How a Strategic Trade Could Accelerate the Rams’ Long-Term Vision

The Los Angeles Rams are 4 - 2, and they have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. In their win against the Baltimore Ravens, they suffered a brutal loss in Puka Nacua, who went down with an injury, and their offense will have to go some time without their top playmaker.

If there ever were an opportune time for their star playmaker to be injured, it might've been now. Their next game is against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and after that, they have their bye week. Nacua would certainly help against the Jaguars, but the Rams have the receiver corps capable of making do without him.

Trade Candidates

Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks from the tunnel for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Bradley Locker is a sports writer for Pro Football Focus, and he wrote an article breaking down the players most likely to get traded mid-season. The Rams' name was only brought up once during the article, and that was in a hypothetical trade where they secure their future by trading for Anthony Richardson.

"It’s possible that the Colts could want to keep Richardson on their roster, either as insurance for this season or in case they can’t retain Jones this offseason. Still, teams with quarterback questions come March and April could try to get ahead of the curve, stashing Richardson and his potential several months earlier", said Locker.

Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) walks off the field after their win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Rams trading for Richardson is an interesting proposition, but it all comes down to price. I'm sure the Indianapolis Colts won't be willing to wash their hands of a former high draft pick without a good package in return. The Rams have two first-round picks in the upcoming draft class, but should they really use their draft capital on a player like Richardson?

"The Steelers will confront another offseason of uncertainty under center with Aaron Rodgers set to be a free agent, while Matthew Stafford’s career feels very year-to-year at this juncture despite his elite play".

Richardson's athleticism and arm talent are outstanding, but he still has a lot of work to do despite this being his third year in the league. Trading for him means using their pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft elsewhere, but I'm not sure even with a year on the bench under Stafford, the Rams can salvage the potential that's there.

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