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As free agency begins, quarterback market still unclear for Rams
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ins-quarterback-market-still-unclear-for-rams
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- At 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, the free-agent negotiating window will give way to the real business of the NFL and the Los Angeles Rams and the rest of the league will finally be able to be about action rather than discussion.
The two-day negotiating window has offered some early answers on destinations for top free agents such as end Malik Jackson, pass-rusher Bruce Irvin and guard Kelechi Osemele. But the game's most important position, quarterback, still hasn't gained clarity.
From a Rams' perspective, interest in the free-agent quarterbacks has either been a well-kept secret or it's just plain tepid. That doesn't mean the Rams won't kick the tires on some of the available signal callers, but it seems other dominoes may need to fall before we see if the Rams are going to seriously pursue a free agent or wait until the draft to get better there.
Heading toward the start of the new league year, here's what we know about some of the quarterbacks poised to hit the market:
Brock Osweiler, Denver Broncos -- Osweiler is widely-regarded as the best option on the market and it seems that a two-horse race between the Broncos and Houston Texans has emerged. Reports have indicated that Osweiler is pondering offers in the $13-15 million annual range. If that's the case, it's understandable why the Rams might not be willing to get in the mix. Osweiler doesn't have much of a sample size and a commitment beyond one year at a high price comes with its share of risk.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets -- Fitzpatrick has long been presumed to return to the Jets and though that still could be in the works, there are contradictory reports on how close the two sides are to a deal. The New York Daily News believes it's all posturing and the marriage between the two will continue. Fitzpatrick could become an option for the Broncos if they lose out on Osweiler but otherwise, it doesn't seem the market for him is more than lukewarm. The Rams drafted Fitzpatrick when he entered the league but they don't offer the situation the Jets do in terms of receiver help.
Chase Daniel, Kansas City Chiefs -- Daniel doesn't seem like a fit for the Rams since he's a bit redundant with current projected starter Case Keenum. Nonetheless, he brings some intrigue simply because there's a bit of the unknown based on his lack of opportunities as a starter. Even though they re-signed Sam Bradford, there are multiple reports that a reunion with coach Doug Pederson in Philadelphia could be in the offing for Daniel. Still, if he wants to be a starter, he'll probably need to look elsewhere.
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins -- Washington did what was long expected on Monday when it released Griffin. Immediately, the rumors connecting Griffin and the Rams heated up again. But ESPN's Ed Werder reported that the Rams had "no significant interest" in Griffin and while that left some wiggle room with the use of the word significant, there haven't been any signs of the Rams making a push in that direction yet.
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers -- This is still the name that makes the most sense to me for the Rams on this list from a scheme, cost (on a new, short-term deal) and upside standpoint. He's the most accomplished in terms of winning in the postseason and he's still young enough to turn his career around. The Niners have said they want to keep Kaepernick but there have been signs to the contrary, including potential interest in Griffin. And there's still a good chance San Francisco will use the No. 7 overall pick on a quarterback. What the Niners do in the next couple of weeks should tip their hand on Kaepernick's future, but it seems unlikely the Rams would want to offer much, if anything, in trade when they know he could ultimately be released. Kaepernick has his warts or he wouldn't be on this list but we'll keep monitoring this situation moving forward.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ins-quarterback-market-still-unclear-for-rams
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- At 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, the free-agent negotiating window will give way to the real business of the NFL and the Los Angeles Rams and the rest of the league will finally be able to be about action rather than discussion.
The two-day negotiating window has offered some early answers on destinations for top free agents such as end Malik Jackson, pass-rusher Bruce Irvin and guard Kelechi Osemele. But the game's most important position, quarterback, still hasn't gained clarity.
From a Rams' perspective, interest in the free-agent quarterbacks has either been a well-kept secret or it's just plain tepid. That doesn't mean the Rams won't kick the tires on some of the available signal callers, but it seems other dominoes may need to fall before we see if the Rams are going to seriously pursue a free agent or wait until the draft to get better there.
Heading toward the start of the new league year, here's what we know about some of the quarterbacks poised to hit the market:
Brock Osweiler, Denver Broncos -- Osweiler is widely-regarded as the best option on the market and it seems that a two-horse race between the Broncos and Houston Texans has emerged. Reports have indicated that Osweiler is pondering offers in the $13-15 million annual range. If that's the case, it's understandable why the Rams might not be willing to get in the mix. Osweiler doesn't have much of a sample size and a commitment beyond one year at a high price comes with its share of risk.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets -- Fitzpatrick has long been presumed to return to the Jets and though that still could be in the works, there are contradictory reports on how close the two sides are to a deal. The New York Daily News believes it's all posturing and the marriage between the two will continue. Fitzpatrick could become an option for the Broncos if they lose out on Osweiler but otherwise, it doesn't seem the market for him is more than lukewarm. The Rams drafted Fitzpatrick when he entered the league but they don't offer the situation the Jets do in terms of receiver help.
Chase Daniel, Kansas City Chiefs -- Daniel doesn't seem like a fit for the Rams since he's a bit redundant with current projected starter Case Keenum. Nonetheless, he brings some intrigue simply because there's a bit of the unknown based on his lack of opportunities as a starter. Even though they re-signed Sam Bradford, there are multiple reports that a reunion with coach Doug Pederson in Philadelphia could be in the offing for Daniel. Still, if he wants to be a starter, he'll probably need to look elsewhere.
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins -- Washington did what was long expected on Monday when it released Griffin. Immediately, the rumors connecting Griffin and the Rams heated up again. But ESPN's Ed Werder reported that the Rams had "no significant interest" in Griffin and while that left some wiggle room with the use of the word significant, there haven't been any signs of the Rams making a push in that direction yet.
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers -- This is still the name that makes the most sense to me for the Rams on this list from a scheme, cost (on a new, short-term deal) and upside standpoint. He's the most accomplished in terms of winning in the postseason and he's still young enough to turn his career around. The Niners have said they want to keep Kaepernick but there have been signs to the contrary, including potential interest in Griffin. And there's still a good chance San Francisco will use the No. 7 overall pick on a quarterback. What the Niners do in the next couple of weeks should tip their hand on Kaepernick's future, but it seems unlikely the Rams would want to offer much, if anything, in trade when they know he could ultimately be released. Kaepernick has his warts or he wouldn't be on this list but we'll keep monitoring this situation moving forward.
