A New Milestone in NFL Roster Construction
The 2026 season will see the Los Angeles Rams enter the record books in a unique way. Following a major roster move, the team has united quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning league MVP, with defensive standout Myles Garrett, the current NFL Defensive Player of the Year. This marks the first time a franchise has entered a season boasting both major award winners from the previous year on its active roster.
Analyzing the Historical Context
While some might point to past winners, the Rams' situation remains singular. History shows that only two players have ever secured both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same campaign: Alan Page of the Vikings in 1971 and Lawrence Taylor of the Giants in 1986. Consequently, the 1972 Vikings and the 1987 Giants featured both accolades on their teams, but exclusively through the efforts of a single individual rather than two separate elite stars.
There is only one other notable parallel in league history:
- The 1994 San Francisco 49ers: This squad featured MVP Steve Young and Defensive Player of the Year Deion Sanders.
However, this pairing was short-lived, as Sanders departed for the Dallas Cowboys during the ensuing free agency period, meaning the 1995 roster did not maintain the duo.
Super Bowl Aspirations
Even prior to acquiring Garrett, the Rams were widely considered top-tier contenders for the Lombardi Trophy. With Stafford anchored in Los Angeles and the addition of Garrett's dominant defensive presence, the team has firmly established itself as the clear favorite to win the upcoming Super Bowl.