The St. Louis Rams opted to trade for Nick Foles in the offseason, hopeful that the quarterback could show some of the success he displayed with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, that has not happened this year and now the Rams have made the move to bench the quarterback for Case Keenum in Week 11. The Foles deal is not paying off for the Rams and could force them to make moves in the offseason.
According to head coach Jeff Fisher via ESPN.com, the Rams are hopeful that Keenum can be the offensive spark the team needs. With their offensive weapons struggling, not all of the blame for the recent losses can be placed on Foles, but he will shoulder the blame and take a seat. The Rams are sitting the quarterback they traded Sam Bradford for while acquiring some draft picks in the process. Following the trade the Rams opted to sign Foles, who was entering the final year of his contract, to a multi-year deal worth $14 million in guaranteed money. Now, Keenum will be the starter leaving the Rams searching for answers.
"You don't expect [to be benched]," Foles said, via ESPN.com. "It's just one of those things that - I respect Coach Fisher to start off. Of course, I want to be out there, but it's his decision to make, and I respect it. I love Case [Keenum] to death. He's one of my favorite people in the world, so I'm going to be right there to support him every step of the way and help him in any way possible. There's definitely emotions that come with it because you're used to being out there and working. It's a different role, but at the same time, I'm a team-first guy."
There has been nothing said about what the future of Foles holds right now in St. Louis, but it is very clear the team has little confidence that he can be "the guy" for the short-term and potentially the long-term outlook. With a number of quarterbacks becoming available in the upcoming offseason, the Rams could easily try and make some moves to find an established starter. Matthew Stafford, Zach Mettenberger, Mike Glennon and Colin Kaepernick could be available in trades while Bradford (not a chance this deal happens) and Kirk Cousins highlight free agency.
One of the issues plaguing the Rams is a lack of help for Foles to work with. While Todd Gurley has been a star, no one else has emerged. The injury to Tavon Austin hurt the offense while season-ending injuries to the offensive line set things back as well. Foles cannot take all the blame which might help his case when it comes to returning in the offseason.
