The Los Angeles Rams don’t have to worry about their starting quarterback situation in 2026, but 2027 is another question entirely. Matthew Stafford is returning for an 18th season this year, but he’ll be 39 by the time the season ends and could easily hang up his cleats after a long career.
While L.A. might not be focused on their 2027 quarterback situation yet, an intriguing option could pop up in free agency next year: Baker Mayfield.
The current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and one-time Rams starter is in the final year of his contract and could test the open market after the 2026 season if he and the Buccaneers can’t agree on a long-term extension. The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported that contract negotiations are expected to commence this offseason, but that doesn’t mean a deal will be struck.
Howe offered up the possibility of a Mayfield-Rams reunion in 2027 if Stafford does indeed retire. Mayfield appeared in the final five games and started four of them during the 2022 regular season in place for the injured Stafford. He went 1-3, but resurrected his career a bit with a 63.6% completion rate, 850 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Mayfield has a chance to be the first QB to exceed $50 million in free agency. Considering the likely competition for his services, it’s not far-fetched to believe he could corral the biggest contract in NFL history. And if quarterback Matthew Stafford retires after the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams and Mayfield might feel compelled to reunite.
Mayfield credits the Rams and head coach Sean McVay for his career resurgence that helped him secure his current $100 million contract with the Buccaneers, adding that he’s “forever grateful for.”
So, if the opportunity presented itself, the Rams might be in the perfect position to give Mayfield exactly what he’s looking for on a team with a staff he’s already familiar with.
The only question will be cost. As Howe noted, Mayfield could warrant a contract worth more than $50 million a year. It’s hard to predict the Rams’ salary cap a year in advance, but Over The Cap estimates L.A. will have around $100 million in space in 2027. That estimation, however, does not include any potential salary cap bumps by the league or the impending extensions for Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Byron Young and/or Steve Avila. Jared Verse will also be eligible for a new deal after the 2026 season.
With so much speculation around Stafford’s heir, the answer might not present itself until Mayfield decides if he wants to stay in Tampa or test free agency in 2027.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Could the Rams reunite with Baker Mayfield in 2027?
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
