FA and Cap Outlook

[El Chapo Jr]

Yeah I have no doubt they can keep everyone and run it back. I just don't think most of these guys are worth keeping at FA rates.

You see it every year, teams casting off previous FAs they overpaid for. And what they usually have in common is being average starters who get paid too much. So hopefully the Rams continue to be smarter than other teams and stick to their evaluation of what they want to pay them. That will ensure they get through this in good shape IMO. With this model the one thing you cannot do is overpay a mediocre or even average starter. Guys who get paid have to produce.

Yeah, it's hard to figure out too because I'm sure some guys view getting a SB ring as equating to higher pay too. I'm sure as usual, there are FAs that'll price themselves outta our price range. Definitely is better to play it smart. If I had to guess, I'm assuming the Rams make 2 splash signings with the rest as under the radar. My guess will probably be wrong though lol

 

[Merlin]

One thing I do love about Snead is he is often at his best when he's being frugal. Some of his best signings and picks have been the reclamation FAs or mid to late picks in the draft. So we're in good hands here with him and McVay pairing up to make good decisions.

This means of course that they'll probably sign everyone to come back and I'll be irritated but they'll win another title and I'll have to stfu.

 

[Kupped]

Agree there that it'd be a ballsy ass move for sure. Part of the equation making it hard to figure out is we really don't know who will make it to FA, which positions may be more saturated, and what positions are deep in the draft. Regardless, we after definitely defending our crown.

Yup.
The only areas where I have concern are Edge and LT and that's why I think Miller and Boom are the two top priorities.
Like other people, I'm intrigued by Alaric Jackson.. but I'm also willing to see the possibility that his one appearance was a mirage.. after all, Vikings did not have their best edge rusher's available. If you rewatch the game and just focus on him.. I think it's clear he needs a lot of work. That being said.. his performance and his traits are pretty damn impressive for a freaking UDFA. So much potential.

I think they may have adequate to decent rotational edge pieces in Lewis, Hollins and Garrett.. but they need a difference-maker in addition.. and that's Miller.

Guard's and Centers? I feel like they figure that kind of thing out. I also think that with a second year of Carberry and Stafford.. that things just get easier on offense.

 

[Merlin]

2022 NFL Free Agency Rankings: Tight Ends | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics | PFF

Mike Gesicki is the top-ranked free agent tight end in PFF's 2022 NFL free agency rankings.

www.pff.com

2022 NFL Free Agency Rankings: Tight Ends​

NFL free agency is a year-round process, as teams scout opposing players in an effort to defeat them during the year and perhaps sign them in the offseason.

Now we're at the end of the 2021-22 NFL season, the free agency picture is coming into focus and teams are beginning to identify potential targets to improve their roster weaknesses.

Here are the top tight ends slated to hit free agency in 2022. Click here for PFF's full list of top 200 free agents.

Click here for more PFF tools:​

Rankings & Projections | WR/CB Matchup Chart | NFL & NCAA Betting Dashboards | NFL Player Props Tool | NFL & NCAA Power Rankings
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1. MIKE GESICKI​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 20
2021 Snaps: 827
2021 PFF grade: 68.6 (21st of 70)

Gesicki will have one of the more interesting free-agent situations of any player in the NFL this offseason as he attempts to make the infamous Jimmy Graham argument that he should be considered a wide receiver for franchise tag purposes and not a tight end. Gesicki played 85% of his 2021 snaps lined up in the slot or out wide as a receiver — he is rarely ever in-line as a tight end. The wide receiver franchise tag is projected to be around $18.4 million, while the tight end franchise tag projects to be around $10.9 million, so it’s no small distinction.

Projected contract: 4 yrs — $13.75m avg/yr

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2. DALTON SCHULTZ​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 21
2021 Snaps: 1,050
2021 PFF grade: 78.2 (6th of 70)

Schultz took full advantage of Blake Jarwin‘s absence in the middle of the 2021 season and made a name for himself. Schultz’s 77.0 receiving grade ranked eighth among tight ends in 2021, with his 78 receptions coming in at third place. The former fourth-round pick initially seemed like a limited athlete with all the intangibles that come with a Stanford tight end, but he’s blossoming into a solid all-around player at the position.

Projected contract: 4 yrs — $11.25m avg/yr

3. ROB GRONKOWSKI​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 35
2021 Snaps: 771
2021 PFF grade: 76.5 (7th of 70)

Gronkowski looked even better to start off the 2021 campaign than he did in 2020, perhaps because his post-retirement rust was fully shaken off. The tight end racked up 129 receiving yards and four touchdowns through Week 2 before injuries to his ribs and back kept him sidelined for a while. Regardless, he is still capable of being “Gronk” when healthy — it may just be a matter of finding a new quarterback to catch passes from.

Projected contract: 1 yrs — $7m avg/yr

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4. DAVID NJOKU​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 43
2021 Snaps: 670
2021 PFF grade: 70.9 (14th of 70)

Njoku has been on quite the journey from his first-round selection in 2017 to finally reaching free agency, but along the way, he has made several spectacular plays that demonstrate the rare athleticism that made him a top draft pick. Some minor injuries and trade requests throughout his time in Cleveland have distracted from what has been a strong start to a career at a position that tends to take a while to learn.

Two of the game's best tight ends in the Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Dallas Goedert agreed to top-of-market, early extensions during the 2021 season, and Njoku is younger than both of them despite leaving college a year earlier. This, coupled with Njoku earning a career-high 70.9 grade in 2021 could lead to a free-agent deal that resembles the one signed by New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry.

Projected contract: 3 yrs — $12.5m avg/yr

5. ZACH ERTZ​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 59
2021 Snaps: 902
2021 PFF grade: 65.5 (29th of 70)

Zach Ertz experienced a bit of a career resurgence after getting traded to the Arizona Cardinals at the deadline, earning a 71.4 receiving grade from Week 7 on, the 12th-best mark at the position. Ertz’s 264 yards after the catch over the same stretch ranked sixth among tight ends.

Kansas City’s Travis Kelce signed a top-of-market extension after turning 30, and while Ertz is not the player Kelce is, he’s demonstrated he can still play at a high level and should be compensated accordingly.

Projected contract: 2 yrs — $11m avg/yr

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6. GERALD EVERETT​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 62
2021 Snaps: 649
2021 PFF grade: 63.5 (34th of 70)

This past offseason, Everett departed the Rams for another NFC West team in the Seahawks on a one-year, $6 million flier. While the Seahawks’ season was somewhat of a disaster, Everett thrived when quarterback Russell Wilson returned from injury in Week 10. From Week 10 through the end of the season, Everett’s 44 targets ranked 12th among tight ends, while his 34 receptions ranked seventh. His 85 receiving yards after first contact with a defender was also seventh-best.

Projected contract: 3 yrs — $7.5m avg/yr

7. EVAN ENGRAM​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 73
2021 Snaps: 723
2021 PFF grade: 53.5 (64th of 70)

The Giants reportedly rebuffed several requests from other teams to trade for 2017 first-round tight end Evan Engram ahead of each of the past two trade deadlines, but it remains to be seen if he is truly in their long-term plans. Engram’s 4.4 speed at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds is enough to keep teams monitoring his situation, even as his overall and receiving grades have declined in each of the past four seasons. An anemic Giants offense that ranks 30th in expected points added per pass play since 2020 certainly didn’t help his cause.

Projected contract: 2 yrs — $9m avg/yr

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8. MAXX WILLIAMS​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 95
2021 Snaps: 220
2021 PFF grade: 77.9 (N/A)

Williams was on a tear to start the 2021 season — his 78.8 grade through Week 5 ranked fifth among tight ends and 8.0 yards after the catch per reception was sixth. Williams has always been a strong blocker, as his 82.3 run block grade since 2017 is the third-best mark among tight ends with at least 100 run-blocking snaps over the five-year stretch. An ACL tear is never a good thing, but he suffered the injury in early October and should be mostly recovered by Week 1, 2022.

Projected contract: 3 yrs — $6.25m avg/yr

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9. TE C.J. UZOMAH​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 97
2021 Snaps: 916
2021 PFF grade: 62.8 (39th of 70)

Uzomah’s 2021 season was very impressive for two simple reasons: he was coming off a nasty torn Achilles injury suffered in 2020, and he carved out an important receiving role in an offense that has arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Keeping Uzomah around with major extensions looming for Chase and Higgins may be a bit of a challenge, but Cincinnati should be able to stagger cash/cap commitments for their offensive weapons over the next 3-5 years.

PROJECTED CONTRACT: 3 YRS — $7M AVG/YR

---

10. MO ALIE-COX​

PFF Free Agency Rank: 108
2021 Snaps: 608
2021 PFF grade: 66.4 (26th of 70)

Alie-Cox has had an extremely impressive first four years of his career considering he was a college basketball player at VCU before converting to tight end for the Rams and playing organized football for the first time since his freshman year of high school. He’s still learning the nuances of NFL football but hasn’t let that slow him down, with four-straight seasons grading above 65.0. Operating behind Jack Doyle has limited Alie-Cox’s receiving production, but perhaps he could become more of a focal point going forward.

Projected contract: 3 yrs — $7m avg/yr

 

[Merlin]

Looks like if the Rams want a blocking upgrade at TE2 via FA it's gonna be in that $7M range. Seems unlikely given that Higs is making $8M or so iirc and they don't use the position all that much.

But do they maybe want to change that with Stafford back there putting up contested throws? I would.

 

[Kupped]

Looks like if the Rams want a blocking upgrade at TE2 via FA it's gonna be in that $7M range. Seems unlikely given that Higs is making $8M or so iirc and they don't use the position all that much.

But do they maybe want to change that with Stafford back there putting up contested throws? I would.

I've mentioned in another thread...

Gronk.

He seems to have real Hollywood aspirations... have him as your 2-3 TE and ramp him up in the postseason...

 

[Memento]

I've mentioned in another thread...

Gronk.

He seems to have real Hollywood aspirations... have him as your 2-3 TE and ramp him up in the postseason...

No fucking way do I want that troglodyte Neanderthal on this team. No. Fucking. Way.

 

[Allen2McVay]

No fucking way do I want that troglodyte Neanderthal on this team. No. Fucking. Way.

OK, so you're on-the-fence.

 

[OldSchool]

I don't see us spending big on a free agent TE. Just me and I've absolutely been wrong before but it would be surprising to me if we went that route.

 

[ottoman89]

I don't see us spending big on a free agent TE. Just me and I've absolutely been wrong before but it would be surprising to me if we went that route.

I agree. I think they look at iOL, CB, ILB and S.

 

[Merlin]

No fucking way do I want that troglodyte Neanderthal on this team. No. Fucking. Way.

I'd be ok with Gronk simply because I think Stafford would take full advantage of him. He's a poster-boy type fit for a guy like Stafford.

But yeah seems like a luxury so doubtful it happens. He would have to come in cheap agreeing to a shot here for another ring.

 

[BonifayRam]

I agree. I think they look at iOL, CB, ILB and S.

Would be in agreement with your #1(Interior OL) & #2 (Corner) assessments. Right there will those two I would state firmly that Edge Rushers/OLB'ers to being desired. Ram's will lose a starting OLB'er & the top reserve OLB'er to UFA"cy IMO. Who would you see replacing them?

Do you see the ILB & Safety cadre the way I do below?

In 2022 the Rams can very easily & economy savvy $$$ have the same five Interior LB'ers Travin Howard/ Ernest Jones/ Troy Reeder/Justin Hollins & Christian Rozeboom. Which would be the same five ILB'ers who they went with to win the 2021 NFL Championship.

In the Safety cadre, the 2022 roster has under contract the same FIVE 2021 safeties. Two starting safeties from the beginning of the 2021 season in Fuller/Rapp. In addition, they have top reserve & starting playoff deep safety Nick Scott. Add in 3rd yr versatile 3rd rd pick FS/SSNK Terrell Burgess & 3rd yr SS Antoine Brooks Jr. I do think the 2 starting safeties are average NFL safeties at best.

With needs in the other 3 areas I mentioned along with TE & RB being other areas of concern why would they undertake to invest assetts into the current beefy safety & ILB'er cadre?

 

[Kupped]

No fucking way do I want that troglodyte Neanderthal on this team. No. Fucking. Way.

Why not?

 

[OldSchool]

Would be in agreement with your #1(Interior OL) & #2 (Corner) assessments. Right there will those two I would state firmly that Edge Rushers/OLB'ers to being desired. Ram's will lose a starting OLB'er & the top reserve OLB'er to UFA"cy IMO. Who would you see replacing them?

Do you see the ILB & Safety cadre the way I do below?

In 2022 the Rams can very easily & economy savvy $$$ have the same five Interior LB'ers Travin Howard/ Ernest Jones/ Troy Reeder/Justin Hollins & Christian Rozeboom. Which would be the same five ILB'ers who they went with to win the 2021 NFL Championship.

In the Safety cadre, the 2022 roster has under contract the same FIVE 2021 safeties. Two starting safeties from the beginning of the 2021 season in Fuller/Rapp. In addition, they have top reserve & starting playoff deep safety Nick Scott. Add in 3rd yr versatile 3rd rd pick FS/SSNK Terrell Burgess & 3rd yr SS Antoine Brooks Jr. I do think the 2 starting safeties are average NFL safeties at best.

With needs in the other 3 areas I mentioned along with TE & RB being other areas of concern why would they undertake to invest assetts into the current beefy safety & ILB'er cadre?

Corner #1 for me just like it was last year. A few spots close behind like IOL depending on the free agents but our secondary is priority number one for me no ifs ands or buts about it.

 

[Memento]

Why not?

He's a cheap shot artist, has a zero cent brain, has a chronic back issue, and he's over the hill. I'd rather draft a tight end if we're going to bring someone up behind Higbee.

 

[Kupped]

He's a cheap shot artist, has a zero cent brain, has a chronic back issue, and he's over the hill. I'd rather draft a tight end if we're going to bring someone up behind Higbee.

He was significantly better than Higbee this year and can still completely dominate when healthy.

I get not liking guys.. but if he was willing to go to the Rams on a relative bargain deal, it would be a really good move.

Oh.. he can block significantly better than any current Rams TE.

I'm not a Gronk "fan", but.. come on... the guy is a first ballot HOF player who still produces.

 

[BonifayRam]

Corner #1 for me just like it was last year. A few spots close behind like IOL depending on the free agents but our secondary is priority number one for me no ifs ands or buts about it.

Yes, you have to go into the season with 4 good corners. 3 have to be proven. Rams have their 2021 #2 & #4 outside corners involved as UFA's. They enter with 1 starting outside corner & a Nickle-Back with the promising but injury-prone Robert Rochell as their only real legit prospect to start. Rochell only got in 14 tackles in 11 gms out of 22.

Thus it would not be surprising if at least 2 corners ended up being drafted. The 3 other signed CB are UDFA journeymen types who have been on their 3rd or 4th teams very early in their careers.

 

[Memento]

He was significantly better than Higbee this year and can still completely dominate when healthy.

I get not liking guys.. but if he was willing to go to the Rams on a relative bargain deal, it would be a really good move.

Oh.. he can block significantly better than any current Rams TE.

I'm not a Gronk "fan", but.. come on... the guy is a first ballot HOF player who still produces.

"
He's a HOFer, but that doesn't make him not washed up, a cheapshot artist and a Neanderthal who is the antithesis of "We, Not Me."

 

[Kupped]

"
He's a HOFer, but that doesn't make him not washed up, a cheapshot artist and a Neanderthal who is the antithesis of "We, Not Me."

He's absolutely not washed up.
And you don't win as many championships and survive being a Patriot without being a team player.

I'm just gonna disagree.

 

[Memento]

He's absolutely not washed up.
And you don't win as many championships and survive being a Patriot without being a team player.

I'm just gonna disagree.

Agree to disagree.