Jared Goff’s overall record as the Rams’ quarterback is pretty strong, but that does not keep his job safe.
The writing has appeared in pieces and pieces on the wall in Los Angeles over the past two weeks, possibly leading to a significant change below center. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported an open quarterback competition between Goff and backup John Wolford should be expected if Los Angeles does not trade Goff before the Rams open camp.
As beautiful as it may seem, it’s a development that’s apparently been building up for some time. Wolford impressed in last summer’s camp and in the limited game action he saw at the end of the season, which brought another element of mobility and playmaking into the Los Angeles offense. The Rams staff and front office like Rapoport they saw, and they are ready to give him a legitimate chance to win the job.
We’ve written at least a few times about Goff’s position with the team since the Rams fell to the Packers in the division round, starting with the lack of commitment from coach Sean McVay to Goff and continuing with Les Snead, general manager , on the matter was predictably vague, but also open to significant change. Trading Goff would be an important change.
Goff’s contract is interesting because it’s pretty lucrative for a quarterback who’s never reached the elite level he’s most hoped to see from a former overall no. 1 not (place the post-release indemnity everywhere here). Goff has a guaranteed salary of $ 27.5 million in 2021 and has a cap number of just $ 35 million, which is more than 19 percent of the Rams’ total limit. Per Over The Cap. These types of transactions are not typical of a player trying to move a team clearly and actively.
Los Angeles would save $ 12.75 million from the cap number by trading it until June 1, but would still have to carry the other $ 22.2 million in dead capital. An agreement after June 1 would yield even greater savings ($ 28.15 million), but at the end of the ideal window for making transactions, more than a month after drafting and about six weeks from the start of training camps . At that point, the Rams are shedding more than anything of salaries, and finding a trading partner is likely to be a fool’s errand.
Plan B appears to be the most likely outcome, and then the preparation for a summer showdown between Goff and the former Alliance of American football-striking Wolford. It’s still months away, but you can now look your eyes and ears at the news and coverage.