Here's where I differ from so many other Rams fans, ... some want to create additional CAP space in order to 'go all in' for a deep 2023 playoff bid, and by creating this massive CAP space, they can spend heavily on free agents. My goal isn't to build on the debt we have already created by mortgaging our future, it's actually the opposite, where we might pay down some of this accumulated debt. I believe we went 'all in' when we acquired Stafford while maintaining our relationships with Donald, Kupp, Ramsey & Floyd as well as a few others. Spending big money during the 2023 free agency period will also have the undesirable effect of seriously negating any value the Comp picks (2024) which would be coming to the Rams when we lose either Gaines, A'Shawn Robinson (or both), Mayfield & Rapp.
I don't move Ramsey this next season because he's still a valuable vet for our defensive backfield, he'd also be carrying a huge dead money debt load. The Rams should develop some better CB's prior to Ramsey's exit. Floyd is older and would also carry a substantial 'dead money' hit, but it's a lot less than Ramsey's. I should be clear that I wouldn't move Floyd either in 2023 unless we have found his replacement by way of trade, not free agency, as to avoid later Comp pick complications. Higbee is one of the few veteran players I believe we can part with to create some additional CAP space without suffering too much damage. Hopkins may be largely untested, but even a slight fall-off statistically at this one position isn't likely to kill our play-off hopes. He (Hopkins) may also surprise, but we'll never know when he's lost along with Higbee following the 2023 season to free agency because of lack of previous use.
I've previously posted that Higbee, Floyd, Brian Allen & Van Jefferson are on my trade list, although Floyd is the one single player in this group where I would require a younger (traded for) veteran Edge rusher to take his place, the remainder I'm fine moving and replacing with draft picks. Unlike others who are willing to once again heavily restructure contracts increasing future debt, I don't believe our team needs it, we aren't that distant from a Super Bowl win, and the 2022 season was an anomaly brought on by an enormous amount of temporary injury issues.
This is one year (2023) I'd love to see the Rams avoid spending big on free agents (for reasons already explained) and concentrate on increasing our day 2 draft class with trades, whether it be Raheem Morris becoming a H.C. somewhere, trading down our high 2'nd round pick for a lower 2'nd and a 3'rd, or trading a current player that can save CAP and bring us a choice pick. I happen to believe this coming draft class is deep at positions where depth can be seriously improved for the long term without sacrificing our ability to go deep into the playoffs.
jmo. agree with most said here especially Ramsey, people to move etc. Posters need to look at our needs LT, LG, OLB, 2nd CB and BU CB can be had from our higher draft picks - #36/37 go after a top tier OLB. Spend for Orlando Brown if not available find someone as good as Whot maybe Conklin/McGary or take another run at Tunsil.