The One Contract Holding Back the Los Angeles Rams
By Michael Luciano
The Los Angeles Rams looked set to dominate the NFC West for the foreseeable future. They had a genius head coach in Sean McVay, an MVP-caliber running back in Todd Gurley, and a franchise quarterback locked up until 2024 in two-time Pro Bowler and NFC Champion Jared Goff.
What happened?
Compensation update: Rams are giving QB Jared Goff a four-year, $134 million extension that includes an NFL-record $110 million guaranteed, per source. It ties him to LA through 2024 season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2019
Fast forward just one year later and McVay's shine has worn off, Gurley is an Atlanta Falcon, and Goff regressed after throwing just 22 touchdowns against an unsightly 16 interceptions, leading to accusations that his early success was a product of McVay's system.
The contract given to Goff was not only handed out right before a major regression that left the Rams worrying about their long-term future, but it was such an albatross that quality players like Gurley and Dante Fowler had to bite the dust to keep the Rams financially flexible.
Goff could make all of that a moot point if he started to play like a No. 1 overall pick, but he hasn't, as his increasingly poor ball security has the Rams worried about the stability of the franchise.
Jared Goff throws a touchdown pass to Quandre Diggs pic.twitter.com/0Ot7UJZYvO
— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) December 9, 2019
Has Goff shown that he can be a franchise guy in this league with quality support around him? Yes. Can he win crucial games for the Rams? Yes. Is he worth a contract that makes him the third highest-paid quarterback in the league? Absolutely not.