Rams Should Take a Flier on Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson amid NFL Trade Rumors

The Los Angeles Rams made a return trip to the postseason, in large part, because star quarterback Matthew Stafford stayed healthy for the majority of the season.

Stafford returned to Pro Bowl form in his 15 starts after injuries cost him eight games—and the Rams stumbled to a 5-12 record—the previous year.

Los Angeles appears primed for another playoff push in 2024, and it is hoping that the signal-caller can play a complete campaign for the first time since 2021.

Of course, there's no guarantee that the 36-year-old can stay healthy—he's currently dealing with a hamstring issue—and his long-term future in L.A. remains unknown.

Stafford agreed to an adjusted contract in late July, though he didn't have any additional years added to his deal, which runs through 2026.

These are reasons why the Rams and general manager Les Snead should take a long look at Cleveland Browns second-year signal-caller Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is reportedly on the trade block.

"A league source said the Browns have been willing to engage in discussions about moving Thompson-Robinson with teams looking to bolster their quarterback rooms," The Athletic's Zac Jackson wrote on Tuesday.

Thompson-Robinson isn't an established NFL starter yet, but he's flashed potential in his limited opportunities. He made three starts in 2023, and while he went 1-2 as the starter, he helped deliver a late comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This preseason, the UCLA product has gone 27-of-35 for 260 yards and an interception. He continues to flash a good combination of mobility and arm talent, along with improved accuracy—his interception came off a deflection.

While there's still plenty of room for growth, Thompson-Robinson has a lot of skill that would translate well to Sean McVay's offense. He can rack up yards with his legs, throw to all areas of the field and throw with enough velocity to hit tight windows.

Trading for Thompson-Robinson could benefit the Rams in the short term because, for at least the first two weeks, they won't have a proven backup. Los Angeles signed Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, but he's set to serve a two-game suspension for a PED violation.

The Rams have given all of the preseason work thus far to 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett, but the results have been mixed. He threw a go-head fourth-quarter touchdown in each game but also threw five combined picks.

McVay is not ready to hand the backup job, temporary or otherwise, to Bennett.

"We'll use all the time that we have," the Rams head coach told reporters.

Thompson-Robinson could give L.A. another QB option with more NFL experience than Bennett, who missed all of 2023 for personal reasons. In theory, he could also provide McVay with a young quarterback to develop for the future.

At 36, Stafford isn't really "old" by modern NFL standards, but that doesn't mean he's going to play well into his 40s. He and the Rams will have some tough decisions to make next offseason, as his contract restructuring left Stafford with a $53.7 million cap hit in 2025 and few guarantees for that season.

At some point, the Rams and Stafford will split, and if Bennett can't be the heir apparent, L.A. doesn't have one on its roster—with all due respect to Dresser Winn.

McVay could kick the tires on Thompson-Robinson as a possible quarterback of the future. At worst, he could provide a long-term backup plan on a budget. He is under contract through 2026 and won't carry a cap hit over $1.2 million in any of the next three seasons.

Acquiring Thompson-Robinson shouldn't be overly expensive either. He was a fifth-round pick last year and could probably be had for a Day 3 selection—though Jackson noted that Cleveland may try to use the quarterback as a "trade piece" in a deal for an offensive lineman or other experienced veteran.

The Browns are dealing with injuries at offensive tackle and cornerback.

The Rams could have a possible trade chip in former starting left tackle Joseph Noteboom, who was replaced by Alaric Jackson last season. The 29-year-old can provide valuable depth at multiple positions, but he's also entering the final year of his contract.

Trading Noteboom would save the Rams $6.6 million in 2024 cap space.

There are potential obstacles to acquiring Thompson-Robinson, of course. The Rams may have to consider moving Bennett or carrying four quarterbacks on the active roster to bring him in.

If Thompson-Robinson truly is available, however, he's the most promising young signal-caller L.A. could hope to add at this point in the summer. He's certainly worth a flier, and he probably won't remain available for long.

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*Contract information via Spotrac.