The Rams created an impressive smokescreen regarding potential interest in Johnny Manziel. He was on the board when the Rams picked at No. 2 and at No. 13 -- and the Rams didn’t take him.
After that, the Rams were trying to trade back into the round, but not to get Manziel. The Rams wanted tackle Zack Martin.
The Manziel smokescreen led to rumors that the Rams were exploring the possibility of trading quarterback Sam Bradford. We’d heard rumors to that effect last month, but didn’t post them after hearing unequivocally that the Rams would not trade Bradford under any circumstances.
Appearing on Monday’s edition of The Dan Patrick Show, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said that the team made no calls -- and received no calls -- about a possible Bradford trade.
It’s not surprising, for several reasons. Two-plus years ago, Fisher took the job in St. Louis in part because of the presence of Bradford. In 2013, Bradford had 14 touchdown passes against four interceptions before tearing an ACL. That torn ACL also makes Bradford less desirable for another team, along with a $14 million salary for 2014.
So the Rams don’t want to trade him. And the Rams couldn’t trade him if they wanted to. He’ll remain the quarterback of the Rams for at least the next year, if not longer. Possibly a lot longer.