That space disappears fast.
I read $83 mil avail.,
Puka 40
BY 30
Kobie 30
Avila Dotson McClendon 20 each
Shelton 12-14..
There’s more.
If Stafford doesn’t retire, gonna be difficult choices.
Potential WR Trade Targets
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I read $83 mil avail.,
Puka 40
BY 30
Kobie 30
Avila Dotson McClendon 20 each
Shelton 12-14..
There’s more.
If Stafford doesn’t retire, gonna be difficult choices.
I'm willing to risk a 4th, but I'm not convinced that much will change.
Downs is averaging 6.5 targets per game. Given McVay and Stafford's tendency to hyperfocus on two to three receivers max, I don't think he'll get the same opportunity here.
Nacua, Ferg, and Adams are the receivers getting the opportunities here. I'm not sure Downs is enough to change that, especially given his size profile.
As for comp picks, those won't help for 2027.
Adams is out.. there’s no 2nd perimeter target.
You cannot truly think they can count on only Puka for next 8 weeks.
Yes, if Downs signed elsewhere, that should garner a comp pick provided we're not also signing outside free agents. That doesn't help us for 2027, though.Well its not his fault. When your QB is the legendary Danny Dimes, you'd be extremely fortunate to have any production. That dude fucking sucks. Also would we get a compensatory pick if Downs does well and signs else where?
Ferg should be back soon?
I'm concerned that Downs wouldn't immediately have Stafford's trust. IMO, we have to factor in Stafford and McVay's tendencies.
El Chapo Jr
Legend
Oh I get that part but I'm sure that's something that factors into the equation. Doesn't necessarily make it something that will push it towards happening, just a consideration.
I read 77 mil available but then there's also releases that save money and restructures. They'll figure it out. They're pretty good at that.
That's why I said "perimeter".. Even in 13, there's a WR lined up.
Getting in someone like downs gives you a chance to evaluate them more and see if they're worth keeping.
I don't see a great path to another WR next season.. I imagine they pick someone up later and cheaper to avoid interfering with future draft compensation. Probably drafting one or two as well.
I didn't even list all of their FAs.
Parkinson.. Forbes..
Wallace, Speights and McCullough will all get raises if they stay.
If Stafford stays.. it'll be ugly.
If he retires.. they can do a ton.
Those amounts are average-per-year ... They are NOT Year 1 cap hits on large contracts which are typically nowhere near an average-per-year amount.
That'll help big time. He was the #3 option going into the season. Plus, they started playing Klare. He played a big role in the run game in the 2nd half vs LAC. If he gets some targets and doesn't shit the bed, that's even more weaponry.
What the Colts do with him is meaningless. I care how the Rams and McVay would utilize him; and Stafford throwing to him.
My point remains. McVay and Stafford prefer bigger/physical WRs. Until I see a smaller receiver get consistently used in this offense, I’m of the opinion that it’s a square peg into a round hole.
Find me a decently sized, physical receiver. Otherwise it’s a waste of draft pick(s). Just roll with what we have.
Very much understood.
Structure matters.. but those are not even close to all the FAs they have to deal with.
And.. Do you want to be pushing money forward in a slight "rebuild" mode? I'd say no.
I'd be happier with bigger as well.
But he's a legit target and a better PR guy than they have. He can improve both areas.
I would not stand pat.
Of course they won't resign them all. But like I said, they'll figure out something. They always do.
What I read is if Stafford retires, it's a 64 mil dead money hit. Better off if he stays.
I’ll have to read more on the dead cap ramifications of Stafford retiring… but that’s sounds more like if they cut him.
Dead cap next year is 31 mil, so I don’t know how it would get to 64
You mentioned Robinson. He’s the #3 that keeps popping into my head with these discussions. He was very productive in the ‘24 season. Yes, Puka and Kupp missed games but Robinson scored 7 TD’s.
Tutu had a decent season too but he wasn’t a scoring threat.
My point is basically, the Rams have failed to replace that quality of WR depth production (DeMarcus Robinson). He wanted the ball and made some big plays.
Obviously the move to more 13p is a factor here , but ultimately the Rams have made their own bed at pass catcher this season. The depth is JAG.
Ferguson is not the savior guys. His presence will help but he’s not going to significantly open up the offense.
How long can the Rams lean on Stafford to Puka and the run game?
Right now it looks like a fairly efficient dink and dunk offense.
Im very concerned once we face the better/smarter defenses.
The primary pending free agents are Nacua, Young, Turner and three OL (Dotson, Avila and McClendon).
The Rams could retain those six players. Don't know if they will but they can.
BTW ... Watson's contract is 3 years / $51M ... an average of $17M-per-year. His 2026 cap hit is under $7M.
Again.. I understand contract structuring.
I’m also bringing up to point out unlikely that there’ll be any significant outside FA.