Chances That A Familiar Face Trades For Rams' Jimmy Garoppolo

The Los Angeles Rams' backup quarterback is becoming a valued commodity but will the team sell?

Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams are set at their quarterback position, but former Rams offensive coordinator and current Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't. If the Rams are okay with Jimmy Garoppolo leaving, here's why the Vikings could be in play for the veteran passer.

Situation With Wentz

Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame detailed the issues in Minnesota.

• After losing 37–10 to the Chargers on Thursday night, the Vikings are reeling," wrote Verderame. "They’ve lost three of their past four games, all with Carson Wentz under center. Wentz was brutal behind a beat-up offensive line that went without tackles Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw, and center Ryan Kelly for either all or most of the night."

• "The backup quarterback was 15-of-27 for 144 yards with a touchdown and interception, this on the heels of having a QBR below 50 in each of his four previous starts while throwing four interceptions and taking 14 sacks over that stretch." 

Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

"Without much offensive support, the defense is faltering as well. The Vikings surrendered 326 passing yards and three touchdowns to Jalen Hurts last Sunday. Four days later, Justin Herbert lit them up for 227 yards and another three scores. Entering Week 8, Minnesota ranked ninth in yards and 11th in points per game allowed, but those figures are trending in the wrong direction."

McCarthy is supposed to be back next week, but his lack of experience, inconsistent play, and questionable health pose a serious problem for the Vikings' success this season. Even if McCarthy plays the remaining games in the season, they face a tough schedule against battle-tested defenses.

Garoppolo is the only quarterback in the NFL who has the talent, practice, and knowledge to both step into the Vikings offense and be instantly successful in it. Kevin O'Connell runs his own modified version of the McVay offense but with enough weapons to spread the ball around and the interior offensive line to support a rushing attack, Garoppolo would be the same ball distributor that he always has been.

Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and there's even Adam Thielan on the bench, plus others for Garoppolo to go to. It would be simple pitch and catch and unlike Wentz, Garoppolo doesn't hesitate to get the ball out.

Sometimes it doesn't go where it needs to go, but Garoppolo has proven he wins with good coaching, and O'Connell is one of the best.

Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A Los Angeles Rams helmet during warm-ups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

If McCarthy isn't ready, why tank a season still full of potential? At least that is the question I think the Vikings are asking themselves currently.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @RamsInsideronSI and @BrockVierra and never miss another Rams news story.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE