LA Rams: Acquiring Jimmy G. Was Plan B

Although the Rams coaching staff wanted Mr. Howell, the Seahawks outbid Los Angeles. Per CBS, “It’s not clear what the Rams offered for Mr. Howell, but whatever it was, the Commanders liked Seattle’s offer better.”

“Howell started all 17 games for Washington last year during a season where the Commanders went 4-13. Howell actually started a game against the Rams last season, but he struggled in a 28-20 loss, going just 11 of 26 for 102 yards before being benched in the fourth quarter with his team trailing the Rams, 28-7.”

Mr. Howell played three years of college ball for the University of North Carolina, starting in all 37 games in which he played. In his freshman year (2019), he was named ACC Rookie of the Year, and he made the freshman All-American team. In 2021, Howell gave up his final year of college eligibility and declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Commanders selected Howell in the fifth round of the draft.

After the Commanders Traded Howell to Seattle, LA Executed Plan B

Per CBS:

“Once Howell got dealt to Seattle, the Rams immediately went to Plan B. Less than 24 hours after the Howell trade went down, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency to fill their opening at backup quarterback. The only problem with the Garoppolo signing is that he’ll be suspended for the first two weeks of the season, which means the Rams will still need to find someone to play the role of backup for their first two games of 2024.”

Even though Mr. Garoppolo may have been Plan B, Rams head coach Sean McVay has made clear that he is pleased to have him in the team’s quarterback room.

Howell Will Be Geno Smith’s Back-Up in Seattle

Geno Smith has been the starting quarterback for the Seahawks for the past two seasons.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said, “Geno’s the guy, and Sam will be backing him up.” However, according to ESPN, the Seahawks brass believes Mr. Howell “has the traits to potentially develop into a quality, full-time starter.”

Mr. Smith is 33 years old. Mr. Howell is ten years younger — only 23.

Mr. Howell hopes to eventually become the starter for the Seahawks, and per a  Seattle source, he is expected “He’ll battle his ass off” for the role.

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