After much speculation regarding his future with the New England Patriots, Ryan Mallett has been sent packing. The quarterback formerly out of Arkansas was at one point thought to be the future of the franchise once Tom Brady moved on. However, New England drafted Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round, leaving question marks around Mallett. Now, the team has officially traded him to the Houston Texans, leaving fewer options for other teams.
The Patriots traded Mallett to the Texans as reported by ESPN in exchange for draft picks. The move had been predicted for months. Houston's quarterback play had been struggling in the preseason. After trading away Matt Schaub, Ryan Fitzpatrick took over as the starter, but has struggled alongside backups, Tom Savage and Case Keenum. Mallett was working off an expiring contract and had good history with head coach Bill O'Brien after the two worked together in New England.
Mallett will now have a chance to start at quarterback if a few things go right. According to ESPN, Houston waived Keenum to make room at the quarterback position. Mallett could easily earn the starting role if Fitzpatrick continues to struggle. Right now it looks like he will be placed ahead of Savage on the depth chart. Mallett appeared in three games during the preseason, throwing for 161 yards off 14 of 26 passing and one touchdown.
So where does that leave the other quarterbacks? Right now, there are a few teams sorting through the recent roster cuts, looking for additions. All eyes shift to the St. Louis Rams and their potential quest to replace the injured Sam Bradford. Right now, Shaun Hill has been penciled in to start. The Rams officially released sixth-round draft pick Garrett Gilbert. They essentially have no depth behind Hill at this point and while head coach Jeff Fisher continues to stress no quarterback deals are in place, their roster says otherwise.
The best available options would be Mark Sanchez, Kirk Cousins and Christian Ponder. All three quarterbacks have denied any trade reports. However, all three quarterbacks are likely to not see the field this season despite their talent. Cousins will be too expensive of a pickup for the Rams, but Sanchez or Ponder might come cheap. Sanchez might be the best option and Chip Kelly has already said he is willing to deal. The St. Louis Rams just need to admit a move must be made.
