Rams UFA Re-signing Priority List (Top 10)

[PhillyRam]

I didn't add the opinion on RB.........

Durability is important. But man is it tough for me to determine who should carry the load.

Akers was the thing before his injury. Pretty tough to make your debut after that serious hurt in the playoffs.

If I had one choice it would be Akers.

I mentioned a few times earlier, but I went from thinking they need a big back to now wanting a speed back. A back that can get outside.

I mean a big back with speed would be great, but they normally get drafted pretty high. I mean I told my son this and he said, "Yeah, why not just draft another Gurley, that would solve it"

So yeah, just get another Gurley.

 

[JonRam99]

Ya, sure, let's let our starting Center walk. After 2 long years with Blythe at C?? no way I'd risk it. One of the most important reasons we were able to have a winning season is finding Blythe's replacement in a capable Allen.
Give him a fair offer, or get a sure fired replacement, but don't let him walk if there's no plan at C. Never again.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I agree about the last four.

But IMO we need to keep at least Allen or Corbett. No reason to blow up an OL that just had - literally - historically good Super Bowl pass pro and good pass pro all year.

One reason is the Salary cap. Another is other teams offering more than the Rams can. They cant sign everyone and Corbett wasn't great. He had some rough games giving up interior pressure. He and Allen are both replaceable imo. His run blocking may be missed.

The run game probably looked better when Shelton was in there. So it's real close between he and Allen. No appreciable dropoff tbh.

At OG they have a pipeline with multiple OT conversion projects. Signing Corbs would be admitting they're all shitty. They have to like one of them and they're also going to add more for the pipeline in the draft and OG tends to be a spot you can play quickly. Zero concern at OG for me even with Corbs walking.

Agreed. If it came down to priorities, Corbett and Allen shouldn't be high on the list.

Like I said earlier, Tape is out there on Noteboom. The Rams will have competition driving up his price. If Whitworth stays I think Joe is gone. He'll want to start somewhere and it will likely be his best chance at a big contract. Even if Whitworth retires, it will be difficult to keep him.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

I agree about the last four.

But IMO we need to keep at least Allen or Corbett. No reason to blow up an OL that just had - literally - historically good Super Bowl pass pro and good pass pro all year.

I know this is old news and we won the SB which I am super grateful for but this is why I was extremely upset we didn't draft Creed Humphrey. We are now in a position where we have to pay an IOL some cash when we could have had a top center on a rookie contract and made the decisions on the o line much easier. Oh well, I trust McVay and Snead will make it work.

 

[blackbart]

Corbett is not the answer at C even as a back up. He’s really not good enough to keep as a guard. Let him walk.

Allen developed well and has a rapport with Stafford, why fuck that up if you can keep him on a reasonable deal? He graded out well and was good all around or would not have gotten attention for All-pro.

We aren’t getting Humphrey, and we probably are not using draft capitol on IOL.

Noteboom’s injury history would make me cautious about how much to offer him. He hasn’t been healthy in a part time role the last three years. I’d rather have Whit for another year if he can be convinced to come back.

Williams trashed his big contract opportunities I would not go crazy trying to keep him.

DD can be replaced, he’s decent but too small.

I’m expecting Rochelle to step up and that they’ll draft at least 1 CB.

Michele provides something Henderson doesn’t have and vice versa. Tough call but, I’m hoping Akers makes them and anyone else irrelevant next year. Draft a big guy who can move the pile.

Beckham’s injury scares me. If he was healthy no brainer, sign me up. As it is, no way I’m moving Woods and Beckham gets a two year offer with lots of incentives for games played and production.

Sign Miller

See if there is any way to get Scherff.

Don’t get lazy and try to “run it back”. Bring in some additions who are hungry.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Pass pro was so good last year, we don’t want to mess that up.

But we could be better in the run game.

This is going to be an interesting one to watch. I honestly don’t know the right combination.

 

[dang]

I’ve learned to expect the unexpected regarding roster decisions from McSnead. Contract restructures are the first step. Aggressive restructures provides significant cap relief. Minimal restructures limits cap space to do much. So I’ll just pay attention to the restructures for now.

 

[rdlkgliders]

I agree. And when you're talking about revamping the run game it means we probably need some new blood up front. I think with even a little blocking these backs were hungry and would have gotten the job done. Our prob is the blocking, i.e. TE and mainly the interior.

Plus losing Whit who is a power blocker is a huge loss if he retires too. So I remain worried about the overall strength of this OL. Yeah I realize it's an annual thing for me too. First world probs I guess but really hoping we see some action with this group vice running them back.

I think the front ill look different in both personnel and scheme. You are so right about Whit, if he retires and we plug in Note which is most likely scenario we weaken our run game even more. I have to believe this will be addressed.

 

[dieterbrock]

With all three RBs available in the Super Bowl, the RB snap counts were Akers 39, Henderson 22, Michel 7, so it appears that McVay sees him as the No. 3 guy. You propose making Michel our highest paid back (by far) and paying him over $4M more than a day 3 rookie would cost.

Agree to disagree. Guess we’ll see how it plays out.

You know they have to get to the Superbowl in order to win it, right?
In last 2 seasons, Henderson has missed or didnt contribute in 10 games, Akers 22 games.
Knowing that each of them will miss time in all likelihood makes a #3 back a requirement.
They spent over 2M on day 3 rookie/udfa RB last season who contributed nothing, so yeah spending 4M more than a rookie sure makes a lot more sense to me.
The team wants to run the ball and thinking that spending less cap $$ on the RB room than any other position is penny wise, dollar foolish

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Pass pro was so good last year, we don’t want to mess that up.

But we could be better in the run game.

This is going to be an interesting one to watch. I honestly don’t know the right combination.

At times when the pass blocking struggled it was on the interior. I’m not certain if it was the guards at fault or Allen, without reviewing. I’m sure Carberry knows which was the weaker link. They have guard options. Olinemen are always a need in Free Agency for most teams. Plus the Rams history of not drafting them high nor paying them much makes me think it’s very likely Allen and Corbett are both going to leave. Noteboom also.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

You know they have to get to the Superbowl in order to win it, right?
In last 2 seasons, Henderson has missed or didnt contribute in 10 games, Akers 22 games.
Knowing that each of them will miss time in all likelihood makes a #3 back a requirement.
They spent over 2M on day 3 rookie/udfa RB last season who contributed nothing, so yeah spending 4M more than a rookie sure makes a lot more sense to me.
The team wants to run the ball and thinking that spending less cap $$ on the RB room than any other position is penny wise, dollar foolish

A durable RB is a huge need. Drafting Humphrey would have been great and drafting Khalil Herbert at RB late in the draft would have been a great move too.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Corbett is not the answer at C even as a back up. He’s really not good enough to keep as a guard. Let him walk.

Allen developed well and has a rapport with Stafford, why fuck that up if you can keep him on a reasonable deal? He graded out well and was good all around or would not have gotten attention for All-pro.

We aren’t getting Humphrey, and we probably are not using draft capitol on IOL.

Noteboom’s injury history would make me cautious about how much to offer him. He hasn’t been healthy in a part time role the last three years. I’d rather have Whit for another year if he can be convinced to come back.

Williams trashed his big contract opportunities I would not go crazy trying to keep him.

DD can be replaced, he’s decent but too small.

I’m expecting Rochelle to step up and that they’ll draft at least 1 CB.

Michele provides something Henderson doesn’t have and vice versa. Tough call but, I’m hoping Akers makes them and anyone else irrelevant next year. Draft a big guy who can move the pile.

Beckham’s injury scares me. If he was healthy no brainer, sign me up. As it is, no way I’m moving Woods and Beckham gets a two year offer with lots of incentives for games played and production.

Sign Miller

See if there is any way to get Scherff.

Don’t get lazy and try to “run it back”. Bring in some additions who are hungry.

I know we aren't getting Humphrey lol, but I hate being right about a player that would have helped our team and CAP so please excuse my venting there as all I truly want is for us to have the best constructed team we can possibly have. I agree with your whole assessment on FA, but it will be interesting to see if the Rams saw enough from our backup lineman in practice and games to let Corbett and/or Allen walk. I'd guess they'd most likely keep Allen. If Big Whit retires, I'm guessing the Rams would rather swing big for a FA left tackle a la Armstead if actually becomes a FA or even possibly go after a guard. Definitely going to be a lot of contract manuerving to open up money and hopefully add some more pieces to our team to properly defend our crown. If we can get those extensions to be team friendly, we'll be seeing Snead work his magic. Besides, who doesn't want to play for the world champs!

 

[blackbart]

I know we aren't getting Humphrey lol, but I hate being right about a player that would have helped our team and CAP so please excuse my venting there as all I truly want is for us to have the best constructed team we can possibly have. I agree with your whole assessment on FA, but it will be interesting to see if the Rams saw enough from our backup lineman in practice and games to let Corbett and/or Allen walk. I'd guess they'd most likely keep Allen. If Big Whit retires, I'm guessing the Rams would rather swing big for a FA left tackle a la Armstead if actually becomes a FA or even possibly go after a guard. Definitely going to be a lot of contract manuerving to open up money and hopefully add some more pieces to our team to properly defend our crown. If we can get those extensions to be team friendly, we'll be seeing Snead work his magic. Besides, who doesn't want to play for the world champs!

I wanted him too and really hated the Atwell pick.

There aren’t a lot of holes if they can sign a couple of key guys. After that OL would seem to be the biggest need. But, I thought they would do something last year so WTF do I know!

 

[El Chapo Jr]

I wanted him too and really hated the Atwell pick.

There aren’t a lot of holes if they can sign a couple of key guys. After that OL would seem to be the biggest need. But, I thought they would do something last year so WTF do I know!

Yeah I hear you there. I'm also at the I don't know wtf the Rams will do stage as they definitely march to the beat of their own drum. i'm sure they'll make moves where I will be like wtf are they thinking (hello Atwell and Desean Jackson) but, they brought us 2 SB appearances and 1 ring so far so I got faith the front office will due it's best to put us in position to repeat.

 

[fearsomefour]

Sony has been a blessing for the Rams with the RB injuries. Neither Aikers or esp Henderson has shown an ability to stay healthy. The depth at RB is paper depth as far as Im concerned. Sony is a solid runner and a very good blocker, which is key, and a guy with a lot of championship experience. That said, Im not over paying for him and depth RBs are easy to find.
Joseph-Day certainly slides down the depth chart with the emergence of Gaines and Robinson being healthy and playing well.
That said, I would certainly keep him over Obo. Obo looks the part but just has not produced as a pass rusher in my opinion. With Lewis and Garrett there (I know, health issues) the Rams have depth to grow at outside rushers.
The OL pains me as it finally has come together....if Whit goes, Boom is the clean number one priority resign to me. Finding a good pass blocking LT is a priority for all offenses. Allen would be pretty high up that list too.

 

[fearsomefour]

I wanted him too and really hated the Atwell pick.

There aren’t a lot of holes if they can sign a couple of key guys. After that OL would seem to be the biggest need. But, I thought they would do something last year so WTF do I know!

It was a relatively bizarre pick.
So, he gets hurt and if Woods comes back that 2nd round pick is the 5th receiver.....maybe the 6th.... who won't see many reps.

 

[AvengerRam]

You know they have to get to the Superbowl in order to win it, right?
In last 2 seasons, Henderson has missed or didnt contribute in 10 games, Akers 22 games.
Knowing that each of them will miss time in all likelihood makes a #3 back a requirement.
They spent over 2M on day 3 rookie/udfa RB last season who contributed nothing, so yeah spending 4M more than a rookie sure makes a lot more sense to me.
The team wants to run the ball and thinking that spending less cap $$ on the RB room than any other position is penny wise, dollar foolish

Since you’re so polite and not at all condescending, I’ll respond.

The Rams spent around $2m total on Jake Funk, Buddy Howell, Raymond Calais and Xavien Howard. That didn’t work out as we hoped.

I’m suggesting that, rather than paying Michel $5M, we look at RB prospects in Rounds 4-6. Some guys I like are Brian Robinson (Alabama), Jashaun Corbin (FSU) and Hassan Haskins (Michigan).

To me, Michel is just a luxury we can’t afford given our other FA issues, particularly on the OL.

 

[BonifayRam]

I agree with everything Avenger Ram said except for Darious Williams. No way I'd go over 5 mil and that would be a 1 year prove-it deal. And if Noteboom wants serious money (over 10-12 mil per), I would ask Big Whit to come back and then Alaric Jackson can take over. IF the Rams like him of course. He looked great filling in for Boom during that 1 game against a very good Minnesota D, IIRC.

It would be far better for the Rams if DW hits UFA'cy with many suitors. He has been a starting corner now for 2 seasons & in his prime. DW has played in approx 50 plus NFL gms with approx 25 starts. DW did play seriously better in 2020 than in 2021 but he has two full post-seasons of experience. DW was the starting corner in the win of an SB. DW will demand more than Troy Hill & JJ III did the last off-season.

SpotRac has this reported on DW as having a market value estimated 4 yrs, $58 mil.- Avg. Salary: $14.6 mil. PFF estimates are Three years, $33 mil. ($11 million per year, $20 million total guaranteed). Far best to let this DB sign elsewhere & target to receive 2023 Nfl Draft Compensatory Picks.

 

[BonifayRam]

Sony has been a blessing for the Rams with the RB injuries. Neither Aikers or esp Henderson has shown an ability to stay healthy. The depth at RB is paper depth as far as Im concerned. Sony is a solid runner and a very good blocker, which is key, and a guy with a lot of championship experience. That said, Im not over paying for him and depth RBs are easy to find.

Several weeks ago before the SB gm. I was thinking that it would be best for the Rams to consider making Sony Michel an offer. This was due to the fact that every other Ram RB was injured this season several of them many times causing all kinds of issues. This running game was in a weakened state for the entire season due to this. Our running game in the SB was a near embarrassment too.

Since that time when I had this keeping Sony position, I believe that it would be best to let Sont depart & sign elsewhere. McVay showed me he has little use for Sony & greatly desires Cam Akers & Darryl Henderson on the field over Sony.

Sony Michel is rated the 4th best RB in UFA'cy. Played in many mega big games & always delivered. The Rams might end up with a possible 7th rd awarded compensatory pick in the 2023 draft.

His what PFF compiled on Sony:

80. RB SONY MICHEL, LOS ANGELES RAMS​

The New England Patriots declined Michel’s fifth-year option for the 2022 season and subsequently traded him to the Rams for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-rounder that will likely convert into a fourth-rounder based on conditions. Michel was solid after taking over the starting job from Darrell Henderson in Week 13, but he offers little more than downhill, north-south running without much ability to break off big gains or factor as a receiver.

Strengths:
– Well-rounded runner
– Pass protection

Weaknesses:
– Doesn't offer much as a receiver
– High percentage of runs for loss or no gain

Scheme Fit/Role:
EARLY-DOWN ROTATIONAL BACK: Michel has now posted 70.0-plus PFF rushing grades in three of his four NFL seasons across multiple schemes. He will get downhill and move the chains on the ground, but he's provided little reason to send him out on many routes through four seasons.

Recent Injury History:
Michel missed seven games with a quad injury in 2020, but he has returned in 2021 and appeared in every game for the Rams. Michel had a relatively lengthy injury history (knee injuries, in particular) coming out of Georgia and bleeding into his rookie year with the Patriots.

Contract Projection: Two years, $8.5 million ($4.25M per year), $5 million total guaranteed

Bottom Line:
Michel has proven to be an effective runner across multiple offensive schemes, but he isn't an elite creator beyond what is blocked up and has struggled to make any kind of receiving impact to this point in his career.

It's my belief it would be a very good business decision to go with what the Rams have currently signed & look for 2022 future RB prospects to add. So the Rams RB room is currently looking like these six will be here going into the draft:

Darrell Henderson
Javian Hawkins
Xavier Jones
Cam Akers
Jake Funk
Raymond Calais

 

[Riverumbbq]

Several weeks ago before the SB gm. I was thinking that it would be best for the Rams to consider making Sony Michel an offer. This was due to the fact that every other Ram RB was injured this season several of them many times causing all kinds of issues. This running game was in a weakened state for the entire season due to this. Our running game in the SB was a near embarrassment too.

Since that time when I had this keeping Sony position, I believe that it would be best to let Sont depart & sign elsewhere. McVay showed me he has little use for Sony & greatly desires Cam Akers & Darryl Henderson on the field over Sony.

Sony Michel is rated the 4th best RB in UFA'cy. Played in many mega big games & always delivered. The Rams might end up with a possible 7th rd awarded compensatory pick in the 2023 draft.

His what PFF compiled on Sony:

80. RB SONY MICHEL, LOS ANGELES RAMS​

The New England Patriots declined Michel’s fifth-year option for the 2022 season and subsequently traded him to the Rams for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-rounder that will likely convert into a fourth-rounder based on conditions. Michel was solid after taking over the starting job from Darrell Henderson in Week 13, but he offers little more than downhill, north-south running without much ability to break off big gains or factor as a receiver.

Strengths:
– Well-rounded runner
– Pass protection

Weaknesses:
– Doesn't offer much as a receiver
– High percentage of runs for loss or no gain

Scheme Fit/Role:
EARLY-DOWN ROTATIONAL BACK: Michel has now posted 70.0-plus PFF rushing grades in three of his four NFL seasons across multiple schemes. He will get downhill and move the chains on the ground, but he's provided little reason to send him out on many routes through four seasons.

Recent Injury History:
Michel missed seven games with a quad injury in 2020, but he has returned in 2021 and appeared in every game for the Rams. Michel had a relatively lengthy injury history (knee injuries, in particular) coming out of Georgia and bleeding into his rookie year with the Patriots.

Contract Projection: Two years, $8.5 million ($4.25M per year), $5 million total guaranteed

Bottom Line:
Michel has proven to be an effective runner across multiple offensive schemes, but he isn't an elite creator beyond what is blocked up and has struggled to make any kind of receiving impact to this point in his career.

It's my belief it would be a very good business decision to go with what the Rams have currently signed & look for 2022 future RB prospects to add. So the Rams RB room is currently looking like these six will be here going into the draft:

Darrell Henderson
Javian Hawkins
Xavier Jones
Cam Akers
Jake Funk
Raymond Calais

Yup, a couple of weeks ago I was also in that re-sign Sony Michel camp, there is no doubt what a blessing he was at the time we traded for him, he was the right guy for our team at a time of desperation due to our injury situation. Today though, when I consider our current CAP and then take a good look at what will become available in the draft, I think we can make a fresh start with one or more new RB's without injury histories to come in and compete at a pretty high level, even as a likely #3 on the depth chart. The middle and later rounds are projected to include some nice talent at RB, so I would rather use CAP dollars otherwise being directed towards re-signing Michel for the purposes of reforming our OL & TE into becoming more effective run blockers, something which can benefit both Akers & Henderson going forward, to say nothing of how it can improve our overall offensive scheme.
jmo.