Rams need to keep running back Benny Cunningham
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ms-need-to-keep-running-back-benny-cunningham
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Perhaps lost in the madness of the first day of free agency was a blip on the transaction radar in the form of the Los Angeles Rams extending the minimum qualifying offer to restricted free-agent running back Benny Cunningham.
The original-round tender means the Rams retain matching rights should another team come calling for Cunningham but includes no compensation if the Rams decline that option. Sure enough, Cunningham received swift and serious interest from other teams. He visited the New England Patriots on Thursday and has reportedly heard from others. But, unless another team makes a substantial offer, the Rams should do what's necessary to keep him in the fold.
Cunningham offered a quick update after the visit to New England.
Benny Cunningham @BennyCunningham
Back In Nashville.. Visit went great and I really enjoyed the hospitality.. All around great experience #FirstClass #GreatOrganization
That the Patriots quickly expressed such interest in Cunningham should be a reminder of Cunningham's value to the Rams. That's not to say that just because New England likes a player the Rams should break the bank to keep him, but it's a good window into the way Cunningham is viewed by a franchise that has made a living finding cheaper options who produce above their pay grade.
From a Rams' perspective, keeping Cunningham makes sense on multiple levels.
First and foremost, the three-year veteran is the best back on the team -- and among the best in the NFL, some coaches have said -- when it comes to picking up the blitz. Cunningham has also been a solid option as a pass-catcher, particularly in the screen game. That makes him the ideal third-down back for a team that figures to ride star runner Todd Gurley on most other downs.
Cunningham also brings plenty to the table on special teams. Over the past two seasons, he's fifth in the NFL in kick-return yards and sixth in yards per kick return (among those with at least 10 attempts). He contributes on coverage units as well.
Beyond his on-field work, Cunningham is well-liked in the Rams' locker room and has the makings of a team leader for a franchise that is looking for more in light of the departure of linebacker James Laurinaitis and end Chris Long.
Add running back Tre Mason's recent run-in with the law and you have a depth chart that could be perilously thin behind Gurley should Cunningham depart. And though Mason is widely viewed as Gurley's backup, the snap counts don't back that up. In 2015, Cunningham played 261 snaps in 16 games while Mason played 176 snaps in 13 games.
The one-year tender offer for Cunningham comes at a price of $1.671 million. With other teams sniffing around, it's entirely possible it will take a longer, more expensive contract to retain his services. And though keeping Cunningham's presence won't determine the fate of the Rams in 2016, keeping him around for at least one more season certainly wouldn't hurt.
