It has become extremely apparent that the Los Angeles Rams are done with the Jared Goff experiment.
After the playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, Head Coach Sean McVay told reporters “he is our quarterback right now”.
That is not exactly a glowing endorsement.
Report: Rams have talked to multiple teams about trading Jared Goff https://t.co/0Q4oBHRea4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 30, 2021
I don’t blame them either!
Just look at these numbers:
From '17-'18, Jared Goff ranked 6th in completion rate (41.7%) and 5th in YPA (15.08) on passes of 20+ air yards.
From '19-'20, he ranked 31st (29.5%) and 32nd (9.34).
Only guys with a worse completion percentage on those throws last year:
Haskins, Trubisky, Burrow, Darnold
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) January 27, 2021
The Rams are looking for a way out of this mess, but there is one option that is off the table.
Trying to trade for Deshaun Watson will not only be difficult for the Rams, but it would also destroy the future of the franchise.
I know 90% of the teams in the NFL want Deshaun Watson as their QB.
That does not mean they should be on the market for him.
Let’s dive into 3 reasons why the Rams should be looking elsewhere for their next QB.
1: What are you trading?
The Rams’ future is already bleak at best.
They have traded away their first-round draft picks as if they have no value.
- 2017 went to the Titans for Jared Goff
- 2018 went to the Patriots for Brandin Cooks
- 2019 they traded out of the first round
- 2020 and 2021 went to the Jaguars for Jalen Ramsey
Rams first round picks since 2016:
2016 – Jared Goff
2017 – didn't have one
2018 – didn't have one
2019 – didn't have one
2020 – didn't have one
2021 – don't have one pic.twitter.com/BWJolxBP8o— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) January 28, 2021
Then, you look at their $22M over the cap, and you just wonder “where do you go from here?”
You cannot trade for Deshaun Watson without giving up at least 2 first-round draft picks.
The Rams can try and convince the Texans to be okay with picks in 2022 and 2023, but that’s a hard sell.
Then, you have to send players, and the only ones that the Texans would be interested in would be:
- WR Robert Woods
- WR Cooper Kupp
- CB Jalen Ramsey
- DL Aaron Donald
These are all very important pieces to the Rams offense and defense.
You might gain a young QB in his prime who could be destined for the Hall of Fame, but at what cost?
All you would be doing is crippling the future of your franchise further than it already has been.
2: There are other options
Deshaun Watson is not the only QB on the market.
I don’t think I can convince anyone there is a better QB than Watson on the trade block, but there might be for the Rams.
Sources: Matthew Stafford considers the Rams a viable contender in his trade market with the Lions. While it’s unclear what the Rams can do with Jared Goff’s long-term deal on the books, they’ve explored the possibilities with Stafford.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 29, 2021
Matthew Stafford might be carrying over a heavy contract, but it is no worse than Jared Goffs.
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t believe you need to give up 2 or 3 first-round draft picks and a top-tier talent to get Stafford.
The Lions are ready to move on from Stafford, unlike the Texans who will need a king’s ransom to let Watson go.
If the Rams can get past the slew of injuries Stafford has obtained over the years of abuse with the Lions, they would be getting an amazing talent.
The only QBs in NFL history with 45,000+ passing yards and less than 150 INT:
• Aaron Rodgers
• Matthew Staffordend of list pic.twitter.com/bqcBYtH4Ln
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) January 23, 2021
Just think of the WRs, TEs, RBs and offensive line Stafford has been given with the Lions.
Extremely lackluster, but he has still been able to put up numbers similar to future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
The Rams offensive line still needs work, but now Stafford has Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Tyler Higbee, and a defense to support him.
You can salvage the future of your franchise and still get an A-list QB.
3. Replace other broken pieces instead
We have discussed over and over again how the Rams have no cap space, no draft capital, and don’t want to give up key players.
So, the reality is, the Rams might not be able to trade for any of these QBs.
@RamsNFL @Jim_Everett @FrancoElTanko
Yes, Goff has struggled & it has been frustrating. But lack of a speedy receiver & needs at the Offensive line is a glaring weakness.
I feel if we address these needs in the draft & FA, I believe Goff can recover, Lets see what Snead does.
— The Dali Rama (@TheDaliRama) January 28, 2021
If they do accept Goff or John Wolford as their QB moving forward, then they can focus on what they really need.
More playmakers on offense and linemen that can keep whoever the QB is off the ground.
The Rams successfully built a running back room that can give Goff the play-action passing game.
Drafting Cam Akers might have been the best move this team has made in a few years.
Cam ‘GameStop’ Akers
— there’s ALways next year (@GarbageAl) January 27, 2021
Teams need to stop thinking that if the QB is declining, it is all their fault.
Look around and find why his numbers have decreased.
Usually, if you once had a Super Bowl contending QB and now he is average at best, it might be a team issue.
Deshaun Watson would be an upgrade from Goff, mainly for his mobility.
He will need to be mobile to stay off the ground while standing behind that offensive line.
Stick to the draft and if the Rams want a big offensive improvement, go get WR Allen Robinson or G Brandon Scherff.
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