Free Agency Thread: 2019 Season

[Elmgrovegnome]

Agreed and I see it the same way. Snead will undoubtedly look at NT in FA, but with money invested in Donald and Brock plus a strong DL draft it makes zero sense to chase dudes in FA at the position.

Safety is where the quality is. If Amos and Collins hit FA too, it's gonna be an effin bonanza. Amos would be my first choice (young and plays both pass and run well), but I seriously doubt the Bears let him walk. And after a couple years of suckin up to Dallas I think Earl Thomas will go straight to them once the period starts. But that's cool you still got other options in this FA class at the position and the Rams will almost surely fill a hole that route with a guy like the Honey Badger, Clinton-Dix, etc.

Honey Badger or Dix aren’t any better than Joyner imo. One guy that really showed well at the Sr. Bowl was Adderly. But he went to Delaware. Maybe that causes him to drop to the Rams. If he’s the real deal, he may not get past Seattle.

 

[BonifayRam]

Who do you like at DT in the upcoming draft?

I would hope that Snead approaches this Draft much as he did early in the 2014 Draft. Rams already had a very good starting 3 tech DT named Michael Brockers. Snead also had another 3 tech DT's Kendall Lanford playing shade nose & Eugene Sim was a 3 tech rusher in passing situations. They had no need @ the 3 tech DT post. What did they do? drafted purely 3 tech DT named Aaron Donald.

It's highly probable the Rams will lose both our NT's (Suh/ Westbrooks) due to UFA'cy. It's a natural desire to want an infusion of run stuffers DT's to go with our current light/weak run stopping ILB'ers. Wade uses all kinds of DL'ers who line up in different gaps on every defensive snap. An example ...in the 2 previous playoff games DE Brockers has played more snaps in the middle (nearest the center) of the DL between Donald & Suh. So it's not a set.

I believe that Brockers will be our starting NT in 2019 with 2nd yr NT Sebastian Joseph-Day as our back up. I also think that Snead will sign a UFA veteran back up NT @ some point. Rams have 6 DL'ers under contract for 2019.

2019 DL depth chart
DE- Franklin-Myers/ Morgan Fox
NT- Brockers/ Joseph-Day/ Vet UFA/ 3rd-day draft pick
DT- Donald/ Smart / 3rd day draft pick

This DT 2019 draft class has no Donald's in it. However it has a large cadre of athletes who are interior pass-rushers. DL'er Quinnen Williams [Bama], Ed Oliver [Houston], Rashan Gary [Michigan] sure look like top 20 selections. Followed by Jeffery Simmons [Mississippi State]. My preference top desire DL'er with our top #32 first rd pick would be NT Dexter Lawrence from Clemson. He is a pure Zero or One Tech DL'er. I believe Lawrence will still on the board when the Rams pick. My second desire would be Christians Wilkins [Clemson] who appears to be a top 20 pick.

In conclusion, I see the need for a CB or Edge Rusher as a bigger need in this upcoming draft @ this time...things can change this fast though.

 

[fearsomefour]

Lets not forget we drafted someone last year, but has been injured. Obo could be useful next year. I'm sure they won't rely on him starting next year, but, he was pretty damn effective in college.

Maybe.
Hasn't even seen the field.
Samson could continue to develop too but has a ways to go to be an impact player.

 

[pmil66]

The Rams drafted 11 players last year, 10 made the team. The one that did not is on the practice squad. 20% of the Rams 53 roster were rookies, and the team went 13-3. Will be some starting spots opening up next year, perhaps another one or 2 after the victory on Sunday. Certainly can see the top 5 draft picks from 2018 potentially moving into starting spots if needed. Perhaps one or 2 of the other 5 can develop into rotation players.
Can see the Rams going after a pass rusher in free agency, or even a trade. But much more excited about the upcoming draft, after the Super Bowl win on sunday.

 

[Merlin]

Honey Badger or Dix aren’t any better than Joyner imo. One guy that really showed well at the Sr. Bowl was Adderly. But he went to Delaware. Maybe that causes him to drop to the Rams. If he’s the real deal, he may not get past Seattle.

Gotta disagree with you there Elm. Joyner is terrible playing deep, to the point where teams will want him for his nickel cb film not his safety play.

Honey Badger is a better fit for Wade's scheme because he's not only good in the deep middle but he can do a bit of everything and in spite of his size he is physical as F. Blitzing off the edge even he shows physicality. Dude would be an enormous upgrade over Joyner at safety.

And Dix has always, going back to college, had a great feel for the deep middle. His probs weren't instinctual like they are with Joyner, they were moreso him trying to hotdog to get INTs so he can get paid and it's why the Packers moved him. But Dix remains a very good safety talent IMO and that early guy we saw who got to the Pro Bowl is still a possibility since he's only 25.

There will be numerous upgrades available on this market. And if the Giants and Bears don't tie up another couple young options Snead will be flush in opportunity to fix what has been a problem for us all season long.

 

[Malibu]

My thoughts are as follows:

Biggest needs period:

Replace Joyner with Thomas big spend worth it. We got killed deep all year. Solves huge problem.

Another big issue I see getting little play is a front line starting CB. Don't know who that is but Ramsey would be great.

Resign for less if possible:

Suh, Whit and Saffold.

Rework deals.

Littleton.

Draft one person may get in 3rd or 4th round and we don't need him but I think he wwll be another star slot receiver is

 

[Merlin]

Another big issue I see getting little play is a front line starting CB. Don't know who that is but Ramsey would be great.

I do agree the Rams would like to add a corner. But a few things influence that I think...

First, Peters has improved in this scheme and that is a big part of the reason why we're in the big dance. Granted some of his tendencies to freelance are more subdued with Talib out there, but I also think he didn't know wtf he was doing for much of the year and with instinctive corners when they're thinking they're far worse than they are when they're playing fast and loose.

Second, we have a ton of needs defensively. It's going to be difficult to eliminate all four of the subpar producing positions as it is already, let alone without adding another one.

Third, Peters is due to make $9M. They can cut him with zero cap hit, but the way he's playing right now it's probably wise to hold on to him. Talib, meanwhile, comes with an $8M contract next season. That's not crazy money for what we're getting from him. Problem with Peters is we don't know if they are tired of his shtick yet, but he tends to need a couple years to rub a team completely the wrong way so I suspect they might keep him around in what will be a contract year and capitalize on him playing for that paycheck.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Gotta disagree with you there Elm. Joyner is terrible playing deep, to the point where teams will want him for his nickel cb film not his safety play.

Honey Badger is a better fit for Wade's scheme because he's not only good in the deep middle but he can do a bit of everything and in spite of his size he is physical as F. Blitzing off the edge even he shows physicality. Dude would be an enormous upgrade over Joyner at safety.

And Dix has always, going back to college, had a great feel for the deep middle. His probs weren't instinctual like they are with Joyner, they were moreso him trying to hotdog to get INTs so he can get paid and it's why the Packers moved him. But Dix remains a very good safety talent IMO and that early guy we saw who got to the Pro Bowl is still a possibility since he's only 25.

There will be numerous upgrades available on this market. And if the Giants and Bears don't tie up another couple young options Snead will be flush in opportunity to fix what has been a problem for us all season long.

Both of them have regressed just like Joyner, but at the peak for all three, Joyner was the best. I’m hoping for better. Honey badger was pathetic versus the Rams. Plus he’s too much of a jawer and hothead. They already have Peters. Ones enough. Doc was moved to SS where he fits best imo.

 

[BonifayRam]

The Rams drafted 11 players last year, 10 made the team. The one that did not is on the practice squad. 20% of the Rams 53 roster were rookies, and the team went 13-3. Will be some starting spots opening up next year, perhaps another one or 2 after the victory on Sunday. Certainly can see the top 5 draft picks from 2018 potentially moving into starting spots if needed. Perhaps one or 2 of the other 5 can develop into rotation players.
Can see the Rams going after a pass rusher in free agency or even a trade. But much more excited about the upcoming draft, after the Super Bowl win on sunday.

Those UFA Edge Rushers have BIG Market Value to most teams who will overbid for them. They also cause serious ramifications to most teams cap. Rams do not have that luxury any longer. Jadeveon Clowney will go for over $17 mil a year in a 6 yr deal for over $100 million. Dee Ford will get over $16.5 mil a yr/ 5 yr @ over $82 mil. Frank Clark will demand $12mil & Tray Flowers is sure to see $15.5 mil a yr. Preston Smith is sure to get over $11 mil a yr /4 yr $45 million deal. Even trending downward ER's like Nick Perry earning $14.5 mil & Clay Mathews got $11.5 million this past season.

I would look hard to try to keep UFA Dante Fowler Jr for another year even if we have to overpay for one season. Then see how he does with that. He may desire to stay here with Aaron Donald who takes a good amount of attention away from him. Another ER that the Rams might afford is back up Steelers Anthony Chickillo.

Rams appear to have drafted in rd 4, a starter @ the 5 tech DE post in John Franklin-Myers. Looks like 5th rd 'er Micah Kiser will also have a good shot @ starting MLB'er. Rams still have no idea what they have in drafted 5th rd ER Og Okoronkwo who has been unhealthy all season. They still have 4 young ER's Samson Ebukam, Trevon Young, Garrett Sickels & Justin Lawler who could develop this upcoming season. If the Rams were able to make it to the SB with Fowler/Ebukam as starters no reason to move away from what they had so fast. They will be forced to develop their youth as they did with Cory Littleton.

 

[TheTackle]

Frank Clark will demand $12mil

I would look hard to try to keep UFA Dante Fowler Jr

Rams appear to have drafted in rd 4, a starter @ the 5 tech DE post in John Franklin-Myers. Looks like 5th rd 'er Micah Kiser will also have a good shot @ starting MLB'er. Rams still have no idea what they have in drafted 5th rd ER Og Okoronkwo who has been unhealthy all season.

If the Rams were able to make it to the SB with Fowler/Ebukam as starters no reason to move away from what they had so fast.

All good points Bono

Is that 12mil in the first year for Clark? What total money do you think he will make over a 5yr contract?

Fowler should sign for less that Clark

Personally, I think we need to build from the outside in at LB, so signing these two veteran ER entering their prime would be huge going forward

There are two excellent prospects at MLB Bush and Dixon, both get off blocks (I haven’t watched any film yet, but that’s what I read) and are side line to side line

I agree that a NT can be had later in the draft

With those possible additions and Fowler retained - the probable loss of Barron, Suh and Joyner = our D play would be elevated

For me, Peters will return and a SS can be had for relatively little, because Johnson goes to the pro bowl next year playing predominantly high safety

 

[TheTackle]

My thoughts are as follows:

Biggest needs period:

Replace Joyner with Thomas big spend worth it. We got killed deep all year. Solves huge problem.

Another big issue I see getting little play is a front line starting CB. Don't know who that is but Ramsey would be great.

Resign for less if possible:

Suh, Whit and Saffold.

Rework deals.

Littleton.

Draft one person may get in 3rd or 4th round and we don't need him but I think he wwll be another star slot receiver is

In an ideal world Thomas would be a Ram. It is not likely, but you never know - my money is he is a cowboy one day into FA. We already have a star safety, he was miles better this season that Collins - who somehow went to the pro bowl - in Johnson. What we do not have is a dominant edge rusher to pair, hopefully, with Fowler

 

[BonifayRam]

All good points Bono

Is that 12mil in the first year for Clark? What total money do you think he will make over a 5yr contract?

Fowler should sign for less than Clark

Personally, I think we need to build from the outside in at LB, so signing these two veteran ER entering their prime would be huge going forward

There are two excellent prospects at MLB Bush and Dixon, both get off blocks (I haven’t watched any film yet, but that’s what I read) and are side line to side line

I agree that a NT can be had later in the draft

With those possible additions and Fowler retained - the probable loss of Barron, Suh and Joyner = our D play would be elevated

For me, Peters will return and a SS can be had for relatively little, because Johnson goes to the pro bowl next year playing predominantly high safety

Reference to your ? on DE Clark.....I believe the listed Market Value on Clark is undervalued by 6 to 7 million on the total contract. I will keep up with him until he signs, but he is so talented that he can play either side on a 34 D in the OLB'er posts & either side on the standard 43 D. The only real negative is his character which as we know .....not good I suspect that the Raiders will go hard on Clark with offers above $56 million for 4 yrs that's approx 14 mil a yr. Guestimate on a 5 yr contract 65 million.

Yes, I would think he would sign for much less. I would not offer DF a contract for more than 1 yr. I would want to see what he does with a full training camp & preseason when he is mixed in with Okoronkwo/Ebukam/Young & Lawler. If DF demands a long term contract then I would pass & bring in Anthony Barr & see if he is ready for change of environment & offer him a position change in a 34 D. Barr has been playing in a 43 D as OLB'er, not the position he played @ UCLA where for 2 seasons he played 34 D right DE/ER that made him a top 10 pick. With all his past injuries he should come much much less than DF. We all know Barr's coverage skills leave something to be desired & 43 OLB'er is not the post for him.

I like the ILB'ers in this draft. I feel that Snead drafting another MLB'er that would make a good decent starter on the third day of this draft.

 

[Mackeyser]

Fowler will almost assuredly sign for less to be here just like Saffold because he's found a real HOME here.

Fowler was considered to be a real screw up in Jax and never really got going after his rookie injury, but he's come on very well here and just looking at his emotion after the NFCCG game, I'd wager it won't be hard work to sign both Fowler and Saffold to reasonable contracts.

 

[TheTackle]

Fowler will almost assuredly sign for less to be here just like Saffold because he's found a real HOME here.

Fowler was considered to be a real screw up in Jax and never really got going after his rookie injury, but he's come on very well here and just looking at his emotion after the NFCCG game, I'd wager it won't be hard work to sign both Fowler and Saffold to reasonable contracts.

Let’s hope so, but their agents might not see it that way. For me Fowler and another double digit sack ER > than Fowler and Saffold. I want to keep Saffold but his market may be huge. We have seen high caliber guards switch to other teams for big money on their 3rd deal in the past, and tend to play at a high level through their final contract

 

[TheTackle]

The only real negative is his character which as we know .....not good I suspect that the Raiders will go hard on Clark with offers above $56 million for 4 yrs that's approx 14 mil a yr.

I like the ILB'ers in this draft. I feel that Snead drafting another MLB'er that would make a good decent starter on the third day of this draft.

What are these character concerns? I haven't read anything, was it before he turned pro? Suh hasn't given us any headaches, nor Peters... Clark is a dominant edge rusher, who I believe, in tandem with Fowler would give us a top 5 defense - and propel us to another championship game

Agreed on the draft, I expect we will pick up a key piece in round 1. On offence, a guard is a possibility (the patriots go OL early often, because very good players often fall behind more athletic prospects). That said, I think we will address LB or DT with this pick

 

[TheTackle]

We have kept Obo on the active roster, which suggests they like him...

Lets hope he comes on, because he could be a vital piece going forward. That said, after missing most of his rookie year, it might be expecting a little too much to slot him as a starter

 

[Mackeyser]

He’s in the same situation Fowler was in Jax.

 

[BonifayRam]

What are these character concerns? I haven't read anything, was it before he turned pro? Suh hasn't given us any headaches, nor Peters... Clark is a dominant edge rusher, who I believe, in tandem with Fowler would give us a top 5 defense - and propel us to another championship game

Agreed on the draft, I expect we will pick up a key piece in round 1. On offence, a guard is a possibility (the patriots go OL early often, because very good players often fall behind more athletic prospects). That said, I think we will address LB or DT with this pick

Here are my thoughts on our current LB'ing situation .....Rams /Snead have invested a ton of draft capital/ EIGHT selections in our current LB'ing cadre using the 2017/2018/2019 drafts.
Ebukam/ Okoronkwo/ Kiser/ Young/ Howard/ Lawler & Fowler(3rd & 5th).

Would you agree that a large number of selections in one unit?

When you use such a large amount of youthful assets like this should you not have a plan to utilize them & get something in return for this these investments'?

The Rams have this LB'ing cadre remaining under contract for the new 2 or 3 seasons still. Would you not plan to groom & coach them up to get them in your lineups instead of overpaying, draining & emptying what little cap funds you have left for LB'er Free Agency?

Here some of the negative stuff on Clark:

Clark was suspended from the team for felony second-degree home invasion in part for theft of a MacBook Air. Clark was subject to punishment not more than 15 years in prison and $3,000 fine, but was eligible for sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which would expunge the record upon satisfaction of probation requirements Pleaded guilty to the felony charge.

On November 16, 2014, Clark was arrested for domestic violence and dismissed from the football team.
http://www.espn.com/college-footbal...-dismiss-frank-clark-domestic-violence-arrest.

Then as a Seahawk Clark had a run in with a female reporter Natalie Weiner of Bleacher Report. Clark reacted to Weiner via Twitter. Saying “People like you don’t have long careers in your field,” Clark said in the message directed at Weiner, via ESPN.com. “I have a job for you cleaning my fish tanks when that lil job is ova.”.....So Clark got a pass from Hoke in 2012. And Clark arguably got a pass from prosecutors after that. And Clark got a pass of sorts from the Seahawks, who still took him in round two. And Clark largely has gotten a pass from the media. Instead of complaining when someone dares reference his past, he should use those occasions as a reminder of all the passes he’s gotten when it comes to the consequences of his behavior.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.c...e-not-mention-his-domestic-violence-incident/