The Los Angeles Rams’ season was cut short when ace quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a thumb injury against the Dallas Cowboys. Fortunately for Los Angeles, a bye week brought some relief, as Stafford recovered swiftly, missing only one start (a loss to the Green Bay Packers). The absence was a referendum on the quarterback situation, and while Carson Wentz proved to be a valuable late-season addition, the position remains unsettled. As the offseason progresses, the quarterback entrusted with sitting behind Stafford will be critical, not just for the relief he can bring in the aftermath of an injury, but also for the franchise’s long-term future.
The search for a backup quarterback continues, and general manager Les Snead may be looking into trades. He may stop by to see New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.
Wilson was the second-overall choice in the 2021 NFL Draft but has yet to deliver on his potential. The Jets could have surrounded him with more talent, better protection, and an offensive coordinator who Sean Payton did not call the worst coaching job in the sport’s history. The outcome was historically awful. Since entering the league, no passer has received as much playing time while performing so poorly as Wilson has. In terms of projected points added per play and success rate, he was the NFL’s worst quarterback with at least 320 plays. As such, a change of scenery is as vital as it is unavoidable. There is some skill to be had; his arm is strong, he is a solid athlete, and his out-of-structure glimpses can make some forget about the day-to-day troubles. The amount the Rams want to tap into will determine their interest.
According to ESPN, probable suitors include Los Angeles and the San Francisco 49ers. “The Rams and 49ers are among intriguing options for quarterback Zach Wilson, who has permission to seek a trade from the Jets,” stated Jeremy Fowler of the NFL Network. “Wilson is looking for a skilled offensive head coach and a place to restart his career.” Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan both require backup quarterback help at the moment.” In terms of what Wilson seeks – a brilliant cast, a quarterback guru, and the opportunity to sit – Los Angeles surely qualifies. That does not make a relocation very plausible.
Developing quarterbacks takes time, and the Rams are in a competitive position. If Stafford goes down, Wilson does not provide the same level of relief as Jacoby Brissett or Joe Flacco. With his performance thus far, it’s difficult to see him as more than a developmental third quarterback.
In the search for the next franchise quarterback, lottery tickets may not be the best option. Wilson will require an extension after next season, most likely without the opportunity to demonstrate his progress. He’s toolsy, but not exceptional in the sense many late-round NFL draft picks are. It makes more sense for Los Angeles to fall in love with a passer on day two or three of the selection. It makes more sense to have a quarterback who can provide immediate value as a backup quarterback while also having the skill (and timetable) to ignite optimism as a future starter.
Read more here: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/sports/nfl/article286204916.html#storylink=cpy.
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