The Los Angeles Rams have decided to go with veteran Case Keenum as their starting quarterback at the outset of their first season back in L.A. This has predictably led to a number of questions about top overall pick Jared Goff, but apparently this entire situation could have been completely different.
According to Ian Rapaport of NFL Network, the Rams and Broncos have some discussions about a potential trade for Keenum, but the Broncos ultimately decided to stick with Trevor Siemian:
This preseason, #Broncos kept tabs on #Rams QB Case Keenum & the teams had trade talks. Denver’s confidence in Siemian helped scuttle talks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2016
The Broncos are said to have a lot of confidence in Siemian and he looked capable in the Broncos’ season opening win against the Carolina Panthers, even though his numbers don’t look too great. Had they not had that belief in him, however, and they were able to work out a trade for Keenum, things would be very different in Los Angeles.
The main question is whether head coach Jeff Fisher would have gone with Goff as the team’s starter. Sean Mannion outplayed him during the preseason and is the team’s backup as Goff won’t dress for the opener. Fisher has also been very outspoken about taking it slow with Goff. But without the veteran on the roster maybe that mindset would have changed.
Ultimately things didn’t work out and both the Broncos and Rams have the players they want under center.
