Tag and Trade Fowler Question

[WestCoastRam]

Is this really feasible with our cap space? Cap gurus, if we tag him, does that immediately start to count against the cap or only if he signs the tag deal does it count? If he signs, would it would handcuff us in free agency?

How much more advantageous would it be to tag him vs just getting the compensatory pick for him next year (I assume he'll get a sizable contract so the pick will be 3/4th rnd variety).

 

[PhillyRam]

If they don't restructure Goff, FA will be a non event anyway.

So once Goff is restructured they will have room to play around with.

Plus, I can see a quick trade of NRC, even if it's just for a 5th or 6th... Maybe conditional so it can improve with playing time & performance.

So those two moves open up around $20M and plenty of room to tag Fowler.

Also, I think if they want to trade him they will work with his agent to find a deal and a team he wants to go to.

Years ago they did that with Kevin Carter. Granted its a different front office, but that can be done.

 

[Corbin]

If they don't restructure Goff, FA will be a non event anyway.

So once Goff is restructured they will have room to play around with.

Plus, I can see a quick trade of NRC, even if it's just for a 5th or 6th... Maybe conditional so it can improve with playing time & performance.

So those two moves open up around $20M and plenty of room to tag Fowler.

Also, I think if they want to trade him they will work with his agent to find a deal and a team he wants to go to.

Years ago they did that with Kevin Carter. Granted its a different front office, but that can be done.

I thought when we did that and got another first rounder for Carter I thought we were paving the way for a championship and dynasty..

 

[PhillyRam]

I see them getting a few mid range guys and maybe a vet cap casaulty that does not affect comp picks.

They will lose many mid range guys also so they will still get multiple picks.

Littleton, Brockers, Blythe, Christian, Zuerline, Bortles... All could be gone and all would likely factor into the comp pick formula.

I think teams can only get 4 total max, so they have a shot of getting 3 or 4.

 

[TheTackle]

I tend to agree with Jrry. We should tag and keep Fowler (or Cory depending on our new DC). Both are plus starters and neither easily replaceable

That said, it is far easier to replace one rather than both

 

[Flatlyner]

Honestly, I think Obo can contribute in a similar way and at much cheaper price tag. In addition, we still have Matthews (I would cut him), Lalwer, Patrick, Polite, Ebukam, Holland (who I loved in college). If we can get a 2nd round pick, I'd tag and trade him immediately.

 

[Akrasian]

Honestly, I think Obo can contribute in a similar way and at much cheaper price tag. In addition, we still have Matthews (I would cut him), Lalwer, Patrick, Polite, Ebukam, Holland (who I loved in college). If we can get a 2nd round pick, I'd tag and trade him immediately.

And you base your optimism on Obo on what, exactly? He's entering his third NFL season, and has managed one good game, against the Bengals last season. Given his lack of productivity and health, I am skeptical about the advisability of counting on him. Maybe let him show that he can play a productive season before counting him to replace someone who played at a near pro-bowl level

 

[Riverumbbq]

And you base your optimism on Obo on what, exactly? He's entering his third NFL season, and has managed one good game, against the Bengals last season. Given his lack of productivity and health, I am skeptical about the advisability of counting on him. Maybe let him show that he can play a productive season before counting him to replace someone who played at a near pro-bowl level

How does he or any of the other reserve talent acquire that productive season when paying Fowler an enormous sum of money ?
Every year teams face this same dilemma, and every year they deal with it.

2019 Franchise Tag for DE - $17.128 million
2019 Franchise Tag for LB - $15.443 million

Under the Tag, Fowler may contest positional status to his union which opens up another can of worms.

2020 Franchise Tag amount should be announced on or before Feb. 25, ... expect a big hike.

Top 5 LB'er for 2019 :

		PLAYER	CAP HIT
1		Von Miller OUTSIDE LINEBACKER	$25,125,000
2		Bobby Wagner INSIDE LINEBACKER	$15,850,000
3		Chandler Jones OUTSIDE LINEBACKER	$14,833,333
4		Ryan Kerrigan OUTSIDE LINEBACKER	$13,887,500
5		C.J. Mosley INSIDE LINEBACKER	$13,000,000

The 2020 average from the 2019 top 5 will approach $17.mil

 

[Akrasian]

How does he or any of the other reserve talent acquire that productive season when paying Fowler an enormous sum of money ?

I wasn't aware I said I wanted Fowler back. I am just skeptical of relying on a guy who has been injured 1 1/2 out of two seasons.

There are alternatives to both - which includes not just handing a job to somebody who was NOT a premium draft pick and who has shown an inability to remain healthy.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I wasn't aware I said I wanted Fowler back. I am just skeptical of relying on a guy who has been injured 1 1/2 out of two seasons.

There are alternatives to both - which includes not just handing a job to somebody who was NOT a premium draft pick and who has shown an inability to remain healthy.

And I didn't say whether you wanted Fowler to return or not, I just asked how, outside of injury, you create playing time for a reserve to step up ? Paying huge money to a guy at a position which doesn't rotate players all that often doesn't create many opportunities.

 

[Akrasian]

And I didn't say whether you wanted Fowler to return or not, I just asked how, outside of injury, you create playing time for a reserve to step up ? Paying huge money to a guy at a position which doesn't rotate players all that often doesn't create many opportunities.

Well, first, the backup has to stay healthy. At that point, he does get some playing time at OLB, because subs do get playing time there. Notice in the half of the season Obo was healthy, he did play some - except for one game, fairly unimpressive playing time, but still playing time.

Note I didn't and have never said that Obo shouldn't be given a chance - but there should be competition, especially given his extensive injury history. Saying that because of cap issues the Rams should count on current backups and maybe a draftee to replace Fowler is one thing. Saying (as I was replying to) that Obo should be the replacement after one good game and multiple injuries is another thing.

 

[So Ram]

Honestly, I think Obo can contribute in a similar way and at much cheaper price tag. In addition, we still have Matthews (I would cut him), Lalwer, Patrick, Polite, Ebukam, Holland (who I loved in college). If we can get a 2nd round pick, I'd tag and trade him immediately.

Lol !! Good luck with cutting Clay !! If Fowler is gone then cutting Clay makes no sense at all.

 

[So Ram]

And you base your optimism on Obo on what, exactly? He's entering his third NFL season, and has managed one good game, against the Bengals last season. Given his lack of productivity and health, I am skeptical about the advisability of counting on him. Maybe let him show that he can play a productive season before counting him to replace someone who played at a near pro-bowl level

So what do you do with Fowler ?? Like I said cutting Clay if Fowler is gone is hard to vision.

 

[So Ram]

I wasn't aware I said I wanted Fowler back. I am just skeptical of relying on a guy who has been injured 1 1/2 out of two seasons.

There are alternatives to both - which includes not just handing a job to somebody who was NOT a premium draft pick and who has shown an inability to remain healthy.

Who was the starter during the Fowler trade ??

 

[So Ram]

And I didn't say whether you wanted Fowler to return or not, I just asked how, outside of injury, you create playing time for a reserve to step up ? Paying huge money to a guy at a position which doesn't rotate players all that often doesn't create many opportunities.

Who do you think might take those reps when Fowler is gone ?? Imo he will not be a Ram. Donald wants him back & think Fowler will get better. He likes Brockers, which makes me think he will be resigned.

 

[So Ram]

Well, first, the backup has to stay healthy. At that point, he does get some playing time at OLB, because subs do get playing time there. Notice in the half of the season Obo was healthy, he did play some - except for one game, fairly unimpressive playing time, but still playing time.

Note I didn't and have never said that Obo shouldn't be given a chance - but there should be competition, especially given his extensive injury history. Saying that because of cap issues the Rams should count on current backups and maybe a draftee to replace Fowler is one thing. Saying (as I was replying to) that Obo should be the replacement after one good game and multiple injuries is another thing.

Maybe you worded it wrong ?? All good, OBO might be able to handle it. I believe The Rams thought he could handle the postion before Fowler was traded for. It was when OBO got hurt that The Rams needed a serious upgrade. The price was right & The Rams should get most of the value of the trade from a Comp pick

 

[Riverumbbq]

Who do you think might take those reps when Fowler is gone ?? Imo he will not be a Ram. Donald wants him back & think Fowler will get better. He likes Brockers, which makes me think he will be resigned.

I don't believe either of Fowler or Brockers will be returning, they are just way too expensive considering our present CAP situation.
I see Brockers being replaced by a drafted 5T DE, and Fowler's replacement is likely already on the roster. Obo will lead and someone like Polite, Carraway or Holland will win the rotational role. The 5T job could easily rotate between the new DE draftee, Fox & Copeland.
jmo.

 

[So Ram]

I don't believe either of Fowler or Brockers will be returning, they are just way too expensive considering our present CAP situation.
I see Brockers being replaced by a drafted 5T DE, and Fowler's replacement is likely already on the roster. Obo will lead and someone like Polite, Carraway or Holland will win the rotational role. The 5T job could easily rotate between the new DE draftee, Fox & Copeland.
jmo.

Morgan Fox has been I guy I liked, but last season was tough to watch. He is not as good as he used to be. I don’t think he is ascending either.
-Was wondering about a Dereck Wolfe ??

- What is Brockers going to get on the open market will be the biggest question. The Rams already have his value penciled in. The want him back. I don’t think he will break the bank on the open market either. That my opinion. I think finding a MLB is what The Rams need to find.
I’m not sure about the draft value just now, but will get into it after the combine & during OTA’s.. That is when as a Fan we can get a better idea on the direction The Rams will be going. - McSnead usually breaks the draft down that way.