Rams Backup QB: Sign Teddy Bridgewater to Help Matthew Stafford?
Last season, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford missed eight games with a concussion and a spinal cord contusion. The injuries were severe enough to raise questions as to whether Stafford would retire.
But those retirement rumors were put to rest when Stafford told his wife, Kelly, on her podcast, The Morning After with Kelly Stafford, that he would return for the 2023 season.
Last year during Stafford's absence, Rams general manager Les Snead brought Baker Mayfield off the waivers. But after an impressive string of performances with the Rams, Mayfield earned a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a chance to be named their starter.
Mayfield's departure leaves Stafford as the lone quarterback under contract for the Rams.
That said, Snead must add another quarterback to the roster, as it's better to feel comfortable about having insurance than betting on 35-year-old Stafford to play a full year after almost being forced to retire.
The most logical answer for the Rams would be to bring in someone with experience rather than to bet on an unproven rookie to back up Stafford.
After examining the remaining free agent market, the most practical signing would be 2015 Pro Bowler Teddy Bridgewater.
The 30-year-old quarterback has nine years of NFL experience and has appeared in 78 NFL games.
Bridgewater has earned a reputation across the league for being a strong locker-room presence that can earn his teammates' respect.
This would bode well with the Rams as head coach Sean McVay and Les Snead have created a culture of respect within the Rams organization.
Last season, Bridgewater backed up Tua Tagovailoa for the Miami Dolphins and was serviceable when coming in for injury relief.
Snead should give Bridgwater a comprehensive look, as Bridgewater should be relatively inexpensive for the Rams based on the deals other backups have received in free agency.
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