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Now, about fixing that Rams offensive line
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17074/now-about-fixing-that-rams-offensive-line
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams made a big splash in the opening minutes of free agency by making their bold quarterback trade and landing draft picks and cap space in the process.
The Rams promptly went about using that newfound cap space to re-sign tight end Lance Kendricks. In the days that followed, they bolstered their defense by adding linebacker Akeem Ayers and defensive tackle Nick Fairley. On Friday night, the Rams brought back another of their own key free agents when they completed a two-year deal with wide receiver Kenny Britt.
To this point, the only notable free agent of their own the Rams lost is quarterback Shaun Hill but they replaced him by trading for Case Keenum.
All of those moves were solid and necessary but, of course, has left many wondering what the Rams plan to do about all those holes on the offensive line. It's certainly a legitimate question to ask given the fact that the Rams only have guard Rodger Saffold and left tackle Greg Robinson coming back.
In terms of salary-cap space, that number isn't quite clear at the moment because the first-year cap numbers for Ayers and Britt aren't yet known. But it's probably fair to assume that the Rams still have around $11 million. Of course, they also have other ways to add more space if they want, including bonus conversions that could lower the number on players like end Robert Quinn (though the Rams prefer their pay-as-you-go approach).
At the moment, there are three potential names the Rams are known to have interest in who could help fill the openings at right tackle, guard and center.
RT Joe Barksdale -- Barksdale's market didn't emerge the way some around the league thought it would and perhaps not the way his camp believed, which could be good news for the Rams. Barksdale got married Saturday so it's possible the whole free-agent process has been on the back burner but it stands to reason his situation could crystallize in the next few days. The Rams always wanted him back but only at the right price. It's starting to look like that price is more feasible unless another team jumps in with a bigger offer.
G Justin Blalock -- The former Atlanta Falcon almost makes too much sense for the Rams as a short-term placeholder who can start for a year or two while the Rams develop (presumably) a drafted guard. He fits the scheme and he has clear ties to Rams line coach Paul Boudreau and many in the Rams front office, including general manager Les Snead. Blalock took a visit to Detroit last week but left without signing. The Rams have had discussions with Blalock's agent about his taking a visit to St. Louis and it seems likely that will happen. This is a match that probably comes down to simply making the financials match up.
C Stefen Wisniewski -- Wisniewski has been connected to the Rams since before free agency but has yet to visit St. Louis. He's probably the best center still on the market but seems to be taking his time in making a decision. Wisniewski visited Tampa Bay and Seattle but left both places without making a decision. The Rams have had discussions with Wisniewski's camp about bringing him in for a visit as well and that remains a real possibility.
Others -- There have been other rumors of offensive linemen who could be available including Philadelphia's Evan Mathis by way of trade or potentially New Orleans' Jahri Evans as a cap casualty. It doesn't sound like the Rams are much interested in dealing a pick for an older offensive lineman but both would be possible solutions to fit a similar veteran role to what Blalock would provide.
The Rams are clearly well aware of their needs on the offensive line, and given their cap space they could probably add two of the names above and perhaps all three if the prices dropped enough and they got creative with ways to clear more space. With the top names mostly picked over in free agency, the names above still figure to draw interest but none will break the bank when they make a decision.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17074/now-about-fixing-that-rams-offensive-line
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams made a big splash in the opening minutes of free agency by making their bold quarterback trade and landing draft picks and cap space in the process.
The Rams promptly went about using that newfound cap space to re-sign tight end Lance Kendricks. In the days that followed, they bolstered their defense by adding linebacker Akeem Ayers and defensive tackle Nick Fairley. On Friday night, the Rams brought back another of their own key free agents when they completed a two-year deal with wide receiver Kenny Britt.
To this point, the only notable free agent of their own the Rams lost is quarterback Shaun Hill but they replaced him by trading for Case Keenum.
All of those moves were solid and necessary but, of course, has left many wondering what the Rams plan to do about all those holes on the offensive line. It's certainly a legitimate question to ask given the fact that the Rams only have guard Rodger Saffold and left tackle Greg Robinson coming back.
In terms of salary-cap space, that number isn't quite clear at the moment because the first-year cap numbers for Ayers and Britt aren't yet known. But it's probably fair to assume that the Rams still have around $11 million. Of course, they also have other ways to add more space if they want, including bonus conversions that could lower the number on players like end Robert Quinn (though the Rams prefer their pay-as-you-go approach).
At the moment, there are three potential names the Rams are known to have interest in who could help fill the openings at right tackle, guard and center.
RT Joe Barksdale -- Barksdale's market didn't emerge the way some around the league thought it would and perhaps not the way his camp believed, which could be good news for the Rams. Barksdale got married Saturday so it's possible the whole free-agent process has been on the back burner but it stands to reason his situation could crystallize in the next few days. The Rams always wanted him back but only at the right price. It's starting to look like that price is more feasible unless another team jumps in with a bigger offer.
G Justin Blalock -- The former Atlanta Falcon almost makes too much sense for the Rams as a short-term placeholder who can start for a year or two while the Rams develop (presumably) a drafted guard. He fits the scheme and he has clear ties to Rams line coach Paul Boudreau and many in the Rams front office, including general manager Les Snead. Blalock took a visit to Detroit last week but left without signing. The Rams have had discussions with Blalock's agent about his taking a visit to St. Louis and it seems likely that will happen. This is a match that probably comes down to simply making the financials match up.
C Stefen Wisniewski -- Wisniewski has been connected to the Rams since before free agency but has yet to visit St. Louis. He's probably the best center still on the market but seems to be taking his time in making a decision. Wisniewski visited Tampa Bay and Seattle but left both places without making a decision. The Rams have had discussions with Wisniewski's camp about bringing him in for a visit as well and that remains a real possibility.
Others -- There have been other rumors of offensive linemen who could be available including Philadelphia's Evan Mathis by way of trade or potentially New Orleans' Jahri Evans as a cap casualty. It doesn't sound like the Rams are much interested in dealing a pick for an older offensive lineman but both would be possible solutions to fit a similar veteran role to what Blalock would provide.
The Rams are clearly well aware of their needs on the offensive line, and given their cap space they could probably add two of the names above and perhaps all three if the prices dropped enough and they got creative with ways to clear more space. With the top names mostly picked over in free agency, the names above still figure to draw interest but none will break the bank when they make a decision.
