Carson Wentz’s new deal from the Eagles starts the clock on an extension for Jared Goff, but the Los Angeles Rams are not going to be pressured into urgency.
On Thursday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced a four-year, $128 million contract extension for Carson Wentz that will secure his services through the 2024 season. The No. 1 pick of Wentz’ draft class, Jared Goff, is now one of the next quarterbacks up for a new deal.
Back in March, Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team was not rushing to extend Goff. His fifth-year option for 2020 was picked up — a no-brainer — however that only buys time to talk about contract extension. For what it’s worth, Goff and Wentz have the same agents.
Rams COO Kevin Demoff was asked about Goff’s situation on Friday, as he was set to lead a tour of the team’s new stadium in Inglewood. Via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, the Rams aren’t feeling any pressure to get a deal done with Goff.
They seem to be on a different timetable than we are … I don’t think we’re naive enough to say that Carson signing is not relevant. I just don’t think it changes the timing, The Eagles focused on what they thought was best for their organization. We’re going to focus on what’s best for our organization.
After a Jeff Fisher-stifled rookie season, Goff has made great progress under McVay over the last two years. But it’s also been well-documented regarding McVay regularly staying in Goff’s ear for as long as he can pre-play, practically telling him what to.
It’s become obvious league-wide, but having Goff on his rookie contract has allowed the Rams to assemble one of the most talented rosters in the league. When his cost rises, other players will have to leave for greener pastures. To this point, Goff does not seem to be the kind of franchise quarterback who can cover up shortcomings around him. He needs his supporting cast, but the Rams may not long be able to afford them.
Unless they think there will be a better option out there after the 2020 season, the Rams aren’t likely to replace Goff. But if McVay feels like he can get the same performance from a slightly younger and substantially cheaper quarterback he will surely pass that up the chain to the front office when negotiations with Goff get serious.