Stetson Bennett trade pitch isn't as crazy for the Rams as it may seem

As if the Los Angeles Rams have not headlined NFL news the entire offseason, now, just as they had apparently settled all questions about the quarterback-room pecking order, here comes another quandary.

After Stetson Bennett showcased a wide range of throws and demonstrated a strong command of the offense on Saturday against the Saints, analyst Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL QB himself, suggested that the Atlanta Falcons should approach the Rams with a trade offer.

No, this is not a bona fide rumor. While Orlovsky has a solid track record of guessing what the Rams may do, this speculative suggestion is based on nothing more than Atlanta's perceived need. The thing is: do the Falcons actually need another quarterback?

Well, they certainly have plenty of options. Michael Penix Jr. has just returned from an ACL injury, giving veteran Tua Tagovailoa fresh competition. Meanwhile, backups Cooper Rush and Jack Strand are battling it out for the third spot. But there is no consensus that Tagovailoa is up to the challenge of a QB2 role, assuming Penix starts.

That, Orlovsky suggests, gives the Falcons sufficient motivation for further exploration.

Does Dan Orlovsky's trade proposal hold water for the Rams?

At first glance, it's worth pondering why the Rams would entertain trading their potential backup right before the season. But Sean McVay's reluctance to name Bennett as QB2 suggests that Orlovsky may know more than he is letting on.

If McVay is not confident enough in Bennett now, will he ever be?

That certainly opens the door for speculation. Orlovsky is not one to pitch wild trade scenarios. Even if the Falcons have no interest in Bennett, other teams may. From what Rams fans witnessed in a preseason game against the Saints, New Orleans would be well-served to inquire about Bennett. A trade package involving, say, Zach Wilson and a late-round draft pick or pick swap could work.

Of course, the Saints have to agree that upgrading their quarterback room is a need. That remains to be seen.

Bennett has played well in the preseason so far. But if LA sees Simpson at the same level, it would be wise to capitalize on Bennett's spiking value by taking calls on his availability. Any team acquiring Bennett would get him in the final year of his rookie contract for a trial run, before deciding if he deserves a market-value extension.

Is Orlovsky way off the mark? Perhaps. But if the Rams don't envision Bennett's future in LA, they may as well cash in now. Who knows? That could incentivize Jimmy Garoppolo's return as well.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow