NFL Rumors: Will LA Rams sign Blake Bortles or Dwayne Haskins?

Haskins

The sudden availability of former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins would place him into this article. The fact that he responded so well to the coaching influence of offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell‘s tutelage merely cements the possibility that the Rams will give him a look if he is available.

And just like that, there he is. Suddenly a free agent with no compensatory picks complications. If a player is released, there is no consideration for impacting the algorithm. And so, the Rams could sign him worry-free. Now, will they do so in an entirely different matter altogether?

But before the comments section swells with negative comments, let’s consider some key factors.

Dual-threat backup for a dual-threat starter

The Rams are making vitally important decisions now with little to no chance to plan. If they did, this is what would jump off the page at them. Should the Rams succeed in getting into the playoffs, they will have done so thanks to John Wolford’s play.  And there it is.

Dwayne Haskins 2019 Draft Profile

The Rams can tip-toe around the dual-threat quarterback version of their offense, or embrace it wholeheartedly. To embrace the value of a running threat under center, it should be obvious that the backup should be just as capable of rushing. There is no doubt that Haskins remains a low-risk/high reward prospect, and he has complicated that with a demonstrated lack of maturity in Washington this year.  But he trusts and shines for O’Connell, and lobbied hard for Washington to keep O’Connell as their offensive coordinator.

Now the shoe is on the other foot. Haskins was the 15th player selected in the 2019 NFL Draft but was more likely a second or third-round prospect. He has mobility but likes to throw from the pocket whenever possible. And he played very well for O’Connell. Could he do so again? It’s not out of the question, particularly in this last-minute emergency. The team cannot play without addressing the QB position. But the team has options.