4 reasons why LA Rams claim waived QB Josh Rosen

I: Price is right

Let’s go right to the heart of almost everyone’s argument not to do so. It’s too expensive. Perhaps. But Rosen off waiver costs $850,000 for one year, which won’t move the LA Rams salary cap needle one bit. In short, he is invisible to the Rams salary cap at that price, and that is a very good thing for a team that needs to add depth for cheap.

Los Angeles Rams

II: NFL experience

The LA Rams have next to nothing in terms of NFL experience on the roster behind quarterback Matthew Stafford. Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges is the senior statesman of the backup corps, and he’s not impressing anyone so far. Both John Wolford and Bryce Perkins have their talents, but neither has a cup overflowing with NFL games. Rosen has played in 20 NFL games behind some of the worst offensive lines in the league. He would love a chance to run a Sean McVay offense, even if he were only on the practice squad.

III: Pocket Passer

We have pointed out that the only immobile quarterback on the roster is Matthew Stafford. Adding Josh Rosen gives the Rams a chance to develop a Plan B pocket passer as well. Even if the Rams do not love the kid, and he leaves at the end of the season, there is a remote chance that he could be signed elsewhere. If the contract is lucrative enough, it could trigger the award of a compensatory draft pick.

IV: NFC West Intel

The guy has played for the Arizona Cardinals and practiced with the San Francisco 49ers. That alone is enough to bring him in, kick the tires. Hell, the information he could share with the Rams coaching staff about their rivals is worth the price alone. And he could continue to feed information about other teams he has been associated with as well. He trained with the Bucs. In the end, we’re talking about the process of vetting the guy. If it were up to me? I’d submit the claim. But not everyone loves the guy.

He’s cheap. He’s experienced. He’s a pocket-passer. He knows the NFC West intimately. That is the criteria everyone had established for the ideal prospect to add to the LA Rams quarterback depth.  Perhaps it’s a risk that doesn’t pay off. The Rams can afford to miss the mark. But what if the team can develop this young man into somebody who can start someday?

Take a chance, Columbus did.