The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms with quarterback Brett Rypien, a name that might not spark immediate recognition for casual NFL fans but holds significant potential within the league’s dynamic. As the Rams enter the 2024 NFL season, a season of rebuilding and refining their roster, the addition of Rypien adds an interesting layer to the team’s quarterback situation. With the Rams’ starting QB situation somewhat in flux following injuries and an underwhelming performance from backup options in recent seasons, Rypien’s arrival raises questions. How does he fit into head coach Sean McVay’s offensive system? Could he become a viable option behind starter Matthew Stafford, or does his arrival signal a possible long-term strategy for the Rams?
In this article, we’ll dive into Brett Rypien’s NFL journey, his skill set, how he fits into the Rams’ QB room, and what role he could play for the team in the upcoming 2024 season.
Who Is Brett Rypien?
Brett Rypien is a name that hardcore football fans might recognize, particularly those who follow college football or are familiar with the Denver Broncos. Born in 1996, Rypien is the nephew of Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien, a former Washington quarterback. The younger Rypien played his college football at Boise State, where he became one of the most productive quarterbacks in the school’s history.
During his tenure at Boise State, Rypien compiled an impressive resume. He threw for over 13,000 yards, with 90 touchdown passes against 29 interceptions, solidifying his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the Mountain West Conference. Despite his statistical success, Rypien went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos, where he spent the majority of his professional career before landing with the Rams.
His time with the Broncos saw limited action, but it gave him valuable experience. Rypien made several starts and appearances due to injuries and inconsistencies in the Broncos’ quarterback room. While he didn’t set the world on fire with his play, he showed flashes of promise, demonstrating the ability to manage an offense, make accurate throws, and remain calm under pressure. Now, with the Rams, Rypien has the chance to carve out a more significant role.
Rams’ Quarterback Situation in 2024
The Rams’ quarterback room is an area of focus heading into 2024. Matthew Stafford, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for Los Angeles, remains the team’s starter as of now. However, Stafford is coming off an injury-plagued 2023 season, raising concerns about his durability moving forward. At 36 years old, Stafford’s best years may be behind him, and while his leadership and arm strength are undeniable, his availability for a full season remains uncertain.
Behind Stafford, the Rams’ options have been limited. The team relied on backups like John Wolford and Bryce Perkins in recent seasons, neither of whom emerged as reliable long-term solutions. Wolford, though gritty and occasionally effective, has been inconsistent, while Perkins struggled to show he could be a reliable backup when given the chance.
With this backdrop, Brett Rypien enters the Rams’ quarterback situation. While Stafford remains the clear starter heading into 2024, Rypien’s presence provides a potential upgrade over the previous backups. His NFL experience and solid mechanics make him a reliable insurance option, and he offers a different style of play compared to the other quarterbacks on the Rams’ roster.
What Does Brett Rypien Bring to the Rams?
Brett Rypien’s NFL experience, albeit limited, offers several qualities that can benefit the Rams’ quarterback room. First and foremost, Rypien is known for his intelligence and ability to process defenses quickly. Coming from a family with deep NFL roots, Rypien grew up around the game and developed a strong football IQ. He showed throughout his collegiate career that he could handle complex offenses, make quick decisions, and protect the football — skills that translate well to the NFL, especially in a backup role.
Rypien’s arm strength isn’t elite, but it’s sufficient for the intermediate and short-range passing game. He excels at accuracy and timing, two crucial components in a system like Sean McVay’s, which relies on precision and rhythm in the passing game. The Rams’ offense has traditionally thrived on quick throws, play-action passes, and hitting receivers in stride, something Rypien is well-equipped to execute.
Moreover, Rypien’s calm demeanor in the pocket has been a notable asset. When given the opportunity to start or play significant minutes in Denver, he rarely looked rattled, even under pressure. His ability to keep his composure and execute plays, even when faced with difficult defensive schemes, makes him a reliable option as a backup.
One aspect of Rypien’s game that could improve is his mobility. While not entirely a statue in the pocket, Rypien isn’t known for his scrambling ability or extending plays with his legs. However, given McVay’s scheme and the talent around him, Rypien won’t be asked to create too much on his own. Instead, he’ll be tasked with managing the offense, making smart decisions, and delivering the football on time — all areas where he has shown competence.
Where Does Rypien Fit in 2024?
While Brett Rypien’s role with the Rams in 2024 is still taking shape, it’s clear that he will provide valuable depth at the quarterback position. Given Matthew Stafford’s injury history and the lack of consistent play from the Rams’ other backups, Rypien could step in as the immediate No. 2 on the depth chart. If Stafford were to miss time or be limited due to injury, Rypien would likely be called upon to manage the offense.
The Rams, however, might not view Rypien solely as a stopgap. His presence allows the team some flexibility to explore the future of the quarterback position. While Stafford is still under contract, his age and injury history suggest that the Rams will need to plan for a transition at some point. Rypien, though not projected as a long-term starter at this point, provides stability and competition. Should Stafford retire or decline in performance sooner than expected, Rypien could be given an opportunity to prove himself as a bridge quarterback until the Rams find their next franchise signal-caller.
Additionally, McVay’s coaching staff will likely benefit from Rypien’s intelligence and leadership in the quarterback room. Having a reliable and smart backup can be an asset for Stafford and the Rams’ younger quarterbacks. Rypien’s ability to grasp McVay’s offense and provide insights during game preparation could make him a valuable presence even if he’s not starting.
Could Rypien Compete for More?
While Brett Rypien’s current role projects as a backup, it’s worth considering whether he could compete for more in 2024. Stafford’s health will be a determining factor in how much Rypien sees the field. Should Stafford struggle with injuries or if the Rams’ season takes an unexpected turn, Rypien could find himself thrust into the starting lineup. His ability to step in and manage games has already been proven in Denver, and he could bring that same stabilizing presence to Los Angeles.
However, the Rams aren’t expected to build their future around Rypien. As much as he provides short-term relief and quality depth, he hasn’t demonstrated the traits that typically lead to long-term starting roles in the NFL. He lacks the dynamic arm talent or mobility of the league’s elite quarterbacks, and while he’s accurate and poised, those skills alone might not be enough to secure a full-time starting job.
Still, in the NFL, opportunity can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Rypien will enter the 2024 season with a clear role, but should the situation change — either through injuries or underperformance from others — he’ll have the chance to exceed expectations.
Conclusion
Brett Rypien’s signing with the Los Angeles Rams signals a strategic move to solidify their quarterback depth ahead of the 2024 season. While not projected as a long-term starter, Rypien brings valuable experience, intelligence, and reliability to the Rams’ QB room. His familiarity with NFL offenses and ability to manage games makes him an ideal backup for a team that could face uncertainty at the quarterback position, given Matthew Stafford’s recent injury struggles. Whether Rypien becomes a solid backup or steps into a larger role remains to be seen, but his arrival in Los Angeles provides the Rams with much-needed stability at one of the most crucial positions on the field.
