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

Option I: Reclaiming an NFL career is a difficult task

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Or when discussing potential quarterback options for the 2024 NFL season, the quarterback currently on the Rams roster is worth two potential replacement quarterbacks who might take over if he leaves. Veteran QB Carson Wentz has had mixed success in the NFL, having played for a variety of teams. But even in his one appearance for the Rams, he seemed to be far more at ease.

What is the true fair market value of a backup quarterback? That is the multi-million dollar question at the end of the day after all. If Matthew Stafford, or any NFL starting quarterback, is able to suit up and compete in all 17 regular season games, then the value of the backup quarterback's role is relegated to just holding a clipboard, getting receivers, tight ends, and running backs work on their routes, and handling clipboards and ipads on the sidelines on game day.

The team added FA veteran QB Carson Wentz, a player whose stock had tumbled after years of trying to help teams succeed, only to fall short due to injuries, inconsistent play, or coaching changes, amid the 2023 NFL season. At the time, the luster of Wentz was tarnished, and he seemed to be a high-reward low-risk signing if the coaches could help him rediscover his NFL mojo.

As we stated above, the value of a back quarterback can be next to nothing on a team with a healthy and durable starter. If the quarterback is injured, as was the case in 2022, then that backup quarterback's value rapidly ascends to nearly that of a starting quarterback. So how can the team's front office, or the fans for that matter, give a fair and objective assessment of how critical the QB2 role will be for the team?