2019 Los Angeles Rams roster preview: Blake Bortles a welcomed addition at backup QB

The quarterback position is undoubtedly the most important in football.

Having any sort of confidence that the season will meet or exceed expectations immediately gets laid to rest when your signal-caller rides a cart into the tunnel. So while you hope to never actually see them taking meaningful snaps, having a capable backup QB is essential if you’re hoping to not punt on the remainder of the year.

For the first time in several years, it won’t be Sean Mannion who’s told to strap on his helmet should the unfortunate occur.

No, in 2019 the Los Angeles Rams’ insurance policy for Jared Goff is none other than former Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles. This past March, after four years, the Rams parted ways with Mannion and inked Bortles to a one-year deal worth $1m — not too shabby for a guy who had his team in the AFC Championship just two seasons ago.

Expectations

Let’s face it, he’s an upgrade over Mannion but he’s also still Blake Bortles, ya know? He certainly wasn’t brought in to challenge Goff as the team’s starter, so let’s not go there Mr. Dickerson. My expectations are to not see him on Sundays (or Mondays or Thursdays) and for him to simply provide a bit of veteran leadership this year.

That said, if it came down to it, the level of confidence that Bortles would instill if he had to take over as the team’s starter would most definitely be higher than in years past (read: he’s far better than Mannion).

Honestly, I think it would’ve been nice if they were able to lock Bortles up for more than a single year, but my guess is that he’s a one-and-done in Los Angeles as he’ll chase a starting gig elsewhere next season.

Roster Battle

Nothing to see here, folks.

Chances of making the final roster (10/10)

Backup QB salaries in 2019:

1. Chase Daniel, Bears - $6.0m
2. Chad Henne, Chiefs - $4.1m
3. Drew Stanton, Browns - $3.77m
4. Case Keenum, Washington - $3.5m
5. Tyrod Taylor, Chargers - $3.5m
6. Colt McCoy, Washington - $3.38m
7. Teddy Bridgewater, Saints - $3.25m
8. Nate Sudfeld, Eagles - $3.1m
9. AJ McCarron, Texans - $3.0m
10. Brian Hoyer, Patriots - $3.0m
11. Jacoby Brissett, Colts - $2.02m
12. Trevor Siemian, Jets - $2.0m
13. Brett Hundley, Cardinals - $1.88m
14. Ryan Tannehill, Titans - $1.88m
15. Mike Glennon, Raiders - $1.87m
16. Matt Barkley, Bills - $1.74m
17. Blaine Gabbert, Buccaneers - $1.6m
18. Robert Griffin III, Ravens - $1.5m
19. Matt Schaub, Falcons - $1.4m
20. Kevin Hogan, Broncos - $1.3m
21. Josh Rosen, Dolphins - $1.28m —> If Fitzmagic is backup, bump him up to No. 2 ($5.5M)
22. Drew Lock, Broncos - $1.27m
23. Ryan Griffin, Buccaneers - $1.26m
24. Alex Tanney, Giants - $1.11m
25. Bortle Kombat

At $1m, Bortles will be the 58th-highest paid QB in the NFL in 2019, and the 25th-highest paid backup. He’s a former first round pick (No. 3 overall) who has five years of NFL experience and is two years removed from a conference championship game. He’s not going anywhere.