An interesting topic came up on twitter today, when ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested that a team would potentially try to – and the Rams might be interested in listening to – trade offers for Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff a year or two down the road.
Now this is obviously not a rumor or speculation, but more so a look at how the Rams could continue to keep star talent all over their roster by not having to potentially pay Goff $100M(+) when the time comes due. It’s certainly a very risky proposition, as there are no guarantees the Rams don’t completely fall apart without a strong QB.
There are a few things to consider here. First of all, you’d have to come to grips with trading away the No. 1 overall pick without any guarantees of acquiring an even half decent starter. Sean Mannion certainly wouldn’t be able to carry the team to the postseason. And then you’d have to consider whether or not Sean McVay would be the QB whisperer to another young QB and provide the same type of results we saw from Goff in 2017. But if you can wrap your brain around the idea, the next question is what the compensation would look like.
If the Rams were to be offered a 1st round pick, the answer is definitely no. But if a team, let’s say a not very good team with a huge need for a QB, was to offer you TWO first round picks, then maybe it’s something to consider. Maybe not. But at some point in time the potential trade compensation has to get you thinking.
At any rate, the TST staff were having some fun with the idea…well, we were mostly bickering, but I felt it might be something the TST fans – who are smarter than us – might enjoy.
Here are a few of our thoughts. We hope you’ll share yours in the comments below:
Sosa Kremenjas
Yeah, I’d be open to it. I think it could be a stroke of brilliance if performed properly, though the NFL is a very old-school type of league so let me preface this by saying I don’t think it’ll ever happen. But back to the pros/cons. This offense has far more to do with Sean McVay than it does with Jared Goff. He simplifies the game for the QB. His route combinations and plans of attack are downright brilliant. You have arguably the best RB in the league. The offensive line is strong. The trio of weapons are among the best in the league. If you can find another QB who can offer you 5 years of controlled costs (as well as potentially multiple draft picks) to improve the team elsewhere, you’re a Superbowl contender. It also helps to do it in a year where there’s a strong draft, particularly at QB, such as the past two drafts. Lastly, how many QB’s could start for Sean McVay right now and give you what Jared Goff gives you? 10? 15? Maaaybe 20?
Again, I don’t think it will happen, but it would absolutely be something I’d be open to.
Tevin Broner
I can’t see the Rams trading Goff. Teams are scared to trade or get rid of QBs like Blake Bortles or Andy Dalton. Hell, I was surprised when the Rams got rid of Sam Bradford.
With that being said, I could imagine a scenario with the Rams finding a QB in the draft and maybe Goff gets injured. But it just seems far-fetched, even if I think that he’s a system QB.
Charlie Hiller
I’ve wondered about the idea of flipping Goff for a rookie/FA when the time comes but it’s incredibly risky. If you think that McVay truly is a QB whisperer who can turn an average-to-replacement-level guy into a serviceable starter, then pull the trigger. But if Goff had any bit to do with last season’s success, I think you have to keep him and build around him. Who knows, maybe he’s one of those “team friendly” guys when it comes to be contract time. That being said, if there’s a QB projecting to be a late 1st or 2nd rounder and McVay wants him…I think he’s earned the benefit of the doubt. Even at the risk of plunging the team right back into quarterback hell.
Eric Nagel
No, trading Goff is a silly idea. Quarterback is easily the most in demand position in football, and getting rid of someone, who admittedly the jury is still out on (but put up nearly 4000 yards and 30TDs last year) is quite frankly stupid.
Teams would kill for that level of production, and there is no guarantee a rookie would be able to replicate that.
Put it this way – you don’t trade him, and you’ll probably get similar stats. Trade him and it doesn’t work out? Somebody is getting fired. If that’s your level of risk, cool. But it isn’t mine.
Hotdaddywags
Short answer: no. No, you don’t deal a promising QB prospect at or near the end of his rookie deal. We’ve played hell trying to find a capable signal caller for a decade, and we’ve got a kid who has a high ceiling and is a good fit for our offense. Still, it’s an intriguing notion – if Goff is average in 2018 and the Rams fall short of expectations based on his play, you have to wonder how that impacts his sticker price. And if that price is too high, and you’ve established a strong trade market, identified a veteran stopgap solution and a draft target, you definitely consider it. But until we have more information, I’m in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” camp and am hopeful Goff silences his critics and becomes a guy worthy of the big bucks.
Joey Aucoin
I would hope that if Goff isn’t a top 5-10 QB, his agents won’t ask for the farm. Like, if it’s clear that he’s Andy Dalton or Blake Bortles (which is not the case yet), he shouldn’t get Derek Carr money. I want Goff to succeed and still feel like he’s getting better. I want this season to be proof that all of the “Goff sucks” jerks have been jumping the gun.
seattlerams
Right now I’m a big no. The Rams spent 8 years looking for someone to fill the position after Marc Bulger left. Goff might not be Drew Bree’s, but it’s working, so leave things as they are.
However, with that said… I am on board with allowing Sean McVay to do anything he wishes with this team. If he wants to move Jared Goff along for a used pizza box, I am going to trust his beautiful ass to make it work.
Brandon Bate
I’d definitely listen to offers. I realize it’s a huge risk trading away your quarterback. I also think Sean McVay has the potential to turn an average QB into a very good one — especially if he’s able to maintain the talent level around him. The setup the Rams have now, with Goff on his rookie contract, is ideal. It’s a large part of what’s allowed them to build the roster as you see it today. Again, it’s risky, but I would put my trust in McVay to get a signal caller – whether it be a free agent or a rookie – ready and make the Rams a consistently solid team.