Los Angeles Rams Reportedly complete Trade for 3rd-Year Quarterback by Outbidding Division Rivals.

The Los Angeles Rams were once again in search of a backup quarterback for Matthew Stafford. Initially, there was speculation that Carson Wentz might be re-signed during free agency. However, as time went by, viable options from the free agency pool were dwindling, leaving uncertainty about their course of action. Ultimately, they settled on Jimmy Garoppolo, but recent reports suggest they were also negotiating with the Washington Commanders to secure Sam Howell, a fifth-round draft pick from 2022.

Los Angeles Rams in the trade market for Sam Howell

The Seattle Seahawks outbid the Rams for Sam Howell, despite strong interest from the Rams coaching staff. The Rams were keen on Howell and wanted him badly, but ultimately the Seahawks secured him with a higher offer. This outcome is seen as positive, as the Rams not only acquired Howell but also prevented a potential rival team from obtaining him, which could have positioned him as a successor for their quarterback.

Seattle acquired Sam Howell from the Rams in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 78) and a fifth-round pick (No. 152). Additionally, Seattle received a fourth-round pick (No. 102) and a sixth-round pick (No. 179) from the Rams. Although the Rams had the draft assets to potentially match Seattle’s offer, it would have left them with only one pick between the second and fifth rounds. Instead, the Rams traded their fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft to Pittsburgh for Kevin Dotson.

In 2023, Sam Howell assumed the starting quarterback role for the Commanders. Despite a shaky start, he showed flashes of brilliance, even leading the league in passing yards at one point. Throughout the season, he threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his running ability with 263 rushing yards and five touchdowns. However, he also faced challenges, enduring a league-high 65 sacks during the regular season.

Sam's NFL Film Room: Should Sam Howell be the Washington Commanders starting QB in 2023? - Hogs Haven

During Week 15, Sean McVay, the Rams’ head coach, had a firsthand experience observing Howell’s performance. In that game, Howell struggled significantly, completing just 11 out of 26 passes for 102 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. His underwhelming performance led to him being benched after throwing an interception in the fourth quarter.

Finding Stafford’s Successor

The question of who will succeed Matthew Stafford has been a topic of discussion within the Rams’ front office. Some draft experts have even predicted that the Rams might select a quarterback in the first three rounds of the draft. Analysts like Garofolo have suggested that this trade could have been an attempt to address that potential succession plan.

Recent backup quarterback signings, including Garoppolo, have been driven by the desire to have a capable player who can step in and keep the team competitive if Stafford is unavailable. This strategy was evident when they signed Baker Mayfield in 2022 and Carson Wentz in 2023.

It’s clear that the Rams wouldn’t trade draft capital for a player unless they believed he had the ability to fulfill at least the role of keeping the team competitive in Stafford’s absence. However, discussions about a long-term successor will likely be put on hold until the NFL Draft begins at the end of the month.