NFL Trade Machine: Who Gets Mike Glennon?

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) and teammates run out of the tunnel before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The draft and free agency don’t hold a lot of promise for finding a starting-caliber quarterback in 2015.  Such is the reality of pro football sometimes.  However, one avenue that appears open for opportunity is the NFL trade market.  A number of experienced, quality young talents look to be available.  Among the biggest names is Mike Glennon.

A 3rd round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2013 draft, he has hovered between backup and starter over the past two season, enduring coaching and scheme changes along the way.

Yet in a span where the team has gone just 6-26, he was responsible for five of those victories.  In 19 games played he has amassed 4,025 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions.  At 6’6″ he has ideal size for the pros and a live arm to make every throw in the playbook.  He also saves his best games for the best opponents.

• at Pittsburgh:  302 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
• at Seattle:  168 yards, 2 touchdowns, 123.1 QBR
• at Detroit:  247 yards, 2 touchdowns, 138.4 QBR
• at Atlanta:  231 yards, 2 touchdowns, 87.0 completion %, 137.5 QBR

A young quarterback with talent who plays his best on the road?  A lot of teams would sign up for that, regardless of his lack of flash.  The only question is which sits in the best position to deal for him?

Answer:  St. Louis Rams

Why?  The reasoning is obvious enough.  After another rough season of underachievement, the St. Louis Rams know they are a quarterback away from competing in the NFC.  They can’t rely on Sam Bradford to stay healthy and with the 10th overall pick don’t stand a good chance of getting a top quarterback in the draft.

Add in the fact that the two teams have done business recently already when the Buccaneers sent safety Mark Barron to the Rams for two picks and the familiarity helps.  Mike Glennon is the ideal St. Louis quarterback in many ways.  He’s big, deceptively mobile, and has the strong arm and ability to push the ball down the field off play action.

The Rams don’t need a superstar at the position to win games.  They just need somebody with talent who fits what they like to do.  Glennon does.