The Los Angeles Rams could be a potential landing spot for Johnny Manziel if the quarterback is released by the Cleveland Browns this offseason. The Rams are likely going to upgrade at the position this offseason and players like Paxton Lynch, Carson Wentz and Connor Cook could be potential targets in the NFL draft for Jeff Fisher.
The Rams are currently in the middle of moving to Los Angeles, but the team still is working on evaluating players for the draft and figuring out what roster moves to make this offseason. According to Ed Werder at ESPN.com, the Rams were mentioned as a potential landing spot for Manziel if he is released by the Browns. Werder writes that Manziel has "told people" that the Cowboys, Rams and Chiefs are "interested in him."
The Browns reportedly will move on from Manziel after the quarterback has had multiple off the field incidents over the past year. Werder writes that the Rams had previous draft interest in Manziel, while the Chiefs did not have any. The Cowboys have been mentioned in media reports as a potential landing spot for Manziel, as the quarterback would "love" to end up in Dallas. ESPN Dallas reporter Todd Archer writes that it's "hard to imagine" Manziel ending up in Dallas at this point.
The Rams also may try and make a major move if Peyton Manning doesn't retire, as ESPN reports that the team has had "internal discussions" about bringing Manning to Los Angeles if he does not retire. Manning reportedly is considering retirement, but if he does want to play another year, there is a chance he may not return to Denver. Adam Schefter writes that sources said the Rams have talked about Manning and could go after him if he opts to put retirement on hold for another season.
The Rams may not end up adding Manziel, but the team surely needs to consider making some moves after the way the offense performed last season. The Rams had one of the worst passing offenses in the league last season and that has made upgrading at the quarterback position a priority for Jeff Fisher. The team picks in the middle of the first round and that could give the team the chance to add a quarterback.
Mel Kiper at ESPN has the team taking Paxton Lynch with the number 15 pick in the first round and he could be a main target for the Rams. Carson Wentz may be off the board by that pick, while Jared Goff is likely out of reach for the team. Lynch needs some work after coming out of Memphis, but he has the chance to be a potential starter in the NFL, according to Kiper.
The team could be interested in adding a top QB prospect or someone like Manziel if he is released, as the Rams already have a franchise player at running back in Todd Gurley. Gurley put up great numbers last season as a rookie despite defenses knowing that the Rams passing offense was not much of a threat. Fisher would love to get a more consistent option at quarterback over Foles, who completed just 56 percent of his passes last season.
