Rams Now Open Door to Sign Top Backup Post-Cousins

The Los Angeles Rams have an ace to play as they look to fill out their quarterback room

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams will not sign Kirk Cousins this season as Cousins has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo were the two top names for the Rams' backup job but with Cousins already off the board and with the likelyhood of Garoppolo re-signing decreasing by the day, the team needs another answer.

Fortunately, there's one quarterback in particular who could be exactly what the Rams need. Here's why the franchise should strongly consider signing Russell Wilson to be their backup for 2026.

Why Wilson Is The Way

The Rams need a backup who can do a variety of things. That's the whole mantra of the team. Find a way to help and do not be an enemy. There are not many quarterbacks who can do what the Rams need a backup quarterback to do, who are better than Wilson, even at this point in his career.

Wilson will be in the building, putting in the extra work to help out the room, while being a strong veteran to develop Stetson Bennett or any other quarterback that the team brings in. Wilson is still a strong quarterback who would do well in a McVay offense.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on after the game against the Las Vegas Raidersat Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

During his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson suffered because the offense had minimal playmakers and a scheme that could not evolve as the season progressed. While he did have his fault with the New York Giants, it's also clear that Brian Daboll is a hot head who also struggles to adjust his offense to fit the style of the passer. Just look at Daniel Jones.

Wilson is also a voice for the locker room. Puka Nacua needs as much support as possible right now and it's clear that Wilson, along with his wife Ciara are the millionaire matchmakers for athletes and entertainers. No one is suggesting that Nacua needs romantic help but he does need a village and the Wilsons know how to build and maintain theirs.

Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Russell Wilson (left) and wife Ciara pose on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

I think about what Jaxson Dart had to say when Dart was named the Giants starter

"From his perspective, losing the starting job was a hard thing to do, but, he was the first person to reach out to me after I talked to the coaches about it, just telling me he's got my back," stated Dart to NFL.com. "Saying he's here for me and whatever I need. That just spoke volumes to the kind of character that he has and the kind of man he is."

Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) and New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) huddle up their teammates prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

That's a guy the Rams need and if Wilson is interested, it's time to make a move. He keeps the ship moving forward, regardless of Matthew Stafford's status and that's value you can't find in many places.