Rams were in on acquiring former starting QB

AJ Schulte

Rams were in on acquiring former starting QB image

It's no secret the Los Angeles Rams have been interested in acquiring a young quarterback behind Matthew Stafford. It's the reason why they selected Stetson Bennett in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. They made the move to sign Jimmy Garoppolo to backup Stafford in the offseason, but he might not have been their first choice.

According to one insider, the Rams were interested in acquiring former Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network recently said on Puck Sports that the Rams wanted Sam Howell “badly” before he was acquired by the Seattle Seahawks.

 

 

“They outbid the Rams, who I know that there was a strong feeling on the Rams’ coaching staff that they wanted Sam Howell badly. They really liked him....You got him and you also kept him away from a team that really could’ve used him as a potential successor there.”

The Seahawks did indeed outbid the Rams for Howell, sending a third-round pick, number 78 overall, and a fifth-round pick, number 152, to Washington for Howell, a fourth-round pick (#102) and a sixth-rounder (#179). 

This trade went down March 14th. A day later, the Rams announced they had agreed to terms with the aforementioned Jimmy Garoppolo. 

Were the Rams interested in having Howell as the main, young backup and potential successor to Matthew Stafford? Garoppolo is capable, but is on a one-year deal and isn't likely to be their long-term solution there. If they desperately wanted him, it feels like they definitely could have gotten him given what his trade value ended up being. Instead, he's on a division rival.

Could this impact the Rams' draft strategy? It certainly points to them being interested in a younger quarterback option than what they have. I'd keep an eye on them being interested in Spencer Rattler and maybe even orchestrating a trade up in the second round to secure his services. 

AJ Schulte

AJ Schulte Photo

AJ Schulte previously was an analyst for Pro Football Network in 2019 before rejoining in September of 2023. He currently resides in Texas and has been producing content since 2018. Prior to his time at PFN, AJ gained experience covering the Denver Broncos with SB Nation’s Mile High Report and as part of the editorial staff with The 33rd Team. He spent time gaining formal scouting experience as part of RPM Data in 2023. AJ holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin and is also working on gaining his certification in Sports Law.