We’re less than two weeks into the Rams’ offseason and there’s already a quarterback controversy – started by none other than Sean McVay and Les Snead. Neither the coach nor GM would commit to Jared Goff as the starter when asked repeatedly whether he’ll be the team’s quarterback in 2021, raising questions about what the Rams plan to do at the most important position in sports.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there could be an open competition between Goff and John Wolford if the Rams don’t trade Goff this offseason.
“Here is my understanding of where it is for the Los Angeles Rams,” Rapoport said Wednesday. “If Jared Goff is not traded. If he remains on the team in 2021, expect an open quarterback competition in training camp. It’d be John Wolford, who they like a lot, versus Jared Goff, their starter for the last several years. We will see if Goff is able to limit some of the turnovers, increase the explosive plays and keep this job, or if it is John Wolford who ends up taking it.”
From NFL Now: #Rams QB Jared Goff has done so many good things in LA – 45 wins since 2017! – while John Wolford impressed during his short window. Expect an open QB competition in camp to help it shake out, I'm told. pic.twitter.com/mPSEuaDiF1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2021
Wolford impressed McVay and the Rams when he started in Week 17 against the Cardinals and then again in the wild-card round against Seattle. He wound up suffering a stinger and couldn’t play against the Packers, but it’s reasonable to think he may have gotten some action if healthy.
He’s more mobile than Goff, which seems to be McVay’s preferred quarterback style, and he showed some aggressiveness throwing downfield against the Cardinals. Though he isn’t a sure bet to succeed as a starter, it’s not crazy for the Rams to give him a shot.
