Rams' backup QB situation named one of the biggest roster holes in NFL
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
Cameron DaSilva
Behind Jared Goff, the names on the Rams’ quarterback depth chart aren’t exactly recognizable: John Wolford, Bryce Perkins and Josh Love. None of the three were drafted, and none of the three have ever taken a regular-season snap.
Yet, that’s the current group of backup quarterbacks the Rams are rolling with, barring a change by signing someone such as Cam Newton. Gil Brandt of NFL.com, like a lot of people, isn’t overly confident in the Rams’ quarterback group behind Goff.
Brandt listed the Rams’ backup QB position one of the biggest roster holes in the NFL – eighth-biggest, to be exact. Here’s what the Hall of Famer wrote about the Rams and their quarterback depth.
I’m not trying to jinx anyone here, but I’ll note that Jared Goff has managed to make it through three-and-a-half injury-free seasons as the Rams’ starting quarterback. If something were to happen to him, a team that is built to win now would likely be in serious trouble, given that current backup John Wolford spent last season on the practice squad after failing to stick with the Jets as an undrafted free agent, while the other two quarterbacks on the roster — Bryce Perkins and Josh Love — are undrafted rookies. Re-signing last year’s backup, Blake Bortles, remains a possibility, but the team’s apparent reluctance to bring him back for another season speaks volumes . Because of Goff’s high salary and other cap issues, Los Angeles is trying to stay frugal with backup QBs, though if Cam Newton were to become an option, management should seriously weigh that.
Brandt is right: The Rams should consider signing Newton. He’s reportedly open to being a backup, which might be his only option left. Learning from Sean McVay and Kevin O’Connell for a year as Goff’s backup might not be a bad idea for Newton, and his skill set matches up well with McVay’s scheme.
Newton is very mobile and would excel on roll-outs and designed runs in the Rams offense. He could be used in specific packages that utilize his mobility, getting him outside the pocket on passes or using him as a short-yardage back along the goal line.
Wolford has a promising skill set, as do Perkins and Love. But none of them have what Newton can offer: experience. If the Rams can make the money work, Newton should be an option.
