Training camp is well underway, and the Rams are currently 1-1 in the preseason. Head coach Sean McVay, has wisely withheld his starters as much as he could, and ended up revealing a problem the team needs to address. The backup quarterback position isn’t the biggest issue facing the Rams but its one that’s worth looking into. Sean Mannion is currently the next man up if Jared Goff goes down, and that’s not great. Fortunately, there’s a solution out there, but it would take some of GM Les Snead’s cap Kama Sutra. That solution is trading for Jets backup Teddy Bridgewater.
Will the Jets Trade Him?
The Jets currently have a solid group of QBs. Veteran Josh McCown is a solid backup, and rookie Sam Darnold is poised to take the starting job any day now so the team is looking to trade Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater, is coming off gruesome knee injury and looked great in preseason. He’s generated interest from at least two teams according to a report from Manish Mehta. The Rams have about 1.8 million in space and are rumored to be targeting pass rusher Junior Galette. The Rams should explore if they can shed some space by cutting Mannion and unloading some late round picks.
Mannion is in his 3rd year and has looked shaky at best this preseason. The Oregon State QB hasn’t appeared to grasp McVay’s offense and while again, preseason isn’t the end all be all, he doesn’t look like a starter. If a Bridgewater deal could be struck, he’d be a solid one year insurance policy for Goff. Also, because of his mobility, that could add an extra dimension to McVay’s offense. It also allows for the use of more RPOs, which the Rams don’t run a lot of.
Other Solutions
If Bridgewater can’t be acquired then there are other options. They could also trade for Packers back up Brett Hundley, who has looked improved this preseason and started a lot of games last year. There is also the possibility the Cardinals cut Mike Glennon who is at least competent in a pinch. The backup QB position is an underrated concern but its a concern. The NFC is loaded with some great defenses and Goff isn’t made of adamantium. Bridgewater is a pipe dream, but relying on Mannion is a nightmare.
The Oregon State QB hasn’t appeared to grasp McVay’s offense and while again, preseason isn’t the end all be all, he doesn’t look like a starter.