When could the Los Angeles Rams move on from Jared Goff?

In the midst of an awful showing on Sunday, it’s worth wondering–when could the Los Angeles Rams move on from Jared Goff

The arrival of Sean McVay as the Rams head coach in 2017 was just what Jared Goff needed. Ove the 2017 and 2018 campaigns the latter of which ended in a Super Bowl appearance, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft had 60 touchdowns passes against just 19 interceptions. Over that span he also completed close to 64 percent of his passes and averaged more than 8.0 yards per attempt with a 100.8 passer rating.

Much was made of McVay’s ability to stay in Goff’s ear as long as he could via in-helmet communication. It felt like the definition of the term “system quarterback,” with McVay’s offensive design as well as his perceived input into making reads for Goff at the line of scrimmage.

Last year, just after signing a contract extension with a then-record $110 million in guaranteed money, Goff led the NFL in pass attempts (626). He topped 4,600 yards for the second straight year, but by every other measure he was worse compared to 2019 (22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, etc.).

The Rams took advantage of a soft schedule to get to 5-2 heading into Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. They’ve beaten the entire NFC (L)East, and the flimsy 5-2 that is the Chicago Bears.

The Dolphins took a 28-7 lead in the first half, and had a 28-10 halftime lead with the help of a defensive touchdown and a punt return touchdown. Goff had two fumbles, including one returned for the aforementioned touchdown, and two interceptions in the first half as he went 15-for-32 for 136 yards.

As it is with other quarterbacks around the league, less Goff is usually more for the Rams and being on pace for 64 pass attempts in a game is not ideal.

Goff is not in danger of being benched. But there is a big question that’s worth considering.

When could the Rams move on from Jared Goff?

Goff is of course not going anywhere this year. A look at 2021 shows a cap number of $34.625 million with $27 million in guaranteed salary and $27.825 million in cash once a $2.5 million roster bonus is paid out on March 19.

In 2022, via Over The Cap, the numbers become less of an issue. The Rams would take a $15.4 million dead money hit if they cut or traded Goff before June 1, with $17.225 million in cleared cap space. A post-June 1 move in either respect would reduce the dead money to $6.8 million on his $32.625 million cap number.

In 2023, the dead money to cut Goff before June 1 goes down to $8.6 million. They would clear $23.525 million in cap space then.

A move to move on could happen after the 2021 campaign, if Goff’s level of play pushes it that way. But for better or worse, the Rams are more likely stuck with him through the 2022 season.