Extend or walkaway: Rams must choose between Greg Gaines, A’Shawn Robinson in 2023

[BonifayRam]

Extend or walkaway: Rams must choose between Greg Gaines, A’Shawn Robinson in 2023​

Both stand-out defensive tackles are slated for free agency after the season

By JB Scott Dec 14, 2022, 12:15pm CST

Extend or walkaway: Rams must choose between Greg Gaines, A’Shawn Robinson in 2023

Both stand-out defensive tackles are slated for free agency after the season

www.turfshowtimes.com

While the 2022 season has overall been a disappointment for the Los Angeles Rams, one of the bright spots on team has been its stellar run defense.

Last year’s free agent addition at linebacker, Bobby Wagner, has played a significant role in shoring up the middle of the Los Angeles defense, but tackles Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson also excel in this facet. Gaines was a fourth round selection by the Rams in the 2019 NFL Draft and Robinson joined the team via free agency from the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2020 season. Both have performed well over the last two years and are slated for unrestricted free agency at the season’s conclusion.

The Rams likely want to retain the services of the stand-out players, but with limited salary cap resources it’s almost impossible to see them keeping both individuals. LA is probably headed towards a choice of one of the other - should they re-sign Gaines or Robinson?

Robinson’s season-ending injury certainly complicates the decision. He was ruled out for the remainder of the year after the Week 11 game versus the New Orleans Saints. Assuming he’s fully recovered from the injury by the time he hits the open market, it’s reasonable to expect Robinson to command a higher price tag than Gaines. Robinson is just 27 years old despite having six years of NFL experience, and he’s considered one of the best run-stopping defensive tackles in the league as a former second round pick.

View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1591182163432837124


That’s not to say that Gaines is a slouch - he adds more juice as a passer rusher and has elite movement skills considering his 6-2, 315lbs frame. General manager Les Snead anointed Gaines as a starting level player almost immediately after the 2019 draft, but it took the tackle almost two full years before he became a regular starter along the defensive line.

View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1468694654619115525

The Rams could potentially decide to not re-sign either player, and instead recoup compensatory draft picks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. LA would have Bobby Brown, Jonah Williams, Marquise Copeland, Earnest Brown, and recent waiver claim Larrell Murchison as possible internal replacements - they could also look for outside help at the position.

 

[Kupped]

The good news here is that the Rams are well-positioned to handle this, imo.
Brown and Copeland should be able to absorb most of those snaps and do well. The X-factor is Brown figuring it out and growing into his skillset.. if he does? Zero issues.

 

[ReekofRams]

I really think if the Rams have to choose they stick with Gaines as he’s better suited to help them once Aaron retires.

 

[Allen2McVay]

...

The Rams could potentially decide to not re-sign either player, and instead recoup compensatory draft picks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. LA would have Bobby Brown, Jonah Williams, Marquise Copeland, Earnest Brown, and recent waiver claim Larrell Murchison as possible internal replacements - they could also look for outside help at the position.

Very possible but I am hoping Gaines is re-signed. I understand that the Rams pay top-$ for top-talent, and try to build-out the roster and find their depth through mid-round picks. Never-the-less, I would like to see the Rams retain a few more of their draft choices.

Did some analysis of the Rams 2nd through 5th Round picks from 2017-2019.

2017
Rd 2 ... Gerald Everett
Rd 3 ... Cooper Kupp
Rd 3 ... John Johnson
Rd 4 ... Josh Reynolds
Rd 4 ... Samson Ebukam

2018
Rd 3 ... Joseph Noteboom
Rd 4 ... Brian Allen
Rd 4 ... John Franklin-Myers
Rd 5 ... Micah Kiser
Rd 5 ... Obo Okoronkwo

2019
Rd 2 ... Taylor Rapp
Rd 3 ... Darrell Henderson
Rd 3 ... David Long
Rd 3 ... Bobby Evans
Rd 4 ... Greg Gaines
Rd 5 ... David Edwards

That's 16 players; and I would argue all but Kiser saw significant action. The Rams surprisingly moved-on from Franklin-Myers after one season (that may have been a mistake) but he played a lot in his rookie season.

Only Kupp, Allen and Noteboom signed a second contract with the the Rams (many here regret the re-signing of the two OL); and it's possible none of the 2019 group returns. Personally, in addition to Gaines, I would like to see the Rams bring-back Edwards provided he checks-out after two concussions.

 

[Psycho_X]

Would like both back but if I had to choose it'd be Gaines. He has had some nagging injuries this season but when healthy he is a beast in both run and pass defense.

 

[den-the-coach]

Tough Call...Gaines is a year younger and has proven his worth in the absence of both Donald & Robinson, but Bobby Brown is waiting in the wings to play NT, so maybe the Rams feel Robinson plays a more vital position.

 

[Loyal]

Tough Call...Gaines is a year younger and has proven his worth in the absence of both Donald & Robinson, but Bobby Brown is waiting in the wings to play NT, so maybe the Rams feel Robinson plays a more vital position.

We would regret letting Greg Gaines walk....

 

[AvengerRam]

Of course, I'd love to have both back, but if we have to choose, I'm definitely extending Gaines.

 

[BonifayRam]

Gaines has been healthier & has had more impact on the pass rush. Robinson made the bigger splash in the SB & plays better against the run.

Greg Gaines | NFL Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

Greg Gaines contract and salary cap details, full contract breakdowns, salaries, signing bonus, roster bonus, dead money, and valuations.

www.spotrac.com

A'Shawn Robinson | NFL Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

A'Shawn Robinson contract and salary cap details, full contract breakdowns, salaries, signing bonus, roster bonus, dead money, and valuations.

www.spotrac.com

DL coach Henderson liked to use Brown in the 3 tech in TC. Rams seem to be in better shape replacing the 5 tech DE spot that Robinson plays. Copeland is small & light but run tough, Hoecht can play the 5 tech post & will be looking to LAND a starting post in 2023. Williams can play all 3 DL posts.

Rams running are running low on DL'ers, DE Ernest Brown & well-traveled DE TJ Carter finally played in their first NFL games last week @ the 5 tech post.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I'd love to get them both back, but I believe we'll probably re-sign Gaines and draft another mid-round DT while we hope Bobby Brown & Co. are ready to take over. In my mock I had us going after free agent Da'Ron Payne, but his value has soared recently, so this is no longer viable. Donald, Gaines, B.Brown & ERFA Copeland should do the interior work just fine, especially if we find a quality EDGE to enhance our woeful pass rush.
jmo.

 

[den-the-coach]

We would regret letting Greg Gaines walk....

Yeah, if I had a choice it would be Gaines, but I remember when the Rams had to make a choice between London Fletcher & Leonard Little, only to find out, they could have kept them both, but Jay Zygmunt didn't realize the opportunity.

 

[snackdaddy]

I want them both back. But if only one is possible I'm in Gaines camp.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Wouldn’t A’Shawn net a higher comp pick? Or am I stoned?

 

[bubbaramfan]

Mojo--

 

[den-the-coach]

Wouldn’t A’Shawn net a higher comp pick? Or am I stoned?

 

[BonifayRam]

.............. if we find a quality EDGE to enhance our woeful pass rush.

Big need!

I do not care where the 2023 Rams find a pass rusher either in the DL or OLB positions but please just find one!

 

[Merlin]

If Gaines is reasonably affordable he would be the priority. But it is probably smarter to add underrated rotation types and let Henderson maximize them and keep them fresh. Spend the cash you save on the OL, go get the best interior OL that hits the market instead.

 

[oldnotdead]

Hoecht has replaced A'Shawn, Gaines is better overall. Hoecht can play any position that Robinson can play. He's faster and more versatile. Gaines overall is a more impactful player. A'Shawn IMO was never brought in as a long term player. Brown was drafted to replace him. Between Brown and Hoecht, there is no need to extend Robinson. A'Shawn is a comp pick in the making.

Gaines, Scott, Gay, Mayfield, Nsekhe, Dixon, Powell, Howard (ERFA), Orzech, Gervase (ERFA), Perkins (ERFA), Copeland (ERFA), Hoecht (ERFA), Rozeboom (ERFA), and Scott are IMO the list that will be resigned. ERFA players are resigned at vet minimum so keeping them is as cheap as they can get. It's why they can afford to keep Perkins. It also keeps Perkins away from AZ. Who knows when and if Kyler returns.

I see it this way. It's a choice between A'Shawn or Mayfield because Robinson's cap hit is slightly more than keeping Mayfield right now. Personally, I'd rather see them keep Mayfield than Robinson. I expect Mayfield to sign a 2 year deal for about $14 M as a backup assuming Stafford returns for one or two years.

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams added a NT to the DL as reported in another thread.

Rams Add Ex-$3.4 Million Super Bowl Winning Defender to Roster: Report

The Rams continued to add some needed help at defensive line, while also luring in a former AFC North defender.

heavy.com

Rams sign DT Khalil Davis, DB Richard LeCounte to practice squad

The Rams added two players to their practice squad Wednesday, both on defense

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[blackbart]

The FO has probably been on this for a while and has been talking with both players about how to retain both of them.

Like most here Gaines is my first choice but both these guys bring value at the right price.