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First, the good news.
The Rams upcoming UFA class does not have any “break the bank” or “make or break” impending free agents. That said, there are a few players who could be worth retaining.
Here is my priority list based upon the following factors: value, replaceability and anticipated cost.
1. Alaric Jackson (LT)
Jackson is a solid player. The Rams’ offense has definitely looked better since he returned from suspension in week 3. He also was a steady performer in 2023. But is he worth a long-term deal at LT, one of the higher paid positions? I’m on the fence on this one. My concern is that the market could overvalue him, as the LT UFA class (apart from the Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley) is pretty thin. On the other hand, early projections of the OT draft class are likewise not all that promising. This one will be a dilemma, and the Rams’ decision on his status could greatly impact their offseason plans.
2. Bobby Brown (DT)
I put Brown a hair behind Jackson at this point. He has been playing well, and he brings true NT size to the unit. I suspect he’ll be fairly affordable. If not, he certainly can be replaced with a mid-round pick. I’d like to see a 2-3 year deal (maybe 2 and an option) at a fair market price.
3. DeMarcus Robinson (WR)
Robinson fits the Rams scheme very well. While he clearly is not a No. 1 WR, when he’s able to draw single coverage, he can create mismatches, particularly in the Red Zone. His age (30) dictates that we’d be looking at a short term (1-2 years) deal. I think we could make that happen. Of course, if the Rams really like Jordan Whittington, maybe they save some money and let him walk.
4. Tutu Atwell (WR)
Atwell is younger than Robinson, and brings a unique speed factor to the WR corps. That said, his size limits his ability to take on that WR/TE-type role that the other Rams WRs. I’d say that the final 9 games of this season, perhaps more than any other member of the upcoming Rams UFA class, could result in a significant swing in either direction. And, of course, I don’t think we re-sign both Atwell and Robinson, so they almost need to be considered in tandem.
5. Jimmy Garoppolo (QB)
The fact that I’m even talking about a player who has not and, hopefully, will not play shows how shallow the UFA pool is. Still, the Rams will need to have a Stafford insurance policy in place for 2025 and (given that I’m on record as being someone with no faith in Stetson Bennett) Garoppolo is a solid No. 2.
Potential Bargain-Bin Keepers: Michael Hoecht, Larrell Murchison, John Johnson
Others (who I don’t really care if we retain): Joe Noteboom, Christian Rozeboom, Tyler Johnson, Troy Reeder, Hunter Long
The Rams upcoming UFA class does not have any “break the bank” or “make or break” impending free agents. That said, there are a few players who could be worth retaining.
Here is my priority list based upon the following factors: value, replaceability and anticipated cost.
1. Alaric Jackson (LT)
Jackson is a solid player. The Rams’ offense has definitely looked better since he returned from suspension in week 3. He also was a steady performer in 2023. But is he worth a long-term deal at LT, one of the higher paid positions? I’m on the fence on this one. My concern is that the market could overvalue him, as the LT UFA class (apart from the Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley) is pretty thin. On the other hand, early projections of the OT draft class are likewise not all that promising. This one will be a dilemma, and the Rams’ decision on his status could greatly impact their offseason plans.
2. Bobby Brown (DT)
I put Brown a hair behind Jackson at this point. He has been playing well, and he brings true NT size to the unit. I suspect he’ll be fairly affordable. If not, he certainly can be replaced with a mid-round pick. I’d like to see a 2-3 year deal (maybe 2 and an option) at a fair market price.
3. DeMarcus Robinson (WR)
Robinson fits the Rams scheme very well. While he clearly is not a No. 1 WR, when he’s able to draw single coverage, he can create mismatches, particularly in the Red Zone. His age (30) dictates that we’d be looking at a short term (1-2 years) deal. I think we could make that happen. Of course, if the Rams really like Jordan Whittington, maybe they save some money and let him walk.
4. Tutu Atwell (WR)
Atwell is younger than Robinson, and brings a unique speed factor to the WR corps. That said, his size limits his ability to take on that WR/TE-type role that the other Rams WRs. I’d say that the final 9 games of this season, perhaps more than any other member of the upcoming Rams UFA class, could result in a significant swing in either direction. And, of course, I don’t think we re-sign both Atwell and Robinson, so they almost need to be considered in tandem.
5. Jimmy Garoppolo (QB)
The fact that I’m even talking about a player who has not and, hopefully, will not play shows how shallow the UFA pool is. Still, the Rams will need to have a Stafford insurance policy in place for 2025 and (given that I’m on record as being someone with no faith in Stetson Bennett) Garoppolo is a solid No. 2.
Potential Bargain-Bin Keepers: Michael Hoecht, Larrell Murchison, John Johnson
Others (who I don’t really care if we retain): Joe Noteboom, Christian Rozeboom, Tyler Johnson, Troy Reeder, Hunter Long
