Carson Wentz backing up Rams QB Matthew Stafford is ideal, but almost didn't happen

The LA Rams needed to get serious about their backup quarterback position quickly. After all, you don't need to be a harter to understand that the Rams commitment to 35-year-old Matthew Stafford to run the LA Rams offense comes with a set of risks that do not accompany a 23-year-old player at the same position.

The problem with the Rams roster building strategy is the inevitable shortcut that will leave the Rams lacking at some point in the season at a position that will inevitably surface over the course of a 17-game schedule. For years, the Rams short-changed the inside linebacker position. That was rectified when the team drafted inside linebacker Ernest Jones.

But that was not the only position where the Rams sought to find savings by cutting back on paying backup players.

Rams roster has been a tale of haves, and have nots

We know that the Rams will spare no expense to attain and retain key players at key positions on the Rams roster. They are, in no particular order: Quarterback, pass rusher, shutdown cornerback, and wide receiver. Beyond those positions, the Rams have seldom offered extensions. Even if an extension is offered, the terms have been rather team-friendly.

But LA Rams fans know all too well that some positions simply will not be extended, no matter how well that player is performing. The LA Rams allowed safety John Johnson III to sign with the Cleveland Browns in 2021, rather than enter a bidding war in an attempt to retain him on the team. Likewise, the Rams made no effort to retain DE Morgan Fox, A'Shawn Robinson, or DT Greg Gaines, opting to allow them to sign on with other teams.

Unfortunately, other positions have simply gone unattended. One of the positions that has gotten next to no attention is the LA Rams backup quarterback position. The Rams simply chose to spend their draft picks, and salary dollars elsewhere. That may not have bitten the LA Rams in the past, when a young and durable Jared Goff was under center. But it has created unnecessary headaches for the Rams in 2022 and 2023.

With the signing of backup QB Carson Wentz, at least for the duration of the 2023 NFL season, the Rams hope to avoid any more scrambles to find a suitable backup quarterback. But, did you know that signing Wentz almost did not occur? Here's why:

Why Carson Wentz is an ideal backup for Matthew Stafford

1. IV: Jets apparently had the right of first refusal
2. III: Rams have a true pocket passer behind Stafford
3. II: Rams have a bonafide NFL QB who can throw all passes
4. I: One heckuva one-two punch under center