[Dare]

Last night I was having some beer and chips (with guac) with some friends who are fans of other teams. One guy was from Jacksonville, and posed a question to me. With Coen and Waldron on the team the question was directed at me.

Last year there was apparently a debate among senior leadership (i.e. front office) about extending Trevor Lawrence. Some said they were spinning their wheels trying to build a team quick enough around him while his costs are escalating.

This year they are picking 3rd in the draft and in position to take Ward or Sanders with the benefit of the 5th year option controlling the costs while they rebuild. Lawrence is at his peak value now. The argument was what if Lawrence isn't ready to start in Sept? He has a shoulder injury. His trade value is already diminished to teams that can afford if necessary, to sit him for a year to allow him to heal completely.

My friend asked me if I thought the Rams would be interested and what might Lawrence bring? I told him that with Stafford the Rams are going to sit the next presumably rookie for at least a year. The Rams could afford to sit Lawrence for the year on IR. They would probably give the Jags 3 firsts for him. That would go a long ways to rebuilding their franchise.

The Rams would see that the cost would be $17M in 2025, $24M 2026 and $35M in 2027. I told him IMO the Rams would absolutely take that. The Jags would then have 6 first round picks over the next 3 years and it they can't rebuild with that they never will. I asked him if the idea was actually being floated. He said "rumors" and I laughed and shook my head.

But they are looking at Detroit and how trading Stafford jumped started their rebuild. A rookie QB gives them 5 years of affordable contracts. My friend said that if Snead were to approach them they would probably seriously listen. I tend to agree.

[Youngblood22]

No frickin way 3 first round picks. I can't even get my head to imagine that

[actionjack]

No frickin way 3 first round picks. I can't even get my head to imagine that

[PARAM]

No frickin way 3 first round picks. I can't even get my head to imagine that

The guy is smokin some serious ganja!!! Most people who interact on an internet sports forum talk, discuss, debate, etc. Others just like the clickity clack of their keyboard. I realized a long time ago, there is more to learn on one of these sites than there is to teach. And I've tried to find what can be learned from his novels but have come up empty......outside of "brevity is your best friend".

[rams74]

No frickin way 3 first round picks. I can't even get my head to imagine that

He does this on purpose, you know.

[Indrid Cold]

And I've tried to find what can be learned from his novels but have come up empty......outside of "brevity is your best friend".

Lots and lots of words for total non-starter ideas.

Of course, could get onboard with the Rams' plan and everyone else here...Rams are going for the SB with Stafford for the next 2 years and don't give a crap about who the next QB is.

[Elvis]

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=17307&p=297330&hilit=lawrence#p297330

Earlier on Lawrence:

I saw that stuff too and thought pretty much as you are. But the estimated cost of 3 first round picks minimum is really high. Also, he's not really plug n play. He's got a whole lot of issues that suggest either coaching issues with the Panthers (most likely) or work ethic with the player. He will need a year to learn the offense and get coached up. That said what's the difference between him and a rookie?

He throws a lot of INTs which suggests he isn't reading well either through poor prep (his part) or coaching. A rookie like Leonard will cost 2 first round picks to get to about #10 where the Bears pick who don't need a QB. Leonard is projected to go in that range.

The Rams have the perfect QBs to mentor a rookie in Stafford or Jimmy who would be the bridge. If he struggles badly in his second year then if they signed Jimmy to a 2 year deal they have a ready to play vet in house.

If Jimmy wins a Lombardi and they want to ride him no problem because that rookie QB is on a rookie contract. The rookie can be trade bait if Jimmy works out. If Lawrence bombs you are out 3 picks with no QB.

That is why I think if they are going to draft a QB then Jimmy on a 2-3 yr deal gives them security at the position that you don't get with Stafford who will cost them about $50M next year alone. One of the beat writers for the Rams suggested that some comments by Stafford after Sunday's game makes her believe he knows he's done.

[Flash]

Frequently wrong but never in doubt...