Rams release chris long jared cook and jl55

[jrry32]

That's some big locker room presence they just cut from the defense there. Do they have the leaders to replace those guys? I know that the stats say they were declining, but who becomes the voice of the D now? Quinn I guess?

I think when we bring back Will Hayes, he'll be one of the leaders. Would also expect Mark Barron and T.J. McDonald to lead.

 

[jrry32]

Bill Smith ‏@wgsmit3
James Laurinaitis played 99.7 percent of all defensive snaps in his career for the Rams (7,498 of 7,519). Only missed 21 snaps in 7 seasons

Hats off to JL. The man was a warrior.

 

[drasconis]

JL looked bad in 2015. Looked like he lost all his speed. IMO, we could move forward with Ogletree at MLB and Barron at WLB. Or we could look to replace JL.

Was JL the leader on D? Not talking emotionally (though he may have been that also) but tactically, was he organizing formation and such (this was something Fletcher did that took soooo long to properly replace)? Who steps into that role on this team or do they need to find someone to do it? It isn't about physical capability but mental...can Ogletree do it or someone else on the team (doesn't have to be MLB or LB but seems like it usually is)?

Just curious, I agree with others that JL had lost much and that in general moving on is likely right move (and I assume they may try to resign)...it is just one of those intangibles that is very difficult to replace or measure.

 

[NateDawg122]

I'M TOTALLY SHOCKED, AND STUNNED OVER THIS!! Ok, I can see Cook!! And I can understand Chris, although I would have prefer them to restructure his contract so he could retire a Ram!
But "JL" our middle Line Backer!! We have NO One to take his Place!!
Back to Chris Long, I'm Very, Very saddened by this Loss!! He was my favorite current Ram!!

Sorry but it was time for JL55 to go. He was a huge cap hit and I honestly don't think he's a starting caliber MLB in the NFL anymore. He was never an athletic specimen but he doesn't have the athleticism he used to. He was practically useless in the run game as he couldn't take on blockers to save his life. It's sad to see him go but it was time.

 

[Rams Until I Die]

Damn so sad right now.

 

[FrantikRam]

Was JL the leader on D? Not talking emotionally (though he may have been that also) but tactically, was he organizing formation and such (this was something Fletcher did that took soooo long to properly replace)? Who steps into that role on this team or do they need to find someone to do it? It isn't about physical capability but mental...can Ogletree do it or someone else on the team (doesn't have to be MLB or LB but seems like it usually is)?

Just curious, I agree with others that JL had lost much and that in general moving on is likely right move (and I assume they may try to resign)...it is just one of those intangibles that is very difficult to replace or measure.

I think TJ McDonald will handle that going forward.

 

[woofwoofmo]

Best wishes to Chris and James. Chris is one of the coolest dudes I've ever met and James and his wife Shelly are a joy. Going to miss them very much.

 

[bluecoconuts]

Huge bummer, we have a big hole in our locker room now. I wish we can take them back at a discounted price, but being realistic I don't think it happens.

 

[-X-]

I'm okay with it. Might be freeing up money for a free agent splash. And those guys weren't irreplaceable. MLB will be the hardest to fill, but not impossible by any stretch. Plus, for all we know, Hager or Bates could be ready to roll.

 

[rams24/7]

Are there any non fisher picks left on the team?

Quinn, Sims, Saffold, Kendricks, McQuaide

 

[DR RAM]

Agreed, I would not be surprised if one of them was brought back on a cheaper deal. But of course all three can find a job in some capacity on another team.
Long, if healthy, probably has the most left to offer at this point.

Agreed. I love me some JL55, and Chris Long. We lost a lot of class, leadership, and great locker room guys. I do understand all of the cuts.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Bill Smith ‏@wgsmit3
James Laurinaitis played 99.7 percent of all defensive snaps in his career for the Rams (7,498 of 7,519). Only missed 21 snaps in 7 seasons

Then we have guys like Saffold who remain under contract....

 

[RAMpage28]

Hats off to JL. The man was a warrior.

A warrior you say...

 

[Rams43]

Major kudos to Demoff, Snead, and Fisher...

This just screams that the Rams are serious about putting a winning product on the field in LA. And I mean THIS year!

We all pretty much saw the Long and Cook releases coming and for obvious reasons.

J Lau is a bit more of a surprise. But when I think about it, I can only conclude that they are no longer willing to "settle" at the MLB position. That encourages me a great deal.

This also shouts out two things...

Henceforth, players are on notice that they must produce to continue earning their bigger salaries. Even much loved and respected players like Long and J Lau. Or else...

The other thing is that these cuts serve notice that the Rams are gonna be major players in resigning their own FA's that they really like, AND will be likely players actively pursuing outside FA's . Possibly QB, WR, TE, LB, or C.

Don't know about y'all, but I'm elated. No more baby steps.

The LA move has clearly put tremendous pressure on the FO to win now. And these 3 moves are just the first dividends.

Gonna be a bunch of new faces in our opening day lineup, huh?

Hot Damn!

 

[RAMpage28]

Then we have guys like Saffold who remain under contract....

You say that now, but I got a feeling he'll get something too. Either a restructure or release.

 

[-X-]

View: https://twitter.com/evansilva/status/700790251212550144

 

[jrry32]

Was JL the leader on D? Not talking emotionally (though he may have been that also) but tactically, was he organizing formation and such (this was something Fletcher did that took soooo long to properly replace)? Who steps into that role on this team or do they need to find someone to do it? It isn't about physical capability but mental...can Ogletree do it or someone else on the team (doesn't have to be MLB or LB but seems like it usually is)?

Just curious, I agree with others that JL had lost much and that in general moving on is likely right move (and I assume they may try to resign)...it is just one of those intangibles that is very difficult to replace or measure.

I think Barron or McDonald can. But then again, I don't know who the headiest guys on our defense are. I just know that I heard good things about the football IQs of both those guys when they were prospects.

 

[Hey Man]

Wow, :effemine:

 

[Mojo Ram]

View: https://twitter.com/evansilva/status/700790251212550144

That's pretty telling, but we have Kendricks at TE plus a couple young guys and Harkey. As far as pass rushers we've got Donald, Quinn, Hayes and young guys. I don't like the prospect of replacing a MLB at this point. It's downright scary actually. I'm sure there's a plan but i'm concerned at this point.

 

[Ramfansince79]

Crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap X 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

I seriously hope we're going to resign Laurinaitis.