Rams News Recap for March 7

[RamBill]

Rams News Items From March 7

Prelude to NFL free agency starts today –PD
Beginning at 11 a.m. today, it’s ready, set, go for NFL free agency. Well, sort of. That’s when a three-day window opens for contact and negotiation between clubs and player agents. No contract can be executed — or signed — until the start of the free agency period at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Free Agent Issues and Advice For the Rams –USAToday
Issues: The Rams aren’t awash in cap space but created some by cutting Finnegan and might yet add more if C Scott Wells is released.

Jake Matthews Pro Day –Video

Nick Wagoner’s Rams Chat Highlights: March 7

Mayock 1 on 1 With Sammy Watkins –Video

Free-Agency Primer: Rams –Wagoner
Where they stand: The offensive line is the one area with the most questions heading into 2014. The larger-than-expected salary-cap increase will likely allow the Rams to retain one of their costlier veterans (probably center Scott Wells) to lessen the need a little, but the Rams still have a decision to make on guard Harvey Dahl and his $4 million cap number.

Option Provision Should Take Quinn’s Contract Through 2015 –PD
After a season in which he led the NFC in sacks, made his first Pro Bowl, and was named NFL defensive player of the year by the Pro Football Writers, Rams defensive end Robert Quinn is entering the final year of the four-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2011.

Rams Free-Agent Preview: Offensive Line –Wagoner
It’s no secret the Rams have some potential moving parts on the offensive line heading into free agency but things are beginning to crystallize before the market opens on March 11.

Bernie: Will Rams Gamble in NFL Draft? –Video

Todd McShay’s Impact Pick In 2014 NFL Draft –Video

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Feeling the heat?
By Nick Wagoner | ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/6550/morning-ram-blings-feeling-the-heat

Apologies for the short hiatus of the Ram-blings this week as I've been traveling and in meetings at headquarters in Bristol. But we're back up and running with your morning links in time for the start of free agency next week.

There's no denying that the St. Louis Rams have a big offseason in front of them along with a good opportunity to improve the roster and put themselves in position to compete in the NFC West division in 2014. Realistically, it might be difficult for them to overcome the mighty Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers but it's not completely out of the realm of possibility.

So, how much pressure is there on coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead to get this offseason right? SI.com columnist Don Banks says quite a bit.

It's hard to disagree with Banks' take. This is the third year of the Fisher/Snead program. That duo has elevated the team from the doldrums up to mediocrity but that mediocrity won't sell for very long. At some point, they have to take the next step.

To get there, the Rams must take advantage of the opportunity this offseason presents. That's no surprise to anyone following along.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Friday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... We opened the day with the last piece of the free-agent position previews with a look at the team's needs on the offensive line. ... From there, we offered a bigger picture look at free agency as a whole. ... Next, I spent a couple of hours chatting with you fine folks about all things Rams. ... We wrapped it up with a poll, seeking your opinion on what the Rams should do in free agency.

Elsewhere:

Grantland's Bill Barnwell provides his look at how things could play out in free agency for every team, Rams included.

At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas discusses how the Rams can keep defensive end Robert Quinn relatively cheap for a fifth year.

Columnist Bernie Miklasz wonders whether the Rams will be aggressive in the draft or play it safe.

For those wondering about the Rams and cornerback Alterraun Verner, Mike Tanier of Sports on Earth, has a great breakdown of his game and how he might not be the press corner that many believe the Rams covet under coordinator Gregg Williams.

USA Today takes a look at the Rams' free-agent outlook.

 

[Boffo97]

I hope Banks is wrong about that. Changing the coaches every 3 years will keep the Rams away from success for quite a while.

IMO, those coaches who come in and do turn around the team in 3 seasons do so because they were set up with a great situation.