Mayfield and McVay

[SWAdude]

You’re mixing conversations.
As a ufa in 2023 I can see him being paid 10-15 mill for 2023. No doubt. Especially if he plays at a high level in this system.
As for his only waiver claim being the Rams, it’s not an indication of teams desire (or lack thereof) for his services in 23, it’s more indicative of there isn’t a need to add a QB this late in the season for most teams.

I am only in one conversation.

How much could Baker cost us. All the waiver/FA talk is for support of the price points.

Your opinion, of which I respect, is you do not think we could afford him.

My opinion is we certainly can if he desires a fair price.

I am looking at supply and demand for this QB considering his skills and largely his history. He obviously does not work well with some teams. I believe he needs McVay to thrive. There may be others but almost certainly have QBs locked up.

One team I think about is Tampa Bay. I think the odds of Brady retiring after this year is the same as Stafford.

 

[SWAdude]

Just sign him now for a 2 yr deal before the season ends.

If possible, this is maybe the best of all the options at this point.

 

[gogoat1]

I liked what I saw, sure. But it has been said Baker has problems when expectations are big.
I think we will get a whole lot better idea of Baker-McVay deal after he has 11 days of prep with McVay.
He, at least he will know his teammates names by then.
He was just throwing to positions he thought would be open without knowing much more. It was kind of a seat of the pants thing. Like when we were kids telling some other neighborhood kid to cut left at the fire hydrant.
A lot of fun for him and the Rams.
Now get down to business.

 

[Riverumbbq]

The problem is I don't see it happening in FA.
The Rams aren't (probably) going to give up a bunch of draft capital for a guy like Tunsil in a trade.
I don't see a lot of blue chippers in the FA market this coming offseason.
A guy like Nate Davis from the Titans or Risner from the Broncos could be added to help shore up a G spot (just as examples, haven't looked at scheme fit etc) that would run $6-9 million likely. I think either is an upgrade over Edwards but I think that is about what the Rams will be able to do in FA.
Resign the ERFA and RFA you want to keep, resign Gaines for $8M per add one FA OL, likely a G, resign Mayfield and call it an offseason besides the draft.

I agree that I don't see free agency being where we spend heavily for our OL. Noteboom, Jackson & Nsekhe will be expected to nail down the LT roles next year, Noteboom will have healed & Jackson's doctors are likely to have come up with the blood thinners necessary to treat his clotting problems, it won't be the first time an NFL player has dealt with this ailment. I believe our future LG/Center will be drafted and the Rams youth movement on the interior OL will join Bruss. Draft someone who will start at LG in 2023 and move to Center once the Allen experiment has run it's course, by 2024 imo. Shelton will again back-up our Center/OG positions. Anchrum, Brewer, Aboushi & Skura will return to the 53, with a few hitting the practice squad. Edwards, Evans & Kolone will be history as the Rams draft 3 new OL in 2023, we'll have 10 or more draft picks to do so.

The Rams are CAP limited next season, although the first year for new long term contracts offer big discounts. Re-signing Gaines & Gay lead my list of top players returning, ... Dixon, Haley, Orzech, as well as our RFA/ERFA's will return at reasonable cost. A'Shawn Robinson, Nick Scott & Troy Hill may price themselves out of our ability to retain. I expect the Rams to push hard with a multi-year contract offer for Mayfield, heavy with incentives. I know it seems improbable right now, but I also suspect if OBj doesn't find a team late this season, he'll be back in play for the Rams as a 2023 free agent. While not an expensive free agent, I still see Carolina's Edge Brian Burns as our biggest object of trade desire, but only if we can work out a long-term pre-trade contract agreement as he'll cost us our 2024 1'st rounder and then some, Edge remains our most important area for immediate improvement outside of the OL imo.

 

[jrry32]

Cleveland painted themselves in to a corner the way they handled the Watson/Mayfield deal, let's not act like that was how a deal would go down.
The guy is a legit QB and we have him because of how stupidly he was handled the last 6 months
With a weak QB class coming out this year I could see several teams look to bring him in on a quasi-starter deal, the back loaded, voidable years kinda thing that gives him some decent $$ up front, and keeps him in play for a 2nd season
I'd love to think the Rams can make it work, just dont see how it can
There will be openings at QB and there will be some big names out there

If the players expected declare, this isn't a weak QB class.

 

[SteezyEndo]

But it has been said Baker has problems when expectations are big.

Well his performance Thursday exceeded them when not expected. Perhaps he uses that as a catalyst to boost himself, because we could definitely use that energy to revitalize the Rams.

 

[gogoat1]

Well his performance Thursday exceeded them when not expected. Perhaps he uses that as a catalyst to boost himself, because we could definitely use that energy to revitalize the Rams.

I think that plane ride Baker and Sean took back from Indy after the combine talking the whole way had a effect on our coach.
He likes him and you know he likes QBs who have the balls to take a chance once in awhile .
I think it had something to do with him souring on Goff.
The "moxy" thing is real with Baker.
Maybe our coach is the right guy to utilize it to the fullest.
My wife, who has become a real football fan (hates the Niners) noticed right away he had a good arm. That has been lacking since Stafford went down.

 

[fearsomefour]

We agree here that UFA's OG's will be very difficult to land.

A Trade involving several of Rams 2023 3rd day selections for a scheme-fit OG with would be much more likely. A player-for-player trade swap is also a possibility involving only the WR unit.

If it were up to me I would move/go in two routes to acquire OL help in 2023 to blend in with 2023 contracted OL'ers: Havenstein, Shelton, Allen, Anchrum, Bruss along with the unknown status of Noteboom & Jackson.

A). Sigh a good amount of known 2022 contracted Ram OL'ers i.e. Brewer, Aboushi, Nsekhe, Skura, Edwards.

This above move will have zero effect on the Compensatory Draft Awards. These above-named OL'ers are well known to the Ram Coaches & the limitations of their skills. Most all should be low-cost additions. Ty Nsekhe would be in line to start @ LT. Brewer might contend to start @ LG. The rest of these IOL'ers would make up a veteran versatile reserve unit.

B). Utilize the 3rd day of the draft to secure 3 Ol'ers (OC/LT/LG).

A & B will provide an extra large number of low-cost OL'ers on the early 2023 TC roster. Rams are slated to be awarded 4 comp picks in 2023 (two 5ths/ 6th & 7th). Currently, Snead has three 6ths & two 7ths on the 3rd day. Add in the 2023 Comp awards & Snead will have NINE (9) 3rd-day selections.

So, we basically agree.
We are mostly riding in with what we brought this year with the addition of a couple of older or cheap vets.

 

[payote75]

I'mean this with with no disrespect but I find it comical that anyone thinks noteboom will be a viable option at LT next year. He won't. Forgetting for a milli second that when he was playing this year he was pretty awful to come back and be yourself after that injury as an o-line dude especially LT is highly improbable. His best and maybe only shot is at guard. There has been way better players than him with that injury like Eric Fischer and he has never returned to form and even as he was last year he was an upgrade over Noteboom but prior to his injury he was one of the best.

Again if your going to ride this core out you need key upgrades at the key positions LT and Edge and probably a legit corner but LT patchwork or dart throwing will not work or it will be another long wasted season.

Your either rebuilding or staying the course which means trade trade trade and yes eff them picks. They will not let Stafford get crushed again and have no run gm again. Not while mcvay is here and Snead

 

[blackbart]

I don’t see Boom available at the start of the season.

I haven’t seen any details about what is cause if Jackson’s blood clots and just don’t see how they can count on him being available either.

Pricher has been around but he just can’t be the answer. He wasn’t even able to get PT this year.

The FA tackle market is going to be thin and not worth the investment.

Outside of trading for someone, what options do they really have???

 

[Riverumbbq]

I'mean this with with no disrespect but I find it comical that anyone thinks noteboom will be a viable option at LT next year. He won't. Forgetting for a milli second that when he was playing this year he was pretty awful to come back and be yourself after that injury as an o-line dude especially LT is highly improbable. His best and maybe only shot is at guard. There has been way better players than him with that injury like Eric Fischer and he has never returned to form and even as he was last year he was an upgrade over Noteboom but prior to his injury he was one of the best.

Again if your going to ride this core out you need key upgrades at the key positions LT and Edge and probably a legit corner but LT patchwork or dart throwing will not work or it will be another long wasted season.

Your either rebuilding or staying the course which means trade trade trade and yes eff them picks. They will not let Stafford get crushed again and have no run gm again. Not while mcvay is here and Snead

Some of us might find it just as comical that fans can easily dismiss Noteboom's 3 year, $40.mil contract which carries a $13.Mil Dead Money CAP hit next season if he's to become a CAP Casualty as it appears a few are calling for. McVay almost always gives his injured starting players an opportunity to re-enter the fold, I mean just look at the loyalty he has shown an uninjured Bobby Evans. I believe Noteboom will be allowed to prove himself next year if for no other reason than to build him up into potential trade bait for 2024. I feel the same about Brian Allen, both these players will be under a microscope. jmo.

 

[dieterbrock]

Boom will be in Horns in '23 for sure. However he doesnt necessarily have to be a starter. With his "ability" to play OG/OT he could be the swing man.
Havenstein isnt going anywhere either due to his contract, but can be locked in to RT. He's not a superstar, plays most of the games and would likely be looked at as the weak link in a good line however with all the injuries/uncertainties they face he's just penciled in.
I know it's Captain Obvious territory but when you've got that "franchise OLT" it just makes all of the tweaks and changes go smoothly. I just feel Whit's impact was taken for granted in some ways, they didnt really plan on "replacing" him. And yes, I know that they figured they could slide Boom in over there, but at best he was only a temp fill in and never a true replacement

 

[fearsomefour]

I'mean this with with no disrespect but I find it comical that anyone thinks noteboom will be a viable option at LT next year. He won't. Forgetting for a milli second that when he was playing this year he was pretty awful to come back and be yourself after that injury as an o-line dude especially LT is highly improbable. His best and maybe only shot is at guard. There has been way better players than him with that injury like Eric Fischer and he has never returned to form and even as he was last year he was an upgrade over Noteboom but prior to his injury he was one of the best.

Again if your going to ride this core out you need key upgrades at the key positions LT and Edge and probably a legit corner but LT patchwork or dart throwing will not work or it will be another long wasted season.

Your either rebuilding or staying the course which means trade trade trade and yes eff them picks. They will not let Stafford get crushed again and have no run gm again. Not while mcvay is here and Snead

In theory I agree.
I wrote off Noteboom too soon once, I won't go it again.
That said, his time to return from the injury is key as well. Every injury is different and every recovery is different. You may well be right that the loss of explosiveness may doom him. But, we don't know yet.
The issue is the realistic ability to add top quality players at any of the OL spots.
The FA market is limited this year.
Try to trade for a LT when everyone knows you need one is sort of like walking into a car dealership and proclaiming "I desperately need a car.....TODAY."....you're going to get fleeced.
But who knows? Maybe they can swing something.
I think its more likely they land a mid level interior lineman like Davis from Tenn who would improve Edwards G spot for likely $6-7 M a year.....a manageable amount.
They've already invested in Allen and Shelton, they aren't going anywhere.
They can play well and play well together, as we saw against the Raiders....zero sacks or pressures given up by those two.
3 5th of the OL is set for next year.
LT and LG are up in the air.
It will be interesting to see how it is approached.
I have learned to never say never with this FO.

 

[fearsomefour]

Boom will be in Horns in '23 for sure. However he doesnt necessarily have to be a starter. With his "ability" to play OG/OT he could be the swing man.
Havenstein isnt going anywhere either due to his contract, but can be locked in to RT. He's not a superstar, plays most of the games and would likely be looked at as the weak link in a good line however with all the injuries/uncertainties they face he's just penciled in.
I know it's Captain Obvious territory but when you've got that "franchise OLT" it just makes all of the tweaks and changes go smoothly. I just feel Whit's impact was taken for granted in some ways, they didnt really plan on "replacing" him. And yes, I know that they figured they could slide Boom in over there, but at best he was only a temp fill in and never a true replacement

C/RG/RT are set for next year.

 

[fearsomefour]

Some of us might find it just as comical that fans can easily dismiss Noteboom's 3 year, $40.mil contract which carries a $13.Mil Dead Money CAP hit next season if he's to become a CAP Casualty as it appears a few are calling for. McVay almost always gives his injured starting players an opportunity to re-enter the fold, I mean just look at the loyalty he has shown an uninjured Bobby Evans. I believe Noteboom will be allowed to prove himself next year if for no other reason than to build him up into potential trade bait for 2024. I feel the same about Brian Allen, both these players will be under a microscope. jmo.

Allen has been solid overall since coming back.
He had a very good game versus the Raiders.
I expect the OL to look better (may not actually play better) by having a vet QB that can get rid of the ball and avoid some sacks.

 

[dieterbrock]

C/RG/RT are set for next year.

RG is Bruss?

 

[El Chapo Jr]

C/RG/RT are set for next year.

I wouldn't say set, with the exception of the RT, because if we can somehow improve the RG or center, I'd say do it. Relying on an injury prone Allen isn't smart.

 

[Merlin]

Of C/RG/RT the concern for me would be center. Allen simply cannot hold up in there. He's a "barely good enough" starter who is also an injury risk. Bruss has question marks too given that quick injury, but I'd be far more willing to roll the dice on him than Allen. And generally speaking you can fill OG far easier than center or OT.

So I think Center is a key need for us. Still.

LT is the other spot on that line where we need to roll the dice and win. Unless we get lucky with an OT dropping to us in round two, or KC not locking up their pending FA LT. So yeah Boom is going to get another chance. We simply do not have the resources to avoid that particular risk. Best case is we draft another OT who projects well to LT, and Boom gets that second shot to do what he was paid to do.

Granted we could trade Boom but the value return would be terrible and we're left with a hole. So overall it just feels like we have to suck it up for another season with him and cross our fingers. I hate it but he's going to have more value to us than any other usage for this season.

 

[SWAdude]

When Whit was injured I thought Boom did an excellent job. Maybe not Whit excellent but really didn't know Whit was missing.

They didn't throw franchise lT money at Boom just because. I understood the money and commitment.

I can't call Boom a bust. Although he sure didn't look the same this year. I hope we are all missing something here.

 

[payote75]

Some of us might find it just as comical that fans can easily dismiss Noteboom's 3 year, $40.mil contract which carries a $13.Mil Dead Money CAP hit next season if he's to become a CAP Casualty as it appears a few are calling for. McVay almost always gives his injured starting players an opportunity to re-enter the fold, I mean just look at the loyalty he has shown an uninjured Bobby Evans. I believe Noteboom will be allowed to prove himself next year if for no other reason than to build him up into potential trade bait for 2024. I feel the same about Brian Allen, both these players will be under a microscope. jmo.

Again mcvay I'm sure has learned a valuable lesson this year. They aren't going to risk another season with this core in tact or more importantly Staffords health with maybes and possibilities at a huge position and a risk. As far as noteboom as a LT if he was above average or great he would have been an underpay if he can even come back and that's a big if it won't be risked at LT at the expense of the team and more importantly Staffords health.

Mcvay and Snead are also known to move on from players who have contributed far more than noteboom in a blink of an eye. If he is even able to play at a decent level it will be at guard where lateral movement isn't as crucial.

I don't think I've been more positive about a rams change than this. I don't know who or from where but unless Stafford retires or mcvay retires they will have an LT who can protect Stafford or whomever the qb is