By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

It was a strange season to be a Rams quarterback.

By the time the Rams changed coaches after the fourth week of the 2008 season, Marc Bulger had been the starter and then benched in favor of Trent Green. When the Rams replaced Scott Linehan with Jim Haslett, Haslett immediately re-installed Bulger as the starter.

When all was said and done, Bulger started 15 games, all but the Buffalo game that Green started. Along the way, Green stepped in for Bulger in games against the New York Jets and Chicago.

But neither signal caller distinguished himself and it was clear by the end of the season that quarterback play was certainly not one of the team’s strengths in 2008.

In his 15 games, Bulger was 251-of-440 for 2,720 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His 57 percent completion percentage was the worst of his career and the cap on what was perhaps the poorest season of Bulger’s career.

Green didn’t fare much better in limited action, going 38-of-72 for 525 yards with no touchdowns and six interceptions for a rating of 41.7.

The only other quarterback on the roster, Brock Berlin, threw three passes for 6 yards. Point of fact, the most efficient passer the Rams had was receiver Dane Looker, who completed two of three passes for 17 yards for a rating of 81.3.

As the Rams prepare for free agency, which is set to begin on Feb. 27, one area they will have to take a look at is quarterback.

Bulger isn’t going anywhere after signing a lucrative six-year contract with the team on July 27, 2007. Even if the Rams were inclined to deal him or release him, the cost against the cap would make it prohibitive.

The Rams signed Green to a three-year deal to be Bulger’s backup last offseason in hopes that he could step in for Bulger if things went awry. While he is still under contract it remains to be seen whether Green will get the opportunity to come back or if he might even consider retirement.

Releasing Green would create more than $1 million in salary cap space, money that could go toward finding another backup capable of competing for the starting job should the Rams choose to open the competition. Green does have a relationship with new quarterbacks coach Dick Curl.

This year’s free agent market isn’t exactly flush with quality quarterbacks. The top two guys, New England’s Matt Cassel and Arizona’s Kurt Warner are almost certain to remain with their current teams.

The Patriots already slapped the franchise tag on Cassel and though he’s likely trade bait, it’s extremely doubtful the Rams would give up the compensation in terms of money and picks to get him.

Warner has made it clear he will only play in Arizona should he choose to return.

Beyond that, the Rams could investigate finding another veteran to at least back up Bulger or potentially compete with him in training camp.

In that regard, there are some young quarterbacks who never reached their potential that are ready to hit the market.

Pittsburgh’s Byron Leftwich played well in spot duty for Ben Roethlisberger this year and is expecting to cash in on the open market by finding a starting job.

Some names that could be of interest to the Rams include Buffalo’s J.P. Losman, Tampa Bay’s Jeff Garcia, Denver’s Patrick Ramsey and Baltimore’s Kyle Boller.

The possibility remains, too, that the Rams will eschew the position in free agency and search for a prospect in April’s NFL Draft.

Rams Quarterbacks Under Contract

Marc Bulger, Trent Green, Brock Berlin

Top Free Agent Quarterbacks

1. Matt Cassel, New England – The Patriots slapped the franchise tag on Cassel to the surprise of nobody. He’s not going anywhere until it’s determined Tom Brady is healthy and the Patriots get maximum compensation for him.

2. Kurt Warner, Arizona – It’s probably the Cardinals or bust for Warner, who is considering retirement as well.

3. Kerry Collins, Tennessee – His revival with the Titans makes him an intriguing stopgap option but he’ll likely remain where he is.

4. Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay – An experienced veteran who can provide stability to a team with young signal callers or compete for a starting job with a team in need of a vet.

5. Byron Leftwich, Pittsburgh – Showed glimpses of being the guy who was picked in the top 10 when he subbed for Ben Roethlisberger. Wants a shot to start but won’t likely be guaranteed a job.