Free Agency Thread: 2019 Season

[TheTackle]

On defense, to my mind, we need a starting OLB to (hopefully) play opposite Fowler and a safety to replace Joyner.

Will we give Suh another contract? He looks well worth it right now, agreed?

Can we get rich, while our main rivals get poorer? A similar front office move led to the Seahawks getting rich at our expense, back when we last had a talented roster

This would allow us to address other positions in the draft and take BPA if someone drops in our lap

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Frank Clark, defensive end. Clark didn't get a ton of attention in part because these Seahawks were seen as a transitional team, one in a fluid rebuild that ended up proving to be a retooling good enough to land them in the playoffs. A big reason? The play of Clark, who racked up 13 sacks, 41 tackles, three forced fumbles, two passes defensed, one interception and 51 QB pressures (12th-most in the NFL). Not bad for a contract season. Add in his recent statement that he played the entire season at 60 percent (due to what he says were two torn UCLs suffered in the same game against the Vikings) and his play becomes even more impressive. Keep an eye on this one.

ARIZONA CARDINALS: Tre Boston, safety. Boston moved to Arizona in 2018 (after spending 2017 with the Chargers) and didn't miss a beat, recording 79 tackles, nine passes defensed, three interceptions and one forced fumble in his first season with the lowly Cardinals. At 26 years old, Boston has already played for three teams in five seasons and is expected to hit the free-agent market again. If his 2018 is any proof, the safety could be a good low-key addition for a team in need of a safety.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Isn’t Clark more of a 4/3 DE?

Boston is good but he is a cheap shorter and draws a lot of flags.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Things are subject to change with cap casualties, but right now I’m not seeing any great options at FS other than Earl Thomas. He appears to be headed to Dallas. I wouldn’t mind trying to sign him with the promise of revenge against Pete twice a year. Wishful thinking though.

This draft is deep at DT. I wonder if that will drive the price down on free agent DTs. The Rams May lose a few and a good rotational DT could be Brandon Mebane. He is still playing well.

A wide body NT would help too.

As it looks now just resigning the Rams own free agents would be huge. Fowler and Suh are worth getting back. Joyner, maybe just by default.

 

[fearsomefour]

I would say DL, ILB, OLB, S are needed.
A CB too?
A lot of holes.
The question of course is how needy are those holes if the team is coming off of a super bowl?
Suh could come back but it would need to be for less money....like going from $14 M to $8 M. Him waiting until he is inspired is not great.
Or maybe it was all about taking chances until they had to shut down the run.
Suh has been more effective at end.
At any rate a real DL rotation would be nice.
The Rams need an ILB as well that can fill gaps in the run game.
If the Rams can land a promising DL, LB or DB and trade down into the second round I certainly would.

 

[fearsomefour]

Things are subject to change with cap casualties, but right now I’m not seeing any great options at FS other than Earl Thomas. He appears to be headed to Dallas. I wouldn’t mind trying to sign him with the promise of revenge against Pete twice a year. Wishful thinking though.

This draft is deep at DT. I wonder if that will drive the price down on free agent DTs. The Rams May lose a few and a good rotational DT could be Brandon Mebane. He is still playing well.

A wide body NT would help too.

As it looks now just resigning the Rams own free agents would be huge. Fowler and Suh are worth getting back. Joyner, maybe just by default.

Would Suh be willing to take less money.
He isent worth $14 M if he plays hard only sometimes.
Mebane signed with the Chargers for $3M a year. The Rams need to try and find a couple of DL like this.
Solid, rotational 3/4 DL. Don't have to be flashy or put up stats. They also won't break the bank. Then use that first pic to draft the best play making, pass rushing DT on the board or trade down.

 

[Memento]

Hell no to Clark. I don't want that unrepentant woman-beating scumbag anywhere near our team.

 

[Poppinfresh]

They need linebackers and someone to show Joyner the door. And a shifty return man, since we went from having hands-down the best special teams in the league a year ago to only having good kickers this year (RIP Pharoh). This is a pretty complete team otherwise, though we've got some age concerns on the offensive line.

I think we're likely to be pretty quiet in free agency (though I suspect we'll find Joyner's replacement in it, just because top safeties aren't cost prohibitive), and will simply put faith in the scouting department to make use of the picks we've got. We're likely to put a lot of our hopes on nailing those compensatory picks we're gonna get for Watkins and Tru.

 

[BonifayRam]

I do not see Snead being involved much in signing mega $$$ UFA's. I expect the Rams will have five very high $$$ UFA's in March (Suh/ Joyner/ Saffold/ Fowler/ Peters). I expect only one (Saffold) to be resigned. Snead continues to work hard to attain several 2020 awarded high comprehensive draft selections.

Wade's 2018 season primarily high safety Lamarcus Joyner is only under Rams contract for one more game. He is an Unrestricted Free Agent the 1st week of March.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams/lamarcus-joyner-14450/market-value/
Wade only has one reserve safety under future Ram Contract & it's Strong Safety/hybrid ILB Marqui Christian. Talented 2nd yr Strong Safety John Johnson has played a ton of high safety this season & might be considered to replace LJ in 2019. @TheTackle I believe Snead will NOT sign any high profile & cost High safety & seek remedy for the LJ loss on April 26th Friday evening 2nd day of the NFL Draft.

My thoughts on UFA DE Frank Clark are far ranging. He has great talent & will get much better. He can be a perfect fit in @ the Strong Side ER post for Wade. He would be a much better pass rusher than Rob Quinn. I also see off field issues being a serious concern. He is not a good guy with major character concerns. Rams would have to pay BIG $$$ to sign him. SS/ER Dante Fowler will cost much less.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/frank-clark-16787/market-value/

 

[Prime Time]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.c...rian-jenkins-tweets-his-goodbye-from-jaguars/

Austin Seferian-Jenkins tweets his goodbye from Jaguars
Posted by Charean Williams on January 24, 2019

Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins tweeted his goodbye to the Jaguars on Thursday, indicating the team has declined his option.

That means Seferian-Jenkins will hit the open market.

The Jaguars had a $500,000 team option for 2019. It is not a surprise.

Seferian-Jenkins played only five games for Jacksonville in 2018, making 11 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.

“Appreciate the time Jax! It wasn’t what we wanted! But I’m happy y’all supported me and my teammates! Next chapter,” Seferian-Jenkins wrote.

He spent only one season in Jacksonville.

 

[RamsJunkie]

Its really weird not to be balls deep in free agency and the draft this time of year. I love it!!

 

[TheTackle]

Things are subject to change with cap casualties, but right now I’m not seeing any great options at FS other than Earl Thomas. He appears to be headed to Dallas. I wouldn’t mind trying to sign him with the promise of revenge against Pete twice a year. Wishful thinking though.

This draft is deep at DT. I wonder if that will drive the price down on free agent DTs. The Rams May lose a few and a good rotational DT could be Brandon Mebane. He is still playing well.

A wide body NT would help too.

As it looks now just resigning the Rams own free agents would be huge. Fowler and Suh are worth getting back. Joyner, maybe just by default.

If we sign Earl Thomas I will do cart wheels, but I cannot see it - that said, they did try and bring Mack in and so must figure they can afford a big contract. I think we will address the DL, LB and secondary through the draft, but that we need to bring in at least two, fairly high priced, starters via FA to keep the team on a Superbowl footing

Is Mebane hitting FA? Always rated him highly and wanted the Rams to pick him up in the past

 

[TheTackle]

Hell no to Clark. I don't want that unrepentant woman-beating scumbag anywhere near our team.

Clark is great rushing the passer and strong on the edge - he is hugely undervalued and would be a big addition - I was unaware of his domestic issue - he wasn't suspended and I am little unclear, what occurred?

He has given us trouble every time we played the Hawks. We should take a leaf from Belichick and sign players from within our division that we have experienced problems facing

https://www.si.com/nfl/photos/2013/10/17/ndamukong-suh-controversial-moments#12

 

[TheTackle]

I do not see Snead being involved much in signing mega $$$ UFA's. I expect the Rams will have five very high $$$ UFA's in March (Suh/ Joyner/ Saffold/ Fowler/ Peters). I expect only one (Saffold) to be resigned. Snead continues to work hard to attain several 2020 awarded high comprehensive draft selections.

My thoughts on UFA DE Frank Clark are far ranging. He has great talent & will get much better. He can be a perfect fit in @ the Strong Side ER post for Wade. He would be a much better pass rusher than Rob Quinn. I also see off field issues being a serious concern. He is not a good guy with major character concerns. Rams would have to pay BIG $$$ to sign him. SS/ER Dante Fowler will cost much less.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/frank-clark-16787/market-value/

I agree Boni, we have the flexibility to sign or draft a SS type, because of Johnson's flexibility - he should have gone to the pro-bowl to my mind. He is an outstanding safety and the main reason I suggested Boston would be a smart move. Joyner is gone and we can look forward to another 3rd round pick as compensation - perhaps Fowler too

That said, keeping Fowler should be a priority - no doubt - he has elevated his game in our scheme and is clearly a good locker room guy. That said, Clark and Fowler would be fierce - and would put the proverbial nail in the Hawks coffin - he is their best defender

I might be wrong, but I think Peters and Talib are both under contract next year

 

[TheTackle]

Would Suh be willing to take less money.
He isent worth $14 M if he plays hard only sometimes.
Mebane signed with the Chargers for $3M a year. The Rams need to try and find a couple of DL like this.
Solid, rotational 3/4 DL. Don't have to be flashy or put up stats. They also won't break the bank. Then use that first pic to draft the best play making, pass rushing DT on the board or trade down.

Suh looks like money well spent right now though, right?

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

@TheTackle . Mebane appears on the free agency’s list but someone posted on this thread that he resigned with the Chargers.

 

[UKram]

In of the opinion we can upgrade at all linebacker spots.. including littleton and ebukam and joyners safety spot (ive heard weddle may be finished in baltimore one more year to groom a replacement )

yes i know we wont upgrade all LB spots ... but they are our weakest link on D

 

[HighDesertRam]

Suh looks like money well spent right now though, right?

Suh has made a lot of money in his time in the NFL. I think he is very happy here and playing next to AD. I think he will take less money to stay and play for champion's.

 

[Karate61]

Suh has made a lot of money in his time in the NFL. I think he is very happy here and playing next to AD. I think he will take less money to stay and play for champion's.

That's exactly what Suh did to play for the Rams this season!

 

[BonifayRam]

I agree Boni, we have the flexibility to sign or draft a SS type, because of Johnson's flexibility - he should have gone to the pro-bowl to my mind. He is an outstanding safety and the main reason I suggested Boston would be a smart move. Joyner is gone and we can look forward to another 3rd round pick as compensation - perhaps Fowler too

That said, keeping Fowler should be a priority - no doubt - he has elevated his game in our scheme and is clearly a good locker room guy. That said, Clark and Fowler would be fierce - and would put the proverbial nail in the Hawks coffin - he is their best defender

I might be wrong, but I think Peters and Talib are both under contract next year

Yep good decent strong safety types are plentiful & very easy to find & sign. I would have to remind myself that Wade does not use these In The Box / Strong Safeties who play up close to LOS types as starters in his secondary. Problem is he seeks out safeties who have blended skills & talents to perform both the high/free safety position & the up close to the LOS SS on each & every snap.

Our veteran leader in the secondary is all pro-CB Aqib Talib who is under his last yr of his 6 year, $57 mil contract with the Denver Broncos that the Rams traded for. AT will earn $8 mil. this upcoming season. I would do a contract extension ASAP to retain AT for at least 2 to 3 more seasons. His leadership invaluable for this upcoming season due to the brand new youthful rookie cadre of DB's that will be drafted in late April.

CB Marcus Peters is a different situation. Last year on Apr 24, 2018, the Rams exercised a $9.1 million option for this upcoming 2019 season. However, Rams are not locked in on that 4/24/2018 decision either. Rams Org. still have a very big decision here before March 13th, 2019 prior to 3 pm (CT). On this date, the 2019 League Year begins. Rams Org will either exercise Marcus Peters option (9.1 million cap hit) on his 2019 option clause in his original KC rookie contract or will release him thus saving the $9.1 mil. Is Peters's worth $9.1 million cap hit?

IMO If I have to choose between Dante Fowler Jr or Marcus Peters I going with the 25 yr old 5th yr pass rusher & draft a starting corner.

 

[TSFH Fan]

Anthony Barr, Edge, either opposite Fowler or to replace Fowler, using some/all of Suh's salary slot.

Yeah, yeah, forget the part about being posterized by the entire Ram offense and forget about being posterized by rookie Josh Allen, he's been playing out of position (imo) since entering the league.

Instead, look at the college vids and see things like how AB murdered Matt Barkley. Check out the pre-drafts, like Ram-lover Walter, projecting him as a pass rusher:

Barr was one of the best nation's pass-rushers for the past two year. He had a breakout 2012 season and was one of the nation's leader in sacks. The junior collected 13 sacks, 83 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, five passes batted and four forced fumbles. His sack total was the second largest in the nation behind only Georgia's Jarvis Jones. Barr was a terror off the edge and ended Matt Barkley's collegiate career with vicious sack.

Barr is a natural edge rusher who could easily develop into a double-digit sack artist and potential Pro Bowler.

Barr recently said he's in favor of being more of an edge rusher:

“I think it plays to my strengths more so, I think I’m better going forward than backward,” Barr said following a two-sack performance against Miami in Week 15. “I can do it, but it’s more natural for me and I’m able to affect the game more when I (rush the passer).”

http://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/p...hony-barr-will-let-free-agency-dictate-itself

Then there's this clickbait about the Saints fans' lawsuit:

"Sorry," the Vikings star tells TMZ Sports ... "Take your L and keep pushing. It happens. It's unfortunate, but it's the world we live in. It's not perfect."

https://www.tmz.com/2019/01/22/anth...s-saints-rams-playoffs-lawsuit-roger-goodell/

Insert caveats here re: if not re-signed/franchised, money right, etc., etc., etc.