the future of the franchise. Investing a top-15 pick in a quarterback is a move intended for more than just finding an elite backup.

The Rams are aware that Simpson—who had a limited number of college starts—needs a mentor to develop properly. That mentor is Matthew Stafford, a future Hall of Famer whose guidance could lead the young signal-caller to success.

Stetson Bennett IV remains the other quarterback on the roster. However, he has not seen significant action since arriving in 2023, as the Rams previously preferred Jimmy Garoppolo in the primary backup role.

One last ride for Matthew Stafford… or not?

Sean McVay recently remarked that he would love to have Matthew Stafford for “three or more years,” a statement that suggests Simpson may have to wait his turn. Ultimately, the timeline depends on the veteran’s eventual decision to retire.

Stafford, who is coming off a 2025 NFL MVP season, has already won a Super Bowl and secured his Hall of Fame legacy. Nevertheless, his desire to win more—combined with the Rams’ competitive roster—suggests he may stay on the field longer than many originally expected.

McVay admitted he was moody. “That was never my intended way to be able to come off, but sometimes I can be a little grumpy.” McVay also cleared the air saying his relationship with GM Les Snead is great. “This is my buddy right here,” the Rams HC said.

As for why he was moody, McVay said “Well, there were other things that had nothing to do with that, which that’s normal life.” He didn’t say much more than that, but apparently, Ty Simpson was not the reason for his angered mood.

McVay actually spoke well of Ty Simpson

“I’m excited to be able to add Ty. What a blessing it is for him to be able to learn from Matthew and to be able to come into this atmosphere and environment,” McVay said. The head coach did still say that the Rams are Matthew Stafford’s team, and there is no pressure for him to retire.

McVay is a highly emotional person, for good or bad. That’s also what makes him a great leader of men, able to galvanize his troops to get the best out of them on the field. He is one of the best characters in the NFL and actually, Ty Simpson could learn a lot from him.

The Rams could’ve gone all-in, but opted for the future

The Rams were so close to go to a Super Bowl last season, that many expected to target gamechangers to challenge once again for the throne. However, they opted to get an heir to Matthew Stafford.

This also means the Rams think they can challenge for a Super Bowl with their roster right now, without the need of new pieces. They will try to run it back in what could be Stafford’s swan song.

When asked if Simpson was the first target, McVay said, “Let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s [Stafford] team. You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback. We’ve got Stetson.”

Then he was asked about the expectations, and McVay said “we’ll see, he’s got to compete with Stetson [Bennett].“ Hence, the Rams head coach let everyone know Simpson is not even guaranteed to be the QB2 behind Stafford. That’s awfully concerning for such a high pick in the draft.

Stetson Bennett’s status with the Rams

Bennett had two runs at the National Championship during his Georgia days and won both affairs. He is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks of all time. However, he has never had a good NFL stock. He was picked 128th in the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, Bennett has only played in preseason games for the Rams. However, it seems like he won’t be relegated unless Ty Simpson wins that QB2 battle in preseason. Now, it’s up to the Alabama product to beat the Georgia alumn to prove he is worth his draft pick.

If he beats Bennett, it’s a best-case scenario for Simpson

If Simpson gets over the hurdle of Bennett, this could be the best thing that happens to him. Getting to learn from a future Hall of Famer like Matthew Stafford on a prolific scheme like Sean McVay’s is an incredible setting for a guy like Simpson.

Garoppolo has spent 12 years in the NFL. While many once regarded him as a solid starter, he struggled to consistently meet those expectations and has spent a significant portion of his career as a high-end backup.

When the Rams signed him in 2024, the plan was for him to provide veteran stability behind Matthew Stafford. However, with Garoppolo now contemplating retirement, Los Angeles could be left without an experienced backup—a situation Sean McVay is desperate to avoid.

“You leave the door open,” McVay said on Tuesday about Garoppolo’s future, via Vinny Bonsignore of the California Post. “You don’t want to press. We want to be able to give him his time, and he knows where we stand.”

If Jimmy G doesn’t return, the Rams are in trouble

While Garoppolo’s peak years may be behind him, he remains a highly reliable backup. With Matthew Stafford’s injury history being a constant factor, having a seasoned veteran on the roster is essential for insurance.

As of today, Garoppolo’s return is uncertain. It will be McVay’s job to convince him to stay for one more season while the Rams develop a long-term transition plan at the quarterback position.

Currently, Stetson Bennett is the primary backup on the depth chart. Having not taken a regular-season snap since being drafted in 2023, his lack of experience might force the Rams to either secure Garoppolo’s return or pivot to the free-agent market.

Matthew Stafford’s future beyond 2026

Rumors regarding Matthew Stafford’s retirement were put to rest when he accepted his 2025 NFL MVP trophy and confirmed his return for 2026. While he is currently making “significant progress” on another contract extension, his long-term future remains a topic of discussion.

With Stafford’s tenure eventually nearing its end and Garoppolo’s status in limbo, the Rams face a difficult path to ensuring they have a reliable leader to guide the offense into the next era.

Los Angeles have to face the reality that, sooner or later, the quarterback’s playing career would come to an end. McVay addressed that for NBC. “I don’t think about that, ever,” McVay joked. Stafford arguably had the best season of his career in 2025, winning his first MVP award while leading the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.

“No, you think about it short and long term. And here’s the thing, he’s earned the right to be on a year-to-year basis. If he told me that he wanted to play a couple more years, I’d believe him. If he told me it’s one more year, he’s earned that right. So, we understand that. I do think he’s in a situation where it wouldn’t shock me if he played more than one year. But we also have to be prepared, that if this is the last year, what does that look like?”

How they prepare in case of Stafford’s absence

Jimmy Garoppolo may have competition for the backup role as McVay admitted interest in Kirk Cousins. However, neither Garoppolo nor Cousins appear to be a long-term solution. While Stetson Bennett remains on the roster entering the final year of his rookie deal, he has yet to play in a regular-season game.

For now, any long-term successor at quarterback would have to come from outside the organization. As for the present, while Stafford and the Rams had a lengthy contract negotiation last year, and the quarterback was allowed to meet with other teams before ultimately returning to Los Angeles, things were much smoother in that regard in 2026.

“We’ve had a lot of good discussions and dialogue,” McVay said. “And you know what, it’s really along the lines of, what do you and Kelly Stafford really want? Does that look like, hey, are we going to keep that kind of year in place? Do we do anything additional? Or do we put two years in place? So, he’s working through that. But it’s been a lot smoother than last year, to say the least.”

Stafford’s numbers

Stafford, who turned 38 in February, led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025, winning his first MVP award. He was also named AP first team All-Pro for the first time.

“People make some of the connections with Kirk,” McVay said n PFT Live. “If it doesn’t work out with Jimmy, that’s definitely something that — Kirk is as influential as anybody in helping me get to L.A. in the first place.

“I know he’s got some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I’d love to have back with us.”

McVay and Cousins worked together for three seasons with the then-Washington Redskins. During that time, they helped lead the team to an NFC East division title in 2015 under head coach Jay Gruden.

Stafford’s only backup

After several seasons serving as Matthew Stafford’s primary backup, Jimmy Garoppolo entered free agency, leaving his future in the league uncertain. What will Sean McVay do next to cover his star quarterback?

For now, the only player listed in the QB room ready to take the field if needed is Stetson Bennett IV. With plenty of time before the start of a new season, it would make sense for the Los Angeles Rams to add a higher-profile player to also join this roster.

Davante Adams stays with the Rams

Although the Los Angeles Rams had shown interest in A.J. Brown, that would have inevitably required a move involving Davante Adams. McVay ultimately decided to keep one of his primary receivers.

“We have discussions all the time. I wouldn’t say discussed — we really talked about some different avenues of onboarding other players and how it might affect Davante,” the head coach said.

“I’ve talked with Davante about that, and if we felt like it was best for our team, we would’ve done that. But we didn’t think it was best for our team. So, excited about being able to move forward with him.“

What will Jimmy Garoppolo do?

Garoppolo is expected to seek a deal worth roughly $3 million annually, similar to the one-year, $3.005 million contract he played under last season. Having attempted zero passes during the 2025 regular season, he will likely have to settle for a high-end backup position rather than a guaranteed QB1 slot on the open market.