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We’ve now reached a point where we can have a meaningful (re)evaluation of the “purge” moves the Rams made during the 2023 offseason. As a whole, it’s the moves have obviously worked out very well. As individuals (or position-based) decisions, I’m going to assign one of three ratings to each:
V – validated. Decisions that, in hindsight, look like very smart.
M – mixed bag. Decisions that could still go either way.
R – regretful. Decisions we wish we had not made.
Odell Beckham, Jr. (did not re-sign) – V
The Rams declined to pay the market price (he received a 1 year, $15M contract) to bring back OBJ. While he’s had his moments (against us, unfortunately), his overall production (35 receptions, 565 yards, 3 TDs) has not warranted that price tag. Instead, we found a nice alternative in the 5th round of the draft!
Jalen Ramsey (traded) – M
This one has a lot of factors. On the plus side, the Rams got out from his contract (which he subsequently renegotiated with Miami), and got a nice return on the trade by drafting Byron Young. On the minus side, Ramsey’s absence has definitely been felt, notwithstanding the bargain value acquisition of Ahkello Witherspoon. I think, in the long run, this could become a “V,” but I’ll put it as a hit and miss move at this stage.
Bobby Wagner (released) – M
We arguably could have afforded one more year with Wagner, and he’s still playing a Pro Bowl level. I do think the defense would have been a bit stronger this year with Wagner and Ernest Jones playing together, but the flip side it that Wagner’s presence may have held back Jones’ development. Jones, with Wagner gone, has clearly become the “quarterback of the defense,” and he’s been very productive.
Leonard Floyd (released) – M
If the Rams had a bit more at the EDGE spot, I’d put this as a “V.” Byron Young has been productive at the spot, but you have to wonder what our pass rush would have looked like this year with Young and Floyd playing as bookends. Still, in the long run, this was a financial move that makes sense.
Baker Mayfield (did not re-sign) – M
Not bidding for Mayfield, who was paid $8.5 million to be the Buccaneers’ starter, made perfect sense. The Rams simply could not afford that type of a price tag for a guy who, if all went well, would never start a game. That said, I have to give an “M” score due to the Rams’ lack of a suitable “Plan B" (thanks, Stetson!) which could very well be the reason we don’t have 10 wins already.
A’Shawn Robinson/Greg Gaines (did not re-sign) – V
My only hesitance on this one is that Gaines ended up being very affordable ($3.5M). Nonetheless, given the production of Bobby Brown and Kobie Turner, both on rookie deals, you have to tip your cap to the Rams’ foresight at the DT position.
Nick Scott/Taylor Rapp (did not re-sign) – V
Another good decision, as the Rams have done well with players already on the roster (Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Jordan Fuller) and the return of an older vet (John Johnson).
Matt Gay (did not re-sign) – R
This is the only clear miss. Yes, Gay proved to be expensive, but, again… the lack of a suitable “Plan B” has really hurt. This miss can be tempered next year if the Rams can find a long-term solution at PK in the draft but, right now, we could use a guy like Matt!
V – validated. Decisions that, in hindsight, look like very smart.
M – mixed bag. Decisions that could still go either way.
R – regretful. Decisions we wish we had not made.
Odell Beckham, Jr. (did not re-sign) – V
The Rams declined to pay the market price (he received a 1 year, $15M contract) to bring back OBJ. While he’s had his moments (against us, unfortunately), his overall production (35 receptions, 565 yards, 3 TDs) has not warranted that price tag. Instead, we found a nice alternative in the 5th round of the draft!
Jalen Ramsey (traded) – M
This one has a lot of factors. On the plus side, the Rams got out from his contract (which he subsequently renegotiated with Miami), and got a nice return on the trade by drafting Byron Young. On the minus side, Ramsey’s absence has definitely been felt, notwithstanding the bargain value acquisition of Ahkello Witherspoon. I think, in the long run, this could become a “V,” but I’ll put it as a hit and miss move at this stage.
Bobby Wagner (released) – M
We arguably could have afforded one more year with Wagner, and he’s still playing a Pro Bowl level. I do think the defense would have been a bit stronger this year with Wagner and Ernest Jones playing together, but the flip side it that Wagner’s presence may have held back Jones’ development. Jones, with Wagner gone, has clearly become the “quarterback of the defense,” and he’s been very productive.
Leonard Floyd (released) – M
If the Rams had a bit more at the EDGE spot, I’d put this as a “V.” Byron Young has been productive at the spot, but you have to wonder what our pass rush would have looked like this year with Young and Floyd playing as bookends. Still, in the long run, this was a financial move that makes sense.
Baker Mayfield (did not re-sign) – M
Not bidding for Mayfield, who was paid $8.5 million to be the Buccaneers’ starter, made perfect sense. The Rams simply could not afford that type of a price tag for a guy who, if all went well, would never start a game. That said, I have to give an “M” score due to the Rams’ lack of a suitable “Plan B" (thanks, Stetson!) which could very well be the reason we don’t have 10 wins already.
A’Shawn Robinson/Greg Gaines (did not re-sign) – V
My only hesitance on this one is that Gaines ended up being very affordable ($3.5M). Nonetheless, given the production of Bobby Brown and Kobie Turner, both on rookie deals, you have to tip your cap to the Rams’ foresight at the DT position.
Nick Scott/Taylor Rapp (did not re-sign) – V
Another good decision, as the Rams have done well with players already on the roster (Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Jordan Fuller) and the return of an older vet (John Johnson).
Matt Gay (did not re-sign) – R
This is the only clear miss. Yes, Gay proved to be expensive, but, again… the lack of a suitable “Plan B” has really hurt. This miss can be tempered next year if the Rams can find a long-term solution at PK in the draft but, right now, we could use a guy like Matt!
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