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Rams offseason overview
By Nate Latsch
http://stl.scout.com/story/1528134-rams-offseason-overview?s=124
ST. LOUIS — The Rams have made some surprising moves so far this offseason and the still have salary cap space available as well as some holes to fill, which means they aren’t done shopping for free agents just yet.
Here’s a quick overview at what the Rams have done so far over the past few weeks…
DEPARTURES
Defensive tackle Kendall Langford (Colts)
Left tackle Jake Long
Center Scott Wells
Quarterback Sam Bradford (Eagles)
Quarterback Shaun Hill (Vikings)
Offensive lineman Mike Person (Falcons)
NOTES: Releasing Langford, Long and Wells saved the Rams about $18 million in cap space. The trade of Bradford netted them approximately $11 million in salary cap savings. Hill’s experience and leadership will be missed, but it is understandable that St. Louis didn’t give him the kind of money the Minnesota Vikings did. Person was a versatile piece for the Rams on the offensive line this past season so losing him could hurt considering the lack of options along the front line right now.
RE-SIGNED
Tight end Lance Kendricks
Wide receiver Kenny Britt
NOTES: St. Louis spent more to re-sign Kendricks and Britt than I was expecting, but they had the money after releasing Langford, Long and Wells and trading Bradford. Bringing Kendricks back, at a significant salary, means we’ll probably see a lot more three-tight end sets in 2015 with him, Jared Cook and TE-fullback Cory Harkey all on the field at the same time. Britt was a leader for the Rams in 2014, on the field and in the locker room, and he could be even better next season if the quarterback situation works out the way the Rams want it to.
ACQUIRED
Quarterback Nick Foles
Quarterback Case Keenum
Outside linebacker Akeem Ayers
Defensive tackle Nick Fairley
NOTES: The Bradford-for-Foles deal sent shockwaves throughout the NFL. I think both quarterbacks can thrive with their new teams, barring injury. Foles has been less injury prone than Bradford, but that will still be a concern for St. Louis going forward. As will what to do with him in regards to a contract extension next offseason. The Rams liked what they saw during Keenum's brief time in St. Louis and he has some experience after making 10 starts the past two seasons. Ayers and Fairley both have a chance to excel as part-time pass rushers in the Rams’ defensive scheme. Fairley’s one-year deal should motivate him to take the next step in his career and it’s possible be could outperform incumbent starter Michael Brockers at defensive tackle.
UNDECIDED
Right tackle Joe Barksdale
Right guard Davin Joseph
NOTES: Barksdale got married over the weekend, so there’s no telling how much he’s been focused on free agency or when he plans to. There have been right tackles who have made a lot of money in the past month or so and now Barksdale is the best of the bunch remaining. Is his price going down or going up? The Rams freeing up salary cap space should increase the chances of him returning to St. Louis on a new deal. Joseph struggled as the Rams’ right guard last season, but considering the team is still in need of a starting center, guard and right tackle, it wouldn’t surprise me if they brought back the veteran to be a back up if the money is right.
By Nate Latsch
http://stl.scout.com/story/1528134-rams-offseason-overview?s=124
ST. LOUIS — The Rams have made some surprising moves so far this offseason and the still have salary cap space available as well as some holes to fill, which means they aren’t done shopping for free agents just yet.
Here’s a quick overview at what the Rams have done so far over the past few weeks…
DEPARTURES
Defensive tackle Kendall Langford (Colts)
Left tackle Jake Long
Center Scott Wells
Quarterback Sam Bradford (Eagles)
Quarterback Shaun Hill (Vikings)
Offensive lineman Mike Person (Falcons)
NOTES: Releasing Langford, Long and Wells saved the Rams about $18 million in cap space. The trade of Bradford netted them approximately $11 million in salary cap savings. Hill’s experience and leadership will be missed, but it is understandable that St. Louis didn’t give him the kind of money the Minnesota Vikings did. Person was a versatile piece for the Rams on the offensive line this past season so losing him could hurt considering the lack of options along the front line right now.
RE-SIGNED
Tight end Lance Kendricks
Wide receiver Kenny Britt
NOTES: St. Louis spent more to re-sign Kendricks and Britt than I was expecting, but they had the money after releasing Langford, Long and Wells and trading Bradford. Bringing Kendricks back, at a significant salary, means we’ll probably see a lot more three-tight end sets in 2015 with him, Jared Cook and TE-fullback Cory Harkey all on the field at the same time. Britt was a leader for the Rams in 2014, on the field and in the locker room, and he could be even better next season if the quarterback situation works out the way the Rams want it to.
ACQUIRED
Quarterback Nick Foles
Quarterback Case Keenum
Outside linebacker Akeem Ayers
Defensive tackle Nick Fairley
NOTES: The Bradford-for-Foles deal sent shockwaves throughout the NFL. I think both quarterbacks can thrive with their new teams, barring injury. Foles has been less injury prone than Bradford, but that will still be a concern for St. Louis going forward. As will what to do with him in regards to a contract extension next offseason. The Rams liked what they saw during Keenum's brief time in St. Louis and he has some experience after making 10 starts the past two seasons. Ayers and Fairley both have a chance to excel as part-time pass rushers in the Rams’ defensive scheme. Fairley’s one-year deal should motivate him to take the next step in his career and it’s possible be could outperform incumbent starter Michael Brockers at defensive tackle.
UNDECIDED
Right tackle Joe Barksdale
Right guard Davin Joseph
NOTES: Barksdale got married over the weekend, so there’s no telling how much he’s been focused on free agency or when he plans to. There have been right tackles who have made a lot of money in the past month or so and now Barksdale is the best of the bunch remaining. Is his price going down or going up? The Rams freeing up salary cap space should increase the chances of him returning to St. Louis on a new deal. Joseph struggled as the Rams’ right guard last season, but considering the team is still in need of a starting center, guard and right tackle, it wouldn’t surprise me if they brought back the veteran to be a back up if the money is right.
