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Rams free-agent preview: Linebacker
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/16699/rams-free-agent-preview-linebacker-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The free-agent market is scheduled to open March 10 and teams may begin negotiations with those poised to hit the market beginning March 7. We'll count down to that with a position-by-position look at what the St. Louis Rams have in place, who is set to hit the market, what they might need and who might fit the bill.
Under contract: James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Daren Bates, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer
Pending free agents: Will Herring
What's needed: On the surface, the Rams are pretty well set at linebacker with Laurinaitis in the middle and flanked by Ogletree. Dunbar has one year left on his deal and theoretically, could be a potential cap casualty but his cap number is just a little over $1.1 million. That's not a lot for a guy who offers leadership and the versatility to play inside should something happen to Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis remains the stalwart in the middle of the defense and his salary cap number dips to $4.275 million this year. His contract ends after the 2017 season. The Rams believe Ogletree remains on the upswing and they have him for at least three more seasons including his fifth-year option. So what becomes of the other spot? Well, Dunbar can fill it but don't be surprised if the "base" defense continues to shift more in the direction of the "big nickel" that used safety Mark Barron as a de facto third linebacker. Barron technically doesn't count as a linebacker but his role only figures to expand moving forward. Bates, McFadden and Toomer offer special teams contributions though only Bates seems certain to be sticking around. The Rams like Bates' potential to help on defense eventually as well. Although Toomer and McFadden have been fine on special teams, the Rams could use some upgrades to the depth behind Laurinaitis, Ogletree, Dunbar and Bates. Herring also chipped in on special teams and though the Rams could bring him back, it's unlikely that will be a priority.
Possible fits: The Rams don't figure to spend big money to help at linebacker on top names like Sean Weatherspoon, David Harris or any of the others who should draw attention on the open market. There are some cheaper names on the list who could make some sense as well but it's uncertain whether any would be deemed an upgrade over guys like Toomer and McFadden.
Verdict: It's probably a good bet that the Rams will add some linebackers this offseason but the safer bet is that any help will come via the draft. It's even possible the Rams could use an earlier-than-expected pick on a linebacker if they find the right value. This year's draft boasts more linebacker potential than most in recent years so the Rams could find some good value then. Otherwise, this probably won't be an immediate priority.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/16699/rams-free-agent-preview-linebacker-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The free-agent market is scheduled to open March 10 and teams may begin negotiations with those poised to hit the market beginning March 7. We'll count down to that with a position-by-position look at what the St. Louis Rams have in place, who is set to hit the market, what they might need and who might fit the bill.
Under contract: James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Daren Bates, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer
Pending free agents: Will Herring
What's needed: On the surface, the Rams are pretty well set at linebacker with Laurinaitis in the middle and flanked by Ogletree. Dunbar has one year left on his deal and theoretically, could be a potential cap casualty but his cap number is just a little over $1.1 million. That's not a lot for a guy who offers leadership and the versatility to play inside should something happen to Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis remains the stalwart in the middle of the defense and his salary cap number dips to $4.275 million this year. His contract ends after the 2017 season. The Rams believe Ogletree remains on the upswing and they have him for at least three more seasons including his fifth-year option. So what becomes of the other spot? Well, Dunbar can fill it but don't be surprised if the "base" defense continues to shift more in the direction of the "big nickel" that used safety Mark Barron as a de facto third linebacker. Barron technically doesn't count as a linebacker but his role only figures to expand moving forward. Bates, McFadden and Toomer offer special teams contributions though only Bates seems certain to be sticking around. The Rams like Bates' potential to help on defense eventually as well. Although Toomer and McFadden have been fine on special teams, the Rams could use some upgrades to the depth behind Laurinaitis, Ogletree, Dunbar and Bates. Herring also chipped in on special teams and though the Rams could bring him back, it's unlikely that will be a priority.
Possible fits: The Rams don't figure to spend big money to help at linebacker on top names like Sean Weatherspoon, David Harris or any of the others who should draw attention on the open market. There are some cheaper names on the list who could make some sense as well but it's uncertain whether any would be deemed an upgrade over guys like Toomer and McFadden.
Verdict: It's probably a good bet that the Rams will add some linebackers this offseason but the safer bet is that any help will come via the draft. It's even possible the Rams could use an earlier-than-expected pick on a linebacker if they find the right value. This year's draft boasts more linebacker potential than most in recent years so the Rams could find some good value then. Otherwise, this probably won't be an immediate priority.
