Los Angeles Rams Should Target Potential Free Agent Brock Osweiler
The Los Angeles Rams have an obvious need for a franchise quarterback. There are many ways that they can look to attack this need, but pursuing free agent QB Brock Osweiler may be the best solution.
The Los Angeles Rams have arguably the best collection of young talent in the entire NFL. Their defense is loaded with impact talent throughout, and Todd Gurley leads a strong rushing attack for the offensive. This is an exciting team that can quickly become a true contender, but they lack legitimate play at the most important position on the field, quarterback.
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Some actually believe – and according to Sean Wagner-McGough of CBS Sports that includes the people making the decision – that Case Keenum leading the Rams to a 3-1 record down the stretch last season means that they are set at the position.
The Rams babied Keenum in those games, heavily relying on their defense and running game for the wins. Keenum looked decent, but he was far from a franchise caliber NFL quarterback. Jeff Fisher and company are crazy if they actually believe that another year of Keenum and Nick Foles is the answer at the position for the Rams.
Plus, it’s not like they will not have any options to improve this off season. The Rams could look in many different directions to fix their issues at quarterback. Paxton Lynch could easily be on the board for the Rams when they select with the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Lynch is a raw prospect, but he has serious upside and would finally give the team a player to build around at the position.
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The Rams also have the ammo to move up in the first round of the draft, targeting Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. Both players are top of the first round quarterback prospects who would immediately make the Rams one of the most interesting teams in the entire NFL. If they are content with continuing to ignore the position in the draft, there are options in the NFL to look at as well.
Perhaps they can use one of their mid second-round picks to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots. The Rams also have some serious cap room to work with this off season, and this stock of free agent quarterbacks are interesting.
The Washington Redskins are not going to let Kirk Cousins out of their sights, but a guy like Ryan Fitzpatrick could immediately solidify the Rams’ offense at the quarterback position. Kansas City Chiefs backup Chase Daniel may have the stuff to be a starter, and the Rams could be the team to give him a chance. Daniel may not be proven, but he is undoubtedly a better player than Keenum and Foles.
The Peyton Manning to the Rams rumors that have surfaced this off season are silly. Manning is going to retire from the NFL because he clearly does not have it anymore. They would be foolish to bring him in. However, perhaps the Rams can steal Manning’s former protegé with the Denver Broncos?
The Rams have a ton of options to improve their quarterback situation this off season. Doing nothing and moving forward with Keenum and Foles would be the worst move, while signing Brock Osweiler to be their new starting quarterback would be among the best options.
The Broncos selected Osweiler in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He sat behind Manning for three seasons before really getting an opportunity to prove himself in 2015. Osweiler started seven games last season in relief of Manning who missed time with an injury.
Osweiler led the Broncos to a 5-2 record in those seven games, completing nearly 62% of his passes for 1,967 yards and 10 touchdowns to six interceptions. He looked strong, confident and in control of the Broncos’ offense while in the game, and the overall unit was much more explosive with him under center.
The Broncos went back to Manning for the stretch run, but Osweiler was clearly the more talented option at this point in their careers. He possess a strong throwing arm and great mobility in the pocket. His accuracy proved to be a bit up and down, but Osweiler showed the ability to make each and every NFL throw on the field, while expertly commanding a huddle and leading the offense.
Osweiler has the size, arm strength and mobility that teams crave at the quarterback position, and proved the ability to lead an offense last season. The Rams could certainly look in many directions to figure out their quarterback situation, but Osweiler is one of the few who could come right in and compete while also giving some upside down the line.
The Broncos will undoubtedly be looking to bring Osweiler back to be their starting quarterback next season. However, they have a lot of impact players on the defensive side of the ball to bring back as well. Simply put, they are not going to be able to afford everyone.
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The Rams are in a better cap situation than Denver and should be able to give Osweiler enough money to pry him from Denver. It is time for Fisher and company to admit to themselves that they need to address their quarterback situation, and signing Osweiler to be their franchise signal caller should be the solution.