**The Rams Reportedly Have Arch Manning as Their Clear QB1 and See Him as a Succession Plan After Matthew Stafford**
The Los Angeles Rams are no strangers to bold, franchise-altering decisions. From trading for Matthew Stafford to assembling star-studded rosters built to win now, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have never shied away from aggressive moves to keep the team in championship contention. Now, according to a recent report by NFL insider Charles Robinson, the Rams may be laying the groundwork for their next major transition at the game’s most important position. Per Robinson, Los Angeles has identified Texas quarterback Arch Manning—college football’s most high-profile prospect—as their clear QB1 of the future, viewing him as the ideal successor to Stafford whenever the veteran signal-caller decides to step away.
The mere mention of Arch Manning’s name carries weight in football circles. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, and the grandson of Archie Manning, Arch has been under the microscope since his high school days at Isidore Newman in New Orleans, where he shattered records previously held by his uncles. After a highly publicized recruitment, he chose Texas over the likes of Alabama and Georgia, carrying the expectations of a generational talent before even taking a college snap. Though he spent his freshman year backing up Quinn Ewers, Manning’s potential remains undeniable—his arm talent, poise, and football IQ have drawn comparisons to his legendary family members. Now, it appears the Rams are positioning themselves to make a major push for him when he becomes eligible for the NFL Draft.
For Los Angeles, the logic behind targeting Manning is sound. Matthew Stafford, who will turn 36 before the 2024 season begins, is still playing at a high level, but his long-term future is uncertain. While he has shown no signs of immediate decline, the physical toll of 15 NFL seasons—coupled with recent injury concerns—means the Rams must start planning for life after him. Manning, who could enter the draft as early as 2025 (if he declares as a redshirt sophomore), represents the kind of elite prospect that rarely becomes available without a top-five pick. Given that the Rams are perennial contenders and thus rarely draft early, identifying and aggressively pursuing a quarterback of Manning’s caliber could be their best path to securing a franchise cornerstone.
The Rams’ interest in Manning also speaks to their organizational philosophy. Under Snead and McVay, they have consistently prioritized star power and upside, often at the expense of future draft capital. Whether it was the blockbuster trades for Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, or Von Miller, Los Angeles has proven willing to pay a premium for players they believe can elevate the team to a Super Bowl level. Manning, with his pedigree, natural talent, and sky-high ceiling, fits that mold perfectly. If the Rams view him as a can’t-miss prospect, they won’t hesitate to move up in the draft to get him, even if it costs them multiple first-round picks.
Of course, the biggest hurdle in this scenario is actually acquiring Manning. Assuming he declares for the 2025 or 2026 draft, he will almost certainly be one of the most coveted players in the class, if not the outright top pick. Teams with higher selections may not be willing to trade out, meaning the Rams could face a steep price to move up. However, Los Angeles has shown creativity in maneuvering the draft board before, and if they’re convinced Manning is their guy, they’ll likely explore every avenue to land him—even if it means parting with significant assets.
Another factor working in the Rams’ favor is their ability to develop quarterbacks under McVay. Since taking over as head coach in 2017, McVay has earned a reputation as one of the league’s brightest offensive minds, helping Jared Goff and Stafford play at MVP-caliber levels. His system, which emphasizes pre-snap reads, play-action, and quarterback-friendly concepts, could be an ideal fit for Manning, whose strengths include processing speed and accuracy. Additionally, learning behind Stafford—a former No. 1 overall pick with a wealth of experience—would provide Manning with a seamless transition into the NFL, much like Patrick Mahomes benefited from sitting behind Alex Smith early in his career.
The potential pairing also makes sense from Manning’s perspective. While some top quarterback prospects land in unstable situations with rebuilding franchises, joining the Rams would offer him immediate stability: a proven head coach, a talented supporting cast (including Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and a strong offensive line), and a franchise with a clear win-now mentality. Unlike many rookie QBs who are thrust into starting roles on bad teams, Manning could have the luxury of developing at his own pace before taking over a ready-made contender.
Still, there are plenty of unknowns. Manning has yet to start a game at Texas, and while his talent is undeniable, his college performance will ultimately determine his draft stock. If he struggles or fails to live up to the hype, the Rams’ reported interest could cool. Conversely, if he dominates and cements himself as the top pick, Los Angeles may find itself in a bidding war with other quarterback-needy teams.
For now, the report offers a fascinating glimpse into the Rams’ long-term planning. While Stafford remains the present, Manning could very well be the future—a passing of the torch that would keep Los Angeles in championship contention for years to come. If the Rams can pull it off, it would be yet another franchise-defining move for an organization that has never been afraid to think big.
The NFL is a league of constant evolution, and teams that fail to plan ahead often find themselves left behind. By reportedly eyeing Arch Manning as their next franchise quarterback, the Rams are ensuring they won’t be one of those teams. Whether this vision becomes reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: in Los Angeles, the pursuit of excellence never stops.
