Free agency thread

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

Kevin

Pro Bowler
Joined
Sep 8, 2014
Messages
1,382
I dunno, but as a former wrestler shouldn't he have moves to combat this issue?
train
Yeah I'm sure that's part of wrestling, but wrestling is slower paced than the immediate violence at the snap. If Allen plays guard he can use his wrestling training to deflect the d-lineman's hands, but as a center he has much less time to react.

I looked up Allen's scouting report and compared it to Blythe's Both were rated about the same overall but Allen's arms are longer than Blythe's. Allen at 32 and three-eights inches compared to Blythe at 30 and one-quarter inches.
 

nighttrain

Legend
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
9,216
Yeah I'm sure that's part of wrestling, but wrestling is slower paced than the immediate violence at the snap. If Allen plays guard he can use his wrestling training to deflect the d-lineman's hands, but as a center he has much less time to react.

I looked up Allen's scouting report and compared it to Blythe's Both were rated about the same overall but Allen's arms are longer than Blythe's. Allen at 32 and three-eights inches compared to Blythe at 30 and one-quarter inches.
advantage Allen, correct?

train
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
I openly wonder if Allen's height could be an issue moving fwd, despite his wrestling background.
It could be if he does not learn to use his short frame & short arms to his advantage like other short centers & OG's have. Aaron Donald is shorter than Allen so he has a good teacher looking at him in the face @ practice.

Rams just played one of the shortest interior OL'ers in the NFL in the SB. Shaq Mason is shorter than Brian Allen by approx 3/4 inch Mason was highly effective in his blocks against the highly praised Rams interior DL. Mason was also the highest rated OG in the NFL in 2018. Rams have been going up against one of the shortest centers in the NFL for many seasons A Q Shipley since he became Cards starter in 2015.

There have been some very short interior OL'ers who have been successful in the NFL shorter than Brian Allen .i.e All-time greats like Mike Webster & Dwight Stephenson. Later on longtime starters like Dominic Raiola, Roberto Garza, Evan Diettrick & Scott Wells. Today starters like Ryan Kalil, Rodney Hudson & Ryan Wendell are the same size as Allen.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
Rams Brian Allen ....was first wrestler in school history to win four state medals (second at 285 pounds in 2014; first at 285 in 2013; third at 285 in 2012; third at 215 in 2011) . . . as a junior, won the 2013 3A state wrestling championship at heavyweight (285 pounds), finishing the season with a perfect 48-0 record . . . nearly claimed back-to-back state titles at 285 pounds, but lost in overtime in the championship match; finished his senior year with a 45-2 record . . . ranked sixth nationally at 285 pounds by IntermatWrestle.com . .

Rams Austin Blythe won three heavyweight state titles for Williamsburg from 2009-11, making him one of 89 wrestlers in Iowa history that won three titles. He was also a state finalist as a freshman in 2008, making him one of 63 four-time state finalists.In four years at Williamsburg, Blythe went 188-11 and recorded 146 pins, which is still the fifth-most in state history. He wrestled freestyle and Greco, too, and earned double All-American honors as a Cadet in 2008. He was also a Junior freestyle All-American in 2010.

As a senior in 2011, Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine tabbed Blythe as the No. 4 overall heavyweight in the country. He was listed among some household names, such as Nick Gwiazdowski, a two-time NCAA Champ from N.C. State who’s a two-time world medalist, and Adam Coon, a two-time national finalist for Michigan who won a silver medal at the Greco world championships last year.

Back in November, Blythe and Allen actually wrestled each other. The Rams went to Colorado Springs to prepare for their game against the Chiefs in Mexico City — which was ultimately played in Los Angeles — so they stopped by the Olympic Training Center.“We actually went into the wrestling room … and I tell ya, he’s (Brian Allen) pretty explosive on his feet,” Blythe told Trackwrestling. “It was fun rolling around with him. We like to have those conversations in our spare time. It’s good fun.”
 

Merlin

Enjoying the ride
Rams On Demand Sponsor
ROD Credit | 2023 TOP Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
37,443
Some Kromer quotes re: Allen and Boom...

On Nov 7th:
(On waiving OL Jamon Brown and if he has confidence in the two backup rookies C Brian Allen and T Joseph Noteboom)

”Yeah, very similar to the (OL) Austin Blythe situation last year. We have (C) John Sullivan and some of the elder statesmen on the line don’t practice as often as the younger guys. So, what it’s given us an opportunity to do is, get (C) Brian Allen and get (T) Joe Noteboom into multiple positions with the starting unit in practice throughout the week. That has allowed us to gain confidence in them in ability to sub in if they needed to.”

On Nov 28th:
(On how rookies T Joseph Noteboom and C Brian Allen are progressing)

”They got a little backup time earlier in the season and they did well. I think (C) Brian (Allen) is really learning a lot from Sullivan. Brian Allen is really paying close attention to a veteran center – the tricks of the trade, how to study, how to learn, those kinds of things. I think his growth from training camp till now has been a vast improvement, just in the knowledge of how to study a football game and how to get ready for a game. That’s half the battle – knowing what to expect. (T) Joe Noteboom has moved around to four different spots every day in practice – plays left tackle, right tackle, both guards – and getting a real good feel of how this thing works. So, we feel good about both of them.”

On Dec 13th:
(On how C Brian Allen and T Joseph Noteboom did against the Bears and if that was an example of what he was trying to develop with them being able to step in)

"It was a good example and neither of them flinched. They both went in and were successful in their blocks. They didn't have to stay in long, but they did get three to five plays that, I would say, they graded out all pluses on those plays that they were in. They did a nice job. For Joe Noteboom to be able to go in there and play guard or tackle – any of those four spots and Brian Allen to be able to jump in at center at any time, really says a lot about their preparation and how they work throughout to be ready for that situation."
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
Notable NFL Veterans Who Could Be Cap Casualties in 2019 Free Agency
Brad GagnonFebruary 13, 2019
Los Angeles Rams CBs Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib
https://bleacherreport.com/articles...be-cap-casualties-in-2019-free-agency#slide11

1fb1d670294dfbc9bb71e90b88ed03a5_crop_exact.jpg


If the Rams plan to re-sign key free agents Rodger Saffold, Ndamukong Suh, Lamarcus Joyner and Dante Fowler Jr., something might have to give when it comes to their top two cornerbacks.

Marcus Peters' fifth-year option is worth $9.1 million, but Peters was often a liability in 2018, and none of that money is guaranteed. Meanwhile, Aqib Talib's walk year is slated to cost the Rams $8 million, but Talib's best days are behind him at age 33 (happy birthday, Aqib!) and he can also be cut at no cost.

The Rams don't have any high-quality options outside, so they can't afford to part ways with both. But if they decide not to rework at least one of those deals with an extension, they might have to cut or trade one (likely Peters) and then look for a replacement early in the draft. Peters' play-making skills would be valued on the open market, as would Talib's experience.

Other Notable Players Worth Mentioning:
NT Michael Brockers: If the Rams keep Fowler and aren't willing to cut Peters or Talib, it could be hard to justify paying the good-not-great Brockers $10.8 million for a walk year.



IMO...Aqib Talib would be an OUTSTANDING rework extension prospect past 2019 for 2 to 3 years! :bueller:
 
Last edited:

jrry32

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
29,832

Both will be back. No reason to let either go before they hit FA.
 

Legatron4

Legend
Joined
Aug 10, 2013
Messages
9,427
Name
Wes
Notable NFL Veterans Who Could Be Cap Casualties in 2019 Free Agency
Brad GagnonFebruary 13, 2019
Los Angeles Rams CBs Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib
https://bleacherreport.com/articles...be-cap-casualties-in-2019-free-agency#slide11

1fb1d670294dfbc9bb71e90b88ed03a5_crop_exact.jpg


If the Rams plan to re-sign key free agents Rodger Saffold, Ndamukong Suh, Lamarcus Joyner and Dante Fowler Jr., something might have to give when it comes to their top two cornerbacks.

Marcus Peters' fifth-year option is worth $9.1 million, but Peters was often a liability in 2018, and none of that money is guaranteed. Meanwhile, Aqib Talib's walk year is slated to cost the Rams $8 million, but Talib's best days are behind him at age 33 (happy birthday, Aqib!) and he can also be cut at no cost.

The Rams don't have any high-quality options outside, so they can't afford to part ways with both. But if they decide not to rework at least one of those deals with an extension, they might have to cut or trade one (likely Peters) and then look for a replacement early in the draft. Peters' play-making skills would be valued on the open market, as would Talib's experience.

Other Notable Players Worth Mentioning:
NT Michael Brockers: If the Rams keep Fowler and aren't willing to cut Peters or Talib, it could be hard to justify paying the good-not-great Brockers $10.8 million for a walk year.



IMO...Aqib Talib would be an OUTSTANDING rework extension prospect past 2019 for 2 to 3 years! :bueller:
Cutting both your starting CBs usually doesn’t work in your favor. Color me skeptical.
 

Ramstien

Hall of Fame
Joined
Oct 15, 2016
Messages
2,350
Name
Ramstien
I don't see the Rams re-signing Shu or Joyner plus I think Barron gets released.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
Rams have $9 million decision to make with Marcus Peters this offseason

by: Cameron DaSilva

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/13/nfl-rams-offseason-marcus-peters-contract-decision/


The Los Angeles Rams appeared to strike gold last offseason when they acquired Marcus Peters – a two-time Pro Bowler – for the low cost of a second- and fourth-round pick. Everyone wondered how Los Angeles swiped one of the best cornerbacks in football from the Chiefs without having to relinquish a first-round pick.

After seeing him play in 2018, it’s easier to understand how exactly that happened. Peters took a step back and struggled in coverage when not assisted by Aqib Talib on the other side, making some believe the Chiefs actually got the better end of the deal.

Peters’ inconsistent play this past season makes his contract situation that much more difficult to handle. He’s owed $9.069 million on the fifth-year option in 2019, which the Rams picked up last April. Exct was a no-brainer at the time, giving them one more year of control over the cornerback.

After all, $9 million for a supposedly elite cornerback is an absolute steal, right? Well, Peters may not be an elite corner in Wade Phillips’ system, as evidenced by the 2018 season. Phillips likes to use more man coverage than zone, but to fit Peters’ skill set, the Rams went zone-heavy down the stretch. And it worked, but are they going to stick with that plan in 2019?

The Rams have a huge decision to make this offseason regarding Peters, his fifth-year option and his long-term future with the team. That decision will be made sooner rather than later, too. When March 13 hits, the Rams will be on the hook for that $9.069 million owed to Peters. They can rescind the fifth-year option, if they so choose, before that date and allow him to hit free agency.

The fifth-year option is only guaranteed for injury, so if the Rams don’t want to keep Peters around in 2019 and save $9 million, they can very easily do that. It might not be very likely, but it’s at least on the table.
GettyImages-1074303412.jpg

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The likelier scenario when it comes to parting ways with Peters is Los Angeles shopping him on the trade market – either before March 13 or after. They can trade him and not be hit with any dead money, while also recouping assets in return.

What will Peters be worth, though? Certainly not more than he was last year when the Rams landed him for a second- and fourth-rounder. He regressed in 2018 and now has one fewer year left on his contract. Would the Rams part ways with him for a single fourth-round selection? Unlikely, but if they truly didn’t like the way last season’s experiment went, it’s not out of the question.

What the Rams do with Peters this offseason will go a long way toward showing exactly how they feel about the cornerback. If they stand pat and have him play out next season on the fifth-year option, it’ll suggest they’re hesitant to keep him around long-term, potentially letting him leave in 2020. If they rescind the option or trade him, it’ll obviously show that last year’s trade didn’t work out.

Keep in mind, the Rams aren’t afraid to go through these one-year trials. They kept Sammy Watkins for one season before letting him leave in free agency, and then traded for Dante Fowler Jr., knowing he’d be a free agent this offseason. Let’s not forget the Rams also tried to trade for Khalil Mack with the intention of keeping him for one year and allowing him to sign elsewhere in 2019.

The Rams have never been a team to sign its own defensive backs to extensions, either. Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins and T.J. McDonald all left before signing a second deal with the Rams, and Lamarcus Joyner is likely to do the same this year. Will Peters be the next in line?

Whatever Los Angeles decides to do with Peters will have a big impact on the rest of the offseason. If he and Talib both stay, cornerback gets pushed down on their list of needs. If Peters is traded or released, Talib is almost certain to stick around for the final year of his contract.

In the immediate aftermath of the trade, it seemed like an extension was on the horizon for Peters – and it still might be. But there’s undoubtedly some added hesitance on the part of the Rams to give him a huge contract. It’s hard to blame them for playing the waiting game, given his inconsistency this season.

This situation surrounding Peters is surely the most interesting aspect of the Rams’ upcoming offseason decisions.
 

Akrasian

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jun 18, 2014
Messages
4,927
I expect Peters to play better in 2019. What these articles miss is that he was injured but played through it because of Talib's more serious injury.

Peters may not be worth $9.1 million, but they don't have the assets to replace him right now, so can't really afford to let him go. But barring another injury, he should be fine in 2019. The Rams do need to get a CB in the draft this year though.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
Offseason Outlook: What are the options for Rams, Ndamukong Suh?
https://www.therams.com/news/offseason-outlook-what-are-the-options-for-rams-ndamukong-suh
By Myles Simmons Feb 13, 2019
When the Rams signed defensive lineman Ndmukong Suh to a one-year deal last April, they likely envisioned him being the impactful run defender he was during the team’s postseason run to Super Bowl LIII.

While Suh was undoubtedly productive in his ninth pro regular season — playing in all 16 games and 88 percent of Los Angeles’ total defensive snaps — he also kicked it up to another level in the postseason. In the Rams’ three contests between January and February, Suh picked up 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits, helping the club limit its opponents to just 98 yards rushing through the Divisional and Conference Championship rounds.

In the regular season, Suh picked up 4.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, four passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries.But because Suh was on a one-year contract, there’s now a decision to be made by both the player and the team.Will Suh be back for the Rams next year? It’s certainly a possibility. But that depends on the interest of both parties for a reunion — and, of course, the compensation.

Should Suh not be back, the Rams have a couple of internal options to replace Suh as the starting nose tackle in the club’s base 3-4 scheme. But that would be selling Suh short in his versatility, as he also played significant snaps at defensive end in some of coordinator Wade Phillips’ sub packages.Besides, any defensive lineman who plays nearly 90 percent of snaps is going to be inherently hard to replace with one player.

So the Rams could certainly draft a replacement at nose tackle. But there are players under contract for next season who could also play a role at nose tackle — Ethan Westbrooks and Tanzel Smart for starters, plus rising second-year players like Sebastian Joseph-Day and John Franklin-Myers, though the latter excelled in his limited snaps as a defensive end as a rookie.

Defensive lineman Michael Brockers also played nose tackle in Phillips’ 3-4 early in 2017 before shifting to defensive end. Brockers, however, did play some snaps at nose tackle in certain sub packages.
 

Merlin

Enjoying the ride
Rams On Demand Sponsor
ROD Credit | 2023 TOP Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
37,443
I expect Peters to play better in 2019. What these articles miss is that he was injured but played through it because of Talib's more serious injury.

Peters may not be worth $9.1 million, but they don't have the assets to replace him right now, so can't really afford to let him go. But barring another injury, he should be fine in 2019. The Rams do need to get a CB in the draft this year though.

I expect him to play balls out this season too. It's a contract year, and guys like him tend to find that extra level of focus in order to ensure a good payday.

Also I honestly don't think he knew the defensive calls for most of the season, and my opinion is he was exposed badly by that lack of knowledge when Talib went down. He's not the same guy he used to be athletically, in terms of makeup speed, but when he understands the calls and is in the right spot he's still a guy who can give you big plays. So yeah I think the Rams pay him this season and draft his replacement in the 2020 draft.

Talib, however, is a guy I think the Rams will be willing to extend. But that doesn't need to be done right now, so it will most likely be something we see happen after the 2019 season
 

Merlin

Enjoying the ride
Rams On Demand Sponsor
ROD Credit | 2023 TOP Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
37,443
While Suh was undoubtedly productive in his ninth pro regular season — playing in all 16 games and 88 percent of Los Angeles’ total defensive snaps — he also kicked it up to another level in the postseason.

They're glossing over a lot there in that quote. As in a lot of half-@$$ing that went on during the regular season. Honestly I'm still a bit irked at Suh for that reason, and I don't trust him to do the work if and when some team signs him to a longer term deal.

Only way the Rams consider him is if he is willing to accept a deal with a much lower AAV than what he got this past season. Which probably won't happen. And that's cool by me, go get a young stud on the DL in a draft that is loaded with them.
 

Rams43

Hall of Fame
Joined
Jun 20, 2014
Messages
4,136
About Suh and his Ram future, if any.

I have 3 questions.

1. Were Suh’s contributions during the regular season worth $14 million? Other than the Lions game where he “motivated” himself, that is?

2. What would be so wrong about drafting a DL replacement for Suh? Sounds like the Rams can get a quality DL in this loaded draft. One much younger and much less expensive than the “regular season” Suh.

3. What kind of a message does it send to extend a coasting regular season Suh to our “we, not me” culture?