Looking at the Rams roster after the bye week

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Yeah, the improvement of the chemistry between Stafford and ARob just in the past two weeks has been noticeable… getting Van Jefferson back can only help
 
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BonifayRam said:

How will Rams create cap space in 2023?​

What moves will Les Snead make to give the Rams more wiggle room next year?

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Oct 24, 2022
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A quick glance at the Los Angeles Rams’ page on OvertheCap.com would lead you to believe that the team could have over $7 million in cap space next year. But a deeper look reveals that because there are only 38 players accounted for that add up to those liabilities, it means that the Rams still must find a way to pay an entire 53-man roster plus practice squad and L.A.’s “real” cap space is more like $3.4 million in the red.

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Every year, teams are projected to be over the cap. Every year, all those teams find ways to save money and usually without looking dramatically different. Even the Saints at $67.9 million over and the Bucs at $55.5 million over, will get under the cap. What can the Rams do and what should the Rams avoid?

Rams Key Free Agents​

G David Edwards​

S Taylor Rapp​

S Nick Scott​

CB David Long​

RB Darrell Henderson​

DT Greg Gaines​

ST/WR Brandon Powell​

K Matt Gay​

P Riley Dixon​

G Bobby Evans​

There are more, but already you can see that the Rams have a number of starters who either need to be retained or replaced. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want the Rams to re-sign Taylor Rapp, for example, because L.A. needs to have a safety on the roster in his place anyway and that player will cost money regardless.

Even if the Rams had “$10 million in cap space” when free agency started, they couldn’t afford to pay an entire roster without making some moves with regards to the players currently signed through 2023.

Which Moves Should Rams Make? Possibilities:​

Re-structure Aaron Donald​

Donald has a $26 million cap hit in 2023, but the Rams can save a maximum of $20.5 million by restructuring his contract. The downside to that is that if the Rams wanted to restructure that deal by converting base salary into a signing bonus, it increases his 2024 cap hit from $34 million to $41 million and it essentially locks him in at that number. Donald already has a $29 million cap hit in 2025 and that’s in spite of him NOT BEING SIGNED for 2025. That’s just the result of void years being added to his recent re-negotiation.

The team would incur a greater cap hit if they had to convert his 2023 base salary into a signing bonus spread out over those seasons.

Re-structure Jalen Ramsey​

Ramsey has a $25.2 million cap hit but the Rams can save a maximum of $10.6 million by restructuring. But that would essentially guarantee Ramsey’s place on the roster in 2024 at a cap hit of $26 million.

Re-structure Cooper Kupp​

Kupp has a $15 million base salary next year and a $5 million roster bonus. L.A. could save a max of $14.1 million if they re-structure, nearly locking in Kupp at $31 million in 2024.

Cut Leonard Floyd, post June 1​

The Rams have options to re-structure Floyd too, but are we past that point now? Cutting Floyd without a June 1 designation saves the Rams a total of $3 million, but doing so after that deadline brings the number up to $15.5 million. Floyd also has a $2 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year, so the Rams would need to make the move before then most likely. Post-June 1 cut explanations can be found here.

Trade Allen Robinson​

Is it even possible? A team trading for Robinson would be on the hook for his $10 million base salary, depending how much the Rams are willing to pay. It’s not a very big cap hit for a starting wideout, Marquez Valdes-Scantling will make $11 million next year, Tim Patrick is set to make $11.5 million, Russell Gage is at $12.1 million. But is Robinson even that good? The Rams would still have dead money on the books for Robinson but they must consider possibilities if there’s a team out there willing to take Robinson from them.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

The Rams can save $3.8 million by restructuring Higbee but he’s only signed through 2023 and that dead money would be added to the books in the future. Instead, extend Higbee to bring down his 2023 cap hit.

Trade/Release Joe Noteboom​

It hasn’t been the year that Noteboom or the Rams had hoped for and it would be unfortunate for his L.A. career to end with an injury. But Noteboom has a $5 million roster bonus and a $8.5 million base salary. Maybe L.A. could find a team willing to trade for a semi-cheap offensive tackle, and a deal done early in the year would save the Rams $7.5 million. A post-June 1 release would save the team $8.5 million next season.

Cut Bobby Wagner​

The five-year, $50 million contract was never going to end up going five years and $50 million. Wagner has a $7.5 million base salary next season and the team would save $4.5 million by making a move early in the year, as Wagner has a $3.5 million bonus due.

Cut Brian Allen​

The team would save $2.6 million by releasing Allen.

Additionally, the Rams should save about $1.4 million when they part with Cam Akers, but again, they will still need to pay a different running back and that doesn’t leave much savings, even if it’s a rookie.

What the Rams should do:​

Re-structure Kupp​

I believe Kupp is the safest bet to be healthy and productive and valuable beyond next season. Donald too, but Donald is more expensive and two years older. This move would save up to $14.1 million against the cap, moving that earlier figure of $3.3 million in the red to being roughly $10.8 million in the black.

Release Leonard Floyd, post-June 1​

It is past the time to move on already. Floyd has zero sacks and only four pressures in six games this year. Because the Rams have prorated bonus payments of $6.5 million in 2023 and 2024, plus $3 million void payments in 2025 and 2026, the team only saves $3 million by outright releasing him. Giving him the post-June 1 designation pushes some of those payments down the line (it doesn’t mean that the Rams just don’t have to account for that dead money, it just helps the team more immediately) but that might be a sacrifice that Snead has to make.

In any case, I don’t see Floyd staying on the roster at $22 million next season. He’s not that kind of an impact player. A post-June 1 designation saves $15.5 million of cap room next year and that would give the Rams to roughly $26.3 in cap space. Or they could go the other route, save $3 million, and be at $13.8 million in cap space. Either one is understandable.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

Without any other solid options at tight end on the roster, the Rams could bring down Higbee’s $6.25 million base salary by giving him a new contract. That could save them at least a few million more.

As for the Allen Robinson situation, I believe L.A. is stuck with him now and must try to make it work. Besides, Snead would just be out there again trying to find another star receiver to replace Robinson, the Rams don’t tend to stop trying to add great receivers.

Trade Joe Noteboom​

With A.J. Jackson playing well enough at left tackle, the Rams might find it is already time to move on from Noteboom. Despite his injury, left tackle is at such a premium that there should be interested parties if the Rams are willing to trade him as he only has an $8.5 million base salary. That would make him one of the cheapest veteran tackles in the league, assuming that there are teams that believe he’s a starter. However, if that interest does not exist, the Rams may need to just release him to avoid the $5 million roster bonus.

Re-evaluate the Bobby Wagner situation​

I don’t think there’s enough intel yet to make a full commitment either way with Wagner. But he will be 33 next year and there’s savings no matter what route the Rams choose to go.

What the Rams should not do:​

Re-structure Donald, Ramsey, Floyd​

It was re-structuring Floyd once already that made his savings so inconsiderable next year without a post-June 1 designation. It’s about time for the Rams to have some “outs” with these expensive deals and Matthew Stafford’s biggest cap hits are coming after 2023.

Re-structuring Kupp, releasing Floyd, and parting with Noteboom should do enough to give Snead the wiggle room that the Rams will need.
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Now would be a good time to trade low draft capitol, 6th round picks lets say, for some younger OL that can help with depth or compete for starting positions.
Im sure the plan would be to have Shelton/Allen/Bruss inside.
Would like to improve the OL depth across the board.
Jake Ell. did a nice short video on You Tube about some low cost players he liked.
 
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BonifayRam said:
With A.J. Jackson playing well enough at left tackle,
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Says who?
He hasn't had enough live game action at LT to make a judgement.
He will certainly be tested in the coming weeks.
Trading a low pick for a guy like Wynn from NE to provide depth and step in if Jackson falters would make sense.
 
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fearsomefour said:
Now would be a good time to trade low draft capitol, 6th round picks lets say, for some younger OL that can help with depth or compete for starting positions.
Im sure the plan would be to have Shelton/Allen/Bruss inside.
Would like to improve the OL depth across the board.
Jake Ell. did a nice short video on You Tube about some low cost players he liked.
Click to expand...
Rams did sign OL depth over the last 3 to 4 weeks but it sure was not younger OL'ers.......It was the opposite.

OT Ty Nsekhe 37 yrs old
OG Oday Aboushi 31 yrs old
OC Matt Skura 29 yrs old

McVay/Carberry had the opportunity to bring some younger OL talent to groom into the MR53 i.e.. Jack Snyder, Chandler Brewer & Aj Arcuri did not do it.

OL'ers are being injured at a rapid rate throughout the NFL. If there are any worthy OL'ers out there I would think they have been soaked up already. There is a significant severe shortage of good healthy OL'ers in the NFL

Since the beginning of this season, McVay's OL has shown some major flaws in it. McVay's two prized young UFA signings Noteboom/ Allen have finally demonstrated that neither is capable of remaining on the field there is no denying this is true. Shelton was given his first opportunity to start after four yrs & also followed Allen & Noteboom & got injured. McVay's top draft pick rookie Logan Bruss who was selected to start was injured & destroyed his knee @ the very beginning of preseason.

If McVay/Carberry are planing to go with Allen/ Shelton/ Bruss as the starting 3 IOL'ers then expect a repeat of OL injury problems in 2023.
 
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BonifayRam said:
The Defense will need to change dramatically. His passive defense will result in another loss to them.

DC Morris will need to bring pressure from all points. DC Morris needs to attack & be very aggressive the entire game.
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Yup. Jimmy G doesn't like to move his feet.
 
BonifayRam said:



Rams did sign OL depth over the last 3 to 4 weeks but it sure was not younger OL'ers.......It was the opposite.

OT Ty Nsekhe 37 yrs old
OG Oday Aboushi 31 yrs old
OC Matt Skura 29 yrs old

McVay/Carberry had the opportunity to bring some younger OL talent to groom into the MR53 i.e.. Jack Snyder, Chandler Brewer & Aj Arcuri did not do it.

OL'ers are being injured at a rapid rate throughout the NFL. If there are any worthy OL'ers out there I would think they have been soaked up already. There is a significant severe shortage of good healthy OL'ers in the NFL

Since the beginning of this season, McVay's OL has shown some major flaws in it. McVay's two prized young UFA signings Noteboom/ Allen have finally demonstrated that neither is capable of remaining on the field there is no denying this is true. Shelton was given his first opportunity to start after four yrs & also followed Allen & Noteboom & got injured. McVay's top draft pick rookie Logan Bruss who was selected to start was injured & destroyed his knee @ the very beginning of preseason.

If McVay/Carberry are planing to go with Allen/ Shelton/ Bruss as the starting 3 IOL'ers then expect a repeat of OL injury problems in 2023.
Click to expand...
What other options do they really have going into next year?
Edwards should probably not be resigned.
 
BonifayRam said:
If McVay/Carberry are planing to go with Allen/ Shelton/ Bruss as the starting 3 IOL'ers then expect a repeat of OL injury problems in 2023.
Click to expand...

Well, ... that's a negative thought.
I've reserved our 2'nd round draft pick to be an IOL. Bruss & Allen will again get the starting pole at RG and C, but Shelton will be forced to compete with Anchrum for interior swing roles as our newly minted IOL draftee gets the start at LG. Like it or not, Noteboom will likely start at LT once he's out of rehab and AJ Jackson will become our swing OT with AJ Arcuri now featuring as a back-up RT. Starting Noteboom again will be about his becoming serious trade fodder at the 2023 trade deadline, or more likely for 2024. jmo.
 
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Rams’ early-down offense is by far the worst in the NFL​

sports.yahoo.com

Rams’ early-down offense is by far the worst in the NFL

Part of the reason the Rams offense has struggled so badly is its lack of success on first and second down
sports.yahoo.com sports.yahoo.com


Riverumbbq said:
Well, ... that's a negative thought.
I've reserved our 2'nd round draft pick to be an IOL. Bruss & Allen will again get the starting pole at RG and C, but Shelton will be forced to compete with Anchrum for interior swing roles as our newly minted IOL draftee gets the start at LG. Like it or not, Noteboom will likely start at LT once he's out of rehab and AJ Jackson will become our swing OT with AJ Arcuri now featuring as a back-up RT. Starting Noteboom again will be about his becoming serious trade fodder at the 2023 trade deadline, or more likely for 2024. jmo.
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Guess it's all about how you receive the thought River. The injury pandemic to the Rams OL has struck a sour cord with me. I am with almost all the way with you completely on your thoughts on this future OL

My future thought on this IOL is to go into this off-season with a plan to have both Brian Allen/ Coleman Shelton as the Rams two primary OC's. I would prefer a newly drafted center prospect to be added too to groom to be the starting future center. Shelton might have to figure in @ OG too due to the unhealthy status of Anchrum/Bruss.

The 2023 starting OG's might have changed a bit if Oday Aboushi works well here for the rest of the season. There would be a priority to also add bonified OG too due to the injury history of Tremayne Anchrum & Logan Bruss going through major rehabbing events.

Not overly concerned about the OT's with Alaric Jackson/ Rob Havenstein/ Aj Arcuri & Joe Noteboom signed under contract.
 
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BonifayRam said:

Rams’ early-down offense is by far the worst in the NFL​

sports.yahoo.com

Rams’ early-down offense is by far the worst in the NFL

Part of the reason the Rams offense has struggled so badly is its lack of success on first and second down
sports.yahoo.com sports.yahoo.com



Guess it's all about how you receive the thought River. The injury pandemic to the Rams OL has struck a sour cord with me. I am with almost all the way with you completely on your thoughts on this future OL

My future thought on this IOL is to go into this off-season with a plan to have both Brian Allen/ Coleman Shelton as the Rams two primary OC's. I would prefer a newly drafted center prospect to be added too to groom to be the starting future center. Shelton might have to figure in @ OG too due to the unhealthy status of Anchrum/Bruss.

The 2023 starting OG's might have changed a bit if Oday Aboushi works well here for the rest of the season. There would be a priority to also add bonified OG too due to the injury history of Tremayne Anchrum & Logan Bruss going through major rehabbing events.

Not overly concerned about the OT's with Alaric Jackson/ Rob Havenstein/ Aj Arcuri & Joe Noteboom signed under contract.
Click to expand...

If the Rams do manage to still have a 2'nd round pick after the trade deadline, the draftee I'm eyeballing the most is Arkansas C/OG Ricky Stromberg. I'd have him starting at LG while spending the season also learning the Center calls. He's 21 y.o., 6'4", 318 lbs. and considered a mid-second round prospect but has been moving up the charts recently, so whether he's available when we draft is going to remain questionable for awhile.
 
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Per Jourdan Rodrigue's Twitter, Kolone has been waived. Could return on Practice Squad.

EDIT!!! ... And per @Loyal!!!
 
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Rams current O-Line has Jackson at LT ... Allen at Center returning from injury ... Aboushi and Evans starting at G ... the three reserves on the 53-man roster are Nsekhe, Skura and Brewer ... and on the Practice Squad there's Arcuri and Pircher.

Jesus! I will absolutely hope-for-the-best ... But ... my expectations can NOT be that high.
 
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Loyal said:
Kolone is gone? SONOFA... ~ @BonifayRam


View: https://twitter.com/JourdanRodrigue/status/1584999711416934400?s=20&t=-YhQ9NuHw2BD-9fjuX99aQ
Click to expand...

SecondhandCrazyIndianskimmer-size_restricted.gif
 
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Jefferson's ability as a deep threat could be significant. While Tutu has shown some ability to get behind the defense, he's too much of a one-note player at this point. When he's on the field, he's generally expected to go deep. Jefferson, on the other hand, has a complete route tree, so he is more likely to catch the defense napping and give us a quick strike play (assuming the OL can hold up long enough for Stafford to launch it!)
 
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Carberry must be comfortable with Skura having learned the Rams OL calls now. This move was inevitable.
 
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