Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff Is Reason Robert Woods Signed

It’s not like Robert Woods had to say anything; he already had signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

But the fifth-year free-agent wide receiver who left the Buffalo Bills to return to the West Coast, says a big part of the lure to play for the Rams was to join with second-year quarterback Jared Goff, according to ESPN.com.

“You see the talent, you see the quick release, you see him stand tall in the pocket at 6-5, great arm — that’s one selling point right there,” Woods said. “He’s a great quarterback.”

Woods, a product of Carson, Calif., was barely 3 years old when the Rams originally left Southern California for St. Louis in 1995. He was a fan of the Oakland Raiders growing up, He touted signing with the Rams as becoming part of the franchise lore.

“The Rams weren’t here when I was playing or growing up,” Woods said Friday, one day after signing a five-year contract to become one of the Rams’ primary receivers. “The tradition still lives. The NFL team being here, having the Rams here, L.A.’s original team — and just to be a part of it is history in itself.”

Woods, who turns 25 next month, has 203 career receptions for 2,451 yards and 12 touchdowns in four seasons with Buffalo, had a more stellar career in three years at the University of Southern California.

He left after three seasons, culminating with 2012, and left the school as the all-time receptions leader. Woods amassed 252 receptions for 2,930 yards and 32 touchdowns from 2010-12. His best year came his sophomore season in 2011 with 111 receptions for 1,292 yards and 15 scores.

His quarterback in college was now-NFL journeyman Matt Barkley, and that could explain Woods’ excitement to play with Goff. Goff was a standout performer at Cal, throwing for more than 12,000 yards with 96 career TDs and 30 interceptions during his three years.

The Rams coaching staff hopes that Woods still has a major upside that resembles his college career. Woods may be able to show at home what he was unable to do with the Bills.

“I would say my biggest thing, or how I look at my game, is as a complete receiver,” said Woods, who will wear No. 17, which used to belong to former starting quarterback Case Keenum. “A complete receiver needs to be able to play inside and outside. I think I can move all around the field. I can match up against quick corners. I can match up against big corners with speed and quickness.”