McVay, Rams Listed as Suitor for Potential Zach Wilson Trade
The Los Angeles Rams saw their season flash before their eyes when star quarterback Matthew Stafford went down with a thumb injury against the Dallas Cowboys.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, a bye week provided some relief and Stafford returned quickly, missing just one start (a loss to the Green Bay Packers). The absence was a referendum on the state of the quarterback room, and while Carson Wentz proved to be a worthwhile late-season addition, the spot remains unresolved.
As the offseason rolls on, the quarterback tasked with sitting behind Stafford will be an important one, not only for the relief he may provide in the wake of an injury but for the long-term future of the franchise.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The search for a backup quarterback continues, and it may have general manager Les Snead searching the trade block. There, he may check in on New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.
Wilson was the second-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and is yet to deliver on the promise of his potential. The Jets could have surrounded him with more talent, better protection, and an offensive coordinator that didn’t get described as the worst coaching job in the history of the sport by Sean Payton.
The results were historically bad. Since he entered the league, no passer has seen as much playing time while performing as poorly as Wilson has. By expected points added per play and success rate, he was the worst quarterback in the NFL with at least 320 plays.
As such, a change of scenery is as necessary as it is inevitable. There’s some talent to harness, his arm is strong, he’s a good athlete, and his out-of-structure flashes can make some forget about the down-to-down struggles. How much the Rams want to tap into that will decide their interest.
ESPN reported, though, that Los Angeles and the San Francisco 49ers are among the potential suitors.
“The Rams and 49ers are among intriguing options for quarterback Zach Wilson, who has permission to seek a trade from the Jets,” Jeremy Fowler said. “Wilson is looking for a skilled offensive head coach and a place to revive his career. Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan both need backup QB help at the moment.”
In terms of what Wilson is looking for – a talented cast, a quarterback guru, and the chance to sit – Los Angeles certainly fits the bill. That doesn’t make a move particularly likely.
Developing quarterbacks takes time, and the Rams are in a competitive window. If Stafford were to go down, Wilson doesn’t provide the kind of relief a Jacoby Brissett or Joe Flacco-type. With how he’s played, it’s hard to feel confident in him as anything more than a developmental third quarterback.
As far as lottery tickets go in the search for the next franchise quarterback, there may be better avenues to consider. Wilson will require an extension after next season, most likely without the opportunity to show he has improved. He’s toolsy, but not otherworldly in a way that can’t be found late in the NFL Draft.
It makes more sense for Los Angeles to fall in love with a passer on the draft’s second or third day. A quarterback who provides immediate value as a second quarterback and the talent (and timeline) to spark optimism as a long-term starter makes more sense.
