FA and Cap Outlook

[FrantikRam]

WR depth is gonna be rough in camp next year, especially if they keep OBJ. Kupp > Beckham > Woods > Jefferson > Skowronek > Atwell > Harris. That's a nasty group for the UDFA types to try to carve out a role, probably won't see an addition without moving someone.

Also interesting is the incursion of size into the equation. Skow's role is set as a fullback depth guy behind Woods, but he's also a nice big target. Same with Harris, who they were experimenting with actively prior to him getting hurt. Harris moving over from TE I presume has to do with his lack of mass. He's probably a bit too much stringbean for the role.

I'd also like to see Atwell get more work at returns. He was shitty at it but maybe with some practice they can harness that speed by getting him to play fast.

Slow would look great on the practice squad. He needs more time. A lot more time.

I think we need to keep Powell.

I think Mundt is gone.

Initial 53:

Kupp/Woods/VJ/Atwell/Powell/OBJ

Higbee/Blanton/Harris

Hopkins to practice squad, called up as soon as OBJ goes to IR....unless he can just go on the PUP list? That way OBJ can return during the season.

 

[Merlin]

Not sure Skow would clear waivers. He's a good teams guy plus a strong blocker as a wideout and lot of teams running similar scheme or who want to. Same with Harris, his upside plus he's a strong gunner teams need guys like that and someone would add him.

But yeah we may lose one of them. And competition either way is great, the players you want to keep will rise.

 

[blackbart]

If Beckham gets resigned I’d expect him to be on PUP right away.

I think Atwell is in danger more than either Harris or Skow, they can both play ST.

Powell is the return man and has more NFL experience than Atwell at WR.

From what I saw in camp, Atwell hasn’t even figured out how to get a release from the LOS. And he got rag-dolled everytime he caught a ball. I’ll believe it when I see it with him and hope I’m wrong about him having an impact.

Woods might not be back until camp and I expect them to allow him plenty of time to get up to speed. Hopefully he is ready at the start of the season.

 

[Montanaramfan]

To me it seems as though the OL is the biggest need this offseason. I think we could also use help at CB and LB. Who do you like from this list?

2024 NFL Free Agents Tracker

Tracking the status and signings of all 2024 NFL free agents.

www.spotrac.com

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

I’d be inclined to go with LT on the basis that Noteboom hasn’t shown he can make it through a season without missing time

Love to see us retain Miller, OBJ and Darious Williams, Corbett too

 

[Montanaramfan]

I think Miller and OBJ are locks to come back. I don't see any other team taking a chance on OBJ and if he could come back in November it would be a lot like this year. I'd love to see him, Kupp, and Bobby Trees on the field at the same time. I think Noteboom can turn into a decent tackle if he can stay healthy. I think guard and center are the biggest issues on the OL.

 

[dang]

From another thread…

I see a fair amount of restructured players (Stafford, Kupp, Woods, Higbee, Donald, Ramsey). Let’s say hypothetically the Rams get aggressive. From what I’ve read that could result in $60m cap reduction in 2022. Whit retires adds $16m. Trade Hekker adds $2m.

Currently at -$10m cap. That leaves $68m.

Hypothetical:
Miller. $14m
OBJ $3m+ incentives (out 10+ games)
Allen $6m
Gay $2m
Noteboom $8m
Shelton $1m
Howard $1m
Mundt $1m
Reeder. $1m
That’s $37m.

Leaving $31m for rooks and maybe couple of FAs:
Rashul Douglas CB $6m
M Glowinsky. OG $6m
X Woods. FS $5m
Rooks. $3m

Net cap $11m.

 

[den-the-coach]

I’d be inclined to go with LT on the basis that Noteboom hasn’t shown he can make it through a season without missing time

Tough with Boom because he's an extraordinary in pass protection and is solid enough in the run game. Agreed durability is the only issue, however, some luck is involved too. I like Alaric Jackson as a backup, however, I don't want to have to go long term with Jackson yet.

The other LT are out of the Ram price range unless we can convince Jacksonville in trading Cam Robinson to the Rams, but I'd go with Boom with a prove it deal, with Jackson as he primary backup and maybe draft someone like Rasheed Walker (Penn State) or Kellen Diesch based on which one is available in the 3rd round.

 

[OldSchool]

All the free agents! Fuck the cap!

 

[den-the-coach]

All the free agents! Fuck the cap!

For me always:
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

 

[den-the-coach]

From another thread…

I see a fair amount of restructured players (Stafford, Kupp, Woods, Higbee, Donald, Ramsey). Let’s say hypothetically the Rams get aggressive. From what I’ve read that could result in $60m cap reduction in 2022. Whit retires adds $16m. Trade Hekker adds $2m.

Currently at -$10m cap. That leaves $68m.

Hypothetical:
Miller. $14m
OBJ $3m+ incentives (out 10+ games)
Allen $6m
Gay $2m
Noteboom $8m
Shelton $1m
Howard $1m
Mundt $1m
Reeder. $1m
That’s $37m.

Leaving $31m for rooks and maybe couple of FAs:
Rashul Douglas CB $6m
M Glowinsky. OG $6m
X Woods. FS $5m
Rooks. $3m

Net cap $11m.

I love this plan....All of it, well done @dang well done sir!

 

[OldSchool]

From another thread…

I see a fair amount of restructured players (Stafford, Kupp, Woods, Higbee, Donald, Ramsey). Let’s say hypothetically the Rams get aggressive. From what I’ve read that could result in $60m cap reduction in 2022. Whit retires adds $16m. Trade Hekker adds $2m.

Currently at -$10m cap. That leaves $68m.

Hypothetical:
Miller. $14m
OBJ $3m+ incentives (out 10+ games)
Allen $6m
Gay $2m
Noteboom $8m
Shelton $1m
Howard $1m
Mundt $1m
Reeder. $1m
That’s $37m.

Leaving $31m for rooks and maybe couple of FAs:
Rashul Douglas CB $6m
M Glowinsky. OG $6m
X Woods. FS $5m
Rooks. $3m

Net cap $11m.

I think I'd raise and lower a couple numbers but the net would be about the same. Also no thank you to Reeder and I think Mundt might be gone with how the other TE stepped up and we draft a guy.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Outside of re-signing a few of our own ... like Von Miller, Obj, Noteboom & Allen, my outside free agent choices are :

1) TE - David Njoku
2) WR - DJ Chark or Zay Jones
3) LT - Terron Armstead
4) FS - Marcus Williams
5) CB - JC Jackson
6) ILB - Kwon Alexander
7) OLB - Haason Reddick

Most of these guys are going to be out of our price range, but the 2 key players I believe we could pull off are David Njoku & Zay Jones.

 

[den-the-coach]

3) LT - Terron Armstead


Most of these guys are going to be out of our price range, but the 2 key players I believe we could pull off are David Njoku & Zay Jones.

I would love this guy, but agree too much money.

 

[Merlin]

The Rams can open up something like $60 million really simply... it doesn't mean they will, but why wouldn't they? We'll see.

One thing I'm trying to remember is that the Rams regularly pull off "holy shit!" moves.. so.. why not Terron Armstead?? He'll cost a ton.. but you could probably play with the structure on a multi-year deal.

I do agree the Rams are positioned to make a run for him. Whether they do that or no they are in great position for it. They are champions first off which is attractive to a guy who is getting long in the tooth and will want to play in big games in his time remaining. They probably have Whit as a fallback if they decide to gamble on Armstead and miss, so that parachute is something most teams don't have, at least if they are considering chasing a guy like that in FA.

Biggest hurdle is probably whether the Saints are really gonna let a strong LT hit the market. It does happen but I'm still skeptical. Rams probably know though. So if they let Boom test FA then I think their plan is chasing Armstead.

Also and btw if they really like Alaric at LT then they could chase an interior FA instead. Guy like Scherff would do wonders for the interior of this OL and he'd give this OL another strong leader in that huddle too. Or maybe go center with Jensen who is solid all around and physical which fits the desire to improve the run game. Though I still feel like they can make do with Shelton and prefer they add a top OG.

From what I saw in camp, Atwell hasn’t even figured out how to get a release from the LOS. And he got rag-dolled everytime he caught a ball. I’ll believe it when I see it with him and hope I’m wrong about him having an impact.

The nice thing about McVay's offense is he's so good at scheming guys open that he can set Atwell up for a free release. IMO the biggest hurdle for Atwell is going to be the mental side. This scheme is known to be challenging to young wideouts.

So even though I'm not high on this guy at all (and mainly because of McVay's comments on his work ethic) there is plenty of time this offseason for him to get on top of the scheme and start showing his gifts. Sure would be nice to have a guy on jet sweeps that can take it to the house if he gets that edge.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I don’t see it in LA, with Armstead.

We have a lot of priorities to fill and limited top of the draft resources.

He’s never played a full 16 game season and a big name FA. Not typically the Rams MO. He’ll be 31 in July.

He’ll have suitors… Bengals and Cardinals might feel a piece or two away, need help on OL. Jacksonville has lots of cap room and a franchise QB to protect. Chicago too, and without a first round pick might be aggressive in FA.

 

[Merlin]

In a way I am hoping they just go with Alaric at LT. Two years cheap contract, one year RFA for three years of team control. No idea if they think he's good enough or ready. And I realize it's not a typical type direction for LT on a contender but if they want to get a second consecutive ring they probably need to roll the dice somewhere, so if they really like Jackson there take a shot and use Whit as a backup option.

But doing that also allows them to upgrade the interior of the OL. And I am so damn tired of DL running around in our offensive backfield on run plays getting stuffs. Or seeing iOL being pushed back or whiffing on blocks. Fewer of those you allow the easier it is to get an offense rolling.

 

[Tano]

I just saw this as a possible trade posted by a journalist

https://newarena.com/nfl/30-nfl-stars-who-will-be-traded-this-offseason/10/?amxt=2022_dt_5

Howard gets traded to the Los Angeles Rams for WR TuTu Atwell, RB Darrell Henderson, a third-round pick (No. 103), and a 2023 third-round pick

I doubt Miami would accept that but I can see the Rams trading something else to Miami to get Howard

Talk about teams having a terrible time doing anything against the Rams defense if they have Howard Ramsey Donald Miller Floyd Jones

 

[Merlin]

Fitting Howard in the cap would be tough but damn would that be nice. That one addition would change our CB room from weakness to strength.

 

[Tano]

Snead's new meme should be

Fuck that CAP