Sam Bradford’s Injury Gives Backups Hope

Jeffrey Beall-Flickr

When looking at the aftermath of the St. Louis Rams‘ unfortunate loss of Sam Bradford for the season, due to an ACL tear, I see an opportunity for some other QBs around the league. It does not matter who the QB is. At this level of ball, no QB wants to be a backup. There are some top caliber Backups who are salivating at such an opportunity. Let’s take a look at a few.

• Michael Vick – New York Jets: MV7 or 1 now has officially lost the QB battle for New York (that he claims never happened) to 2^nd year vet Geno Smith. Should the Jets feel generous enough to offer him up to St. Louis, what would he be worth to them for such an electric player? 2^nd or 3^rd round picks are possible or both even.

• Ryan Mallett – New England Patriots: Being under the tutelage of one of the fiercest competitors in the game in Tom “Terrific” Brady has it’s perks.  If Pats’ Owner and Bill Belichick feel that Jimmy Garoppolo is the future, then sending Mallet to St. Louis would be a no-brainer and they could be compensated nicely considering their need.

• Johnny Manziel – Cleveland Browns: This may be a long shot considering what the Browns paid for him. Maybe they trade this talented media magnet and move on with Bryan Hoyer as their guy since he won the job anyway. Who knows they might even be able to get a 1^st rounder as compensation from the Rams.

• Chad Henne – Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags have made it clear they want a QB for the future and drafting Blake Bortles implies that Chad Henne’s days are numbered. Why not give him an opportunity to flourish elsewhere.

• Mark Sanchez – Philadelphia Eagles: I am only putting this option up here because a co-writer mentioned it. I think Sanchez is absolutely the worst-case scenario for the Rams and after watching the “butt-fumble” again on YouTube, I am convinced that this would be a complete mistake to give up any draft stock on such a player.

According to NFL.Com’s Mark Sessler, Jeff Fisher said:

“We move forward as a football team,” Fisher said. “Shaun’s our guy. We’ve brought him here, he’s got experience, we’ve got all the confidence in the world in him.”

I think coaches have to tap-dance for the media and that is exactly what Fisher did today. The Rams’ Defense looks very stout and if they plan on becoming a competitor in a tough NFC West Division, they must bring in one of the 4 (not five, no to Sanchez) above options.

Jermaine Lockett is the CEO and a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.