Rams rumors: How do you feel about NFL Insiders choice of 7 struggling QBs?

Carson Wentz, Los Angeles Rams
Carson Wentz, Los Angeles Rams / Kevin Sabitus/GettyImages
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Summary: Which option would you choose?

Even as the LA Rams draft board is set up, and likely includes a number of options for the quarterback position in a number of rounds, I believe that the Rams will give serious consideration to adding a veteran quarterback for the 2024 NFL season. After all, the Rams are very likely planning to compete in Super Bowl LIX, and the contribution of a rookie quarterback in that type of scenario is limited.

But the decision is not just dependant upon a quarterback's experience, risk assessment, projected production, or even fit in the team's culture. A significant factor that decides whether or not a player is feasible is their availability. Sam Darnold, Jameis Winston, Gardner Minshew, Carson Wentz, and Jake Browning are projected to become NFL free agents this offseason. But Zach Wilson remains under contract with the New York Jets, and Trey Lance remains under contract with the Dallas Cowboys, meaning that any hopes to acquire either player adds an additional step and cost of a trade with their respective teams.

Here is a list of quarterbacks discussed in this article, and a summary of their 2023 statistics for easy reference.

Name

'23 team

'23 record

23 comp

23 yards

TDs

Ints

Jameis Winston

Saints

0-0

53.2%

264

2

3

Zach Wilson

Jets

4-7

60.1 %

2,271

8

7

Trey Lance

Cowboys

0-0

N/A

0

0

0

Sam Darnold

49ers

0-1

60.9 %

297

2

1

Gardner Minshew

Colts

7-6

62.2 %

3,305

15

9

Jake Browning

Bengals

4-3

70.4 %

1,936

12

7

Carson Wentz

Rams

1-0

70.8 %

163

2

1

While the range of their roles and playing time varies a great deal, keep in mind that the LA Rams front office wants to ensure that a backup can start and play effectively in this offense for what may be a prolonged period of time. But the front office must balance that with a need not to over-invest in a position that may only be a temporary bridge until the team does eventually draft the future franchise quarterback.

Do any jump off the page at you? For my money's worth, I would rank the free agent (or trade) options for the team as follows:

  1. Carson Wentz - He proved to be able to run the offense effectively
  2. Gardner Minshew - He is a true competitor who would harmonize instantly with HC Sean McVay.
  3. Jake Browning - He is a late bloomer who showed amazing poise and maturity in the Bengals offense.

Did I miss anyone? Do any of these players feel like a good choice in your opinion? Let us know. And as always, thanks for reading.

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