Will Smoker Be Backup Next Year?

do you think the Rams will keep Chandler as their backup or do you think they will release Chandler and have Smoker backup Bulger?

[Nick]

I doubt they release Chandler. They've no reason to. The only way Smoker is the back-up is if Chandler retires, and I'm not so sure he will. He signed a three year deal earlier this season, and I think he'll see at least two of them out.

I couldn't remember how long they signed him for. thank you for the info.

[Nick]

No problemo!

[AugustaRamFan]

Smoker should be the back up. Unless they keep Chandler Real CHEAP!

Gotta start trimming the fat and make better use of cap dollars.

With that said, if, if mind you the Rams can see themselves in the midst of a playoff run next year - then maybe they keep him. Would seem a good idea to have a proven (although fragile) back up.

Still further, if the Rams lean more toward rebuilding - then Chandler has to go.

Has anyone heard anything +/- about Smoker?? He looked good a MSU at times and showed a little potential in the pre-season. Will he be a MM sleeper or a dreamer??

If chandler cant make it physically and we still want a veteran backup, i hear that john hadl is in shape.

general counsel

[Nick]

Originally Posted by AugustaRamFan

Has anyone heard anything +/- about Smoker?? He looked good a MSU at times and showed a little potential in the pre-season. Will he be a MM sleeper or a dreamer??

I haven't heard anything since the season started, but he's probably working with the practice squad and there's not a heck of a lot to report.

That said, Chandler looked sharp in the preseason, so I would feel pretty good if he was able to come back. His salary break down is actually pretty favorable.

2004 760000.00
2005 765000.00
2006 770000.00

So his salary isn't drastically different from this season's, although I'm not sure how much bonus money he received.

[Yodude]

Originally Posted by NickSeiler

Chandler looked sharp in the preseason

That's an understatement. I know it's only preseason, but I thought Chandler looked fantastic. Of course.....Chandler would have be toast months ago behind this offensive line. Honestly, I have trouble understanding how Bulger, with his slight build, has held up to the pounding that opposing defenses have administered this year.

What I'm curious about is how the Rams' coaching staff is approaching Smoker's development. I've always heard that the Rams' backup QB's get no work at all with the first team offense. I'd like to know one hopes to develop a young QB with this philosophy.