- Joined
- Jan 14, 2013
- Messages
- 13,435
- Name
- Vernon
https://www.ocregister.com/2019/04/...re-departures-than-arrivals-this-time-around/
Rams free agency review: More departures than arrivals this time around
Some of the losses will be felt, but there could be no repeat of last year's spending spree
By Ryan Kartje | Orange County Register
PUBLISHED: April 10, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Compared to their last few offseasons, in which the Rams completely revamped their franchise from top to bottom, Les Snead understands this offseason might seem a bit anti-climactic. There were no blockbuster trades or big free-agent swings. By the Rams’ recent standards, the last few months have been especially quiet.
“But I like to say that’s a good thing,” the Rams general manager assured reporters last month, “because all those things have kind of put us in a situation where we’ve got this foundation built and can move forward from here.”
That foundation, which carried the Rams took the Super Bowl a year ago, has taken a bit of a hit this offseason. Most notably along the offensive line, as both Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan will play elsewhere next season. But without much cap flexibility following last year’s extension spree, the Rams didn’t have much of a choice. There wasn’t exactly room for them to go “all-in” again.
Instead, last year’s Super Bowl runner-ups settled for a rational, conservative approach in free agency, adding a handful of veterans on below-market deals, while relying on young rotation players to fill vacant roles.It might not have made for the sexiest offseason strategy. But with their eyes on the Super Bowl again, it could wind up being the smartest one.
DEPARTURES
Rodger Saffold, OG. Signed with Titans for 4 years, $44 million.
C.J. Anderson, RB. Signed with Lions for 1 year, $1.5 million
Lamarcus Joyner, S. Signed with Raiders for 4 years, $42 million
Mark Barron, ILB. Signed with Steelers for 2 years, $12 million
Sean Mannion, QB. Signed with Vikings for 1 year, $900,000
John Sullivan, C. Rams declined option, remains unsigned
Analysis: One of the NFL’s most consistent offensive lines now faces the prospect of replacing two key veteran starters on the interior with two unproven, inexperienced linemen. How the Rams weather that turnover could determine how far the offense goes in 2019. Anderson’s exit, too, could affect the Rams consistency on that end – especially if Todd Gurley’s knee falters. Defensively, Joyner and Barron were both expected to leave, but while Joyner’s spot has been filled, Barron’s inside linebacker spot remains perhaps the defense’s most glaring hole.
ARRIVALS
Eric Weddle, S Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 195 Contract status: Signed through 2020
Acquired: March 8 The price: $10.5 million, $1 million signing bonus, $6.252 million guaranteed
Analysis: Weddle may be 34 years old, entering his 13th NFL season, but the veteran safety hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down yet. He went to the Pro Bowl in each of his past three seasons in Baltimore, and in Los Angeles, Weddle steps into a perfect scheme fit, next to ascending star safety John Johnson. His leadership in the locker room should also be invaluable; general manager Les Snead compared Weddle’s signing to that of left tackle Andrew Whitworth on offense. Considering how inflated the safety market became after his signing, Weddle’s deal is the Rams’ biggest steal of the offseason.
Clay Matthews, EDGE
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 255 Contract status: Signed through 2020
Acquired: March 19,The price: $9.25 million, $5.5 million guaranteed
Analysis: Matthews is no longer the terrorizing sack artist he once was in Green Bay, when he made six Pro Bowls in seven seasons to start his career. But he’s still an effective player in space, who can disrupt plays on occasion. The Rams will try to take advantage of his versatility, moving him inside and outside, depending on the situation. Paired with Dante Fowler, it’s feasible that Matthews could rediscover some of his pass-rushing prowess.
Blake Bortles, QB Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 236
Contract status: Signed through 2019
Acquired: March 18 The price: $1 million, fully guaranteed
Analysis: It wasn’t all that long ago that Bortles was drafted No. 3 overall and seen as a future franchise signal caller. His futility over five seasons in Jacksonville didn’t do much to inspire confidence. But for the Rams, at his minuscule asking price, the risk far outweighs the reward. Bortles is far more proven than previous backup Sean Mannion, having just led the Jaguars to the AFC championship following the 2017 season. Maybe Sean McVay is the one to unlock his full potential.
STAYING PUT
Dante Fowler, EDGE. Re-signed on 1-year, $12 million deal.
Malcolm Brown, RB. Offer sheet from Lions matched, signed 2-year, $3.3 million deal.
Analysis: Bringing back Fowler on a one-year, prove-it deal was a no-brainer given the promise he flashed at the end of last season. If he can make the leap, Fowler has the potential to rack up double-digit sacks in the Rams defense. If he doesn’t, the Rams will simply move on next season. The Rams chose not to let Brown leave for Detroit over bringing back C.J. Anderson, which means they foresee him stepping into a much larger role in 2019. He had his most efficient campaign yet last season before an injury ended things prematurely.
STILL UNDECIDED
Ndamukong Suh, DT
Sam Shields, CB
Dominique Easley, DL/EDGE
Ramik Wilson, ILB
Bryce Hager, ILB
Ethan Westbrooks, DL
Analysis: For financial reasons, the Rams hopes of retaining Ndamukong Suh are basically nil. But the fact that he’s still on the market, without even a hint of buzz about where he could play next, is curious. The other four unrestricted free agents here could wind up with the team eventually. Both Wilson and Hager have proven to be useful rotation linebackers and special teams players, while Shields stepped in at key moments a year ago, as well. Westbrooks, who took a step back in 2018 and Easley, who has dealt with injuries for years, are likely on their way elsewhere.
Rams free agency review: More departures than arrivals this time around
Some of the losses will be felt, but there could be no repeat of last year's spending spree
By Ryan Kartje | Orange County Register
PUBLISHED: April 10, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Compared to their last few offseasons, in which the Rams completely revamped their franchise from top to bottom, Les Snead understands this offseason might seem a bit anti-climactic. There were no blockbuster trades or big free-agent swings. By the Rams’ recent standards, the last few months have been especially quiet.
“But I like to say that’s a good thing,” the Rams general manager assured reporters last month, “because all those things have kind of put us in a situation where we’ve got this foundation built and can move forward from here.”
That foundation, which carried the Rams took the Super Bowl a year ago, has taken a bit of a hit this offseason. Most notably along the offensive line, as both Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan will play elsewhere next season. But without much cap flexibility following last year’s extension spree, the Rams didn’t have much of a choice. There wasn’t exactly room for them to go “all-in” again.
Instead, last year’s Super Bowl runner-ups settled for a rational, conservative approach in free agency, adding a handful of veterans on below-market deals, while relying on young rotation players to fill vacant roles.It might not have made for the sexiest offseason strategy. But with their eyes on the Super Bowl again, it could wind up being the smartest one.
DEPARTURES
Rodger Saffold, OG. Signed with Titans for 4 years, $44 million.
C.J. Anderson, RB. Signed with Lions for 1 year, $1.5 million
Lamarcus Joyner, S. Signed with Raiders for 4 years, $42 million
Mark Barron, ILB. Signed with Steelers for 2 years, $12 million
Sean Mannion, QB. Signed with Vikings for 1 year, $900,000
John Sullivan, C. Rams declined option, remains unsigned
Analysis: One of the NFL’s most consistent offensive lines now faces the prospect of replacing two key veteran starters on the interior with two unproven, inexperienced linemen. How the Rams weather that turnover could determine how far the offense goes in 2019. Anderson’s exit, too, could affect the Rams consistency on that end – especially if Todd Gurley’s knee falters. Defensively, Joyner and Barron were both expected to leave, but while Joyner’s spot has been filled, Barron’s inside linebacker spot remains perhaps the defense’s most glaring hole.
ARRIVALS
Eric Weddle, S Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 195 Contract status: Signed through 2020
Acquired: March 8 The price: $10.5 million, $1 million signing bonus, $6.252 million guaranteed
Analysis: Weddle may be 34 years old, entering his 13th NFL season, but the veteran safety hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down yet. He went to the Pro Bowl in each of his past three seasons in Baltimore, and in Los Angeles, Weddle steps into a perfect scheme fit, next to ascending star safety John Johnson. His leadership in the locker room should also be invaluable; general manager Les Snead compared Weddle’s signing to that of left tackle Andrew Whitworth on offense. Considering how inflated the safety market became after his signing, Weddle’s deal is the Rams’ biggest steal of the offseason.
Clay Matthews, EDGE
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 255 Contract status: Signed through 2020
Acquired: March 19,The price: $9.25 million, $5.5 million guaranteed
Analysis: Matthews is no longer the terrorizing sack artist he once was in Green Bay, when he made six Pro Bowls in seven seasons to start his career. But he’s still an effective player in space, who can disrupt plays on occasion. The Rams will try to take advantage of his versatility, moving him inside and outside, depending on the situation. Paired with Dante Fowler, it’s feasible that Matthews could rediscover some of his pass-rushing prowess.
Blake Bortles, QB Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 236
Contract status: Signed through 2019
Acquired: March 18 The price: $1 million, fully guaranteed
Analysis: It wasn’t all that long ago that Bortles was drafted No. 3 overall and seen as a future franchise signal caller. His futility over five seasons in Jacksonville didn’t do much to inspire confidence. But for the Rams, at his minuscule asking price, the risk far outweighs the reward. Bortles is far more proven than previous backup Sean Mannion, having just led the Jaguars to the AFC championship following the 2017 season. Maybe Sean McVay is the one to unlock his full potential.
STAYING PUT
Dante Fowler, EDGE. Re-signed on 1-year, $12 million deal.
Malcolm Brown, RB. Offer sheet from Lions matched, signed 2-year, $3.3 million deal.
Analysis: Bringing back Fowler on a one-year, prove-it deal was a no-brainer given the promise he flashed at the end of last season. If he can make the leap, Fowler has the potential to rack up double-digit sacks in the Rams defense. If he doesn’t, the Rams will simply move on next season. The Rams chose not to let Brown leave for Detroit over bringing back C.J. Anderson, which means they foresee him stepping into a much larger role in 2019. He had his most efficient campaign yet last season before an injury ended things prematurely.
STILL UNDECIDED
Ndamukong Suh, DT
Sam Shields, CB
Dominique Easley, DL/EDGE
Ramik Wilson, ILB
Bryce Hager, ILB
Ethan Westbrooks, DL
Analysis: For financial reasons, the Rams hopes of retaining Ndamukong Suh are basically nil. But the fact that he’s still on the market, without even a hint of buzz about where he could play next, is curious. The other four unrestricted free agents here could wind up with the team eventually. Both Wilson and Hager have proven to be useful rotation linebackers and special teams players, while Shields stepped in at key moments a year ago, as well. Westbrooks, who took a step back in 2018 and Easley, who has dealt with injuries for years, are likely on their way elsewhere.
Last edited:
