Rodger Saffold wants to remain with the Rams

[BonifayRam]

He says right now that the hometown discount is acceptable due to knowing what he's got with the team and all. But he's going to be the top FA offensive lineman on the market. His offer on the market will be huge.

Can the Rams go high enough to where both sides are good? Hard to say but it's nice to hear him say he wants to remain a Ram. I had considered him a 100% departure in FA, now maybe it's 50% or whatever and I"ll take that, always have liked Rog.

Here might be six teams who would be happy to offer Rodger Saffold a sizeable large contract this upcoming March!

The Top Offseason Priority for Every NFL Team
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2811652-the-top-offseason-priority-for-every-nfl-team#slide0

Atlanta Falcons: Patch Up the Interior of the Offensive Line
During the last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons signed Brandon Fusco, a steady veteran guard who's on his third team; he appeared in seven games before going on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The offensive line lost Andy Levitre for the year after two games because of a torn triceps in consecutive terms. He's set to hit free agency in March.Without their starting guards, the Falcons haven't shown commitment to the ground attack, ranking 31st in rush attempts and 27th in yards. Assuming the Falcons move on from Levitre, who's turning 33 in May, general manager Thomas Dimitroff should beef up the interior of the front line. Whether it's another veteran or a rookie guard, Atlanta needs more offensive balance.

Buffalo Bills: Revamp the Offensive Line
The Buffalo Bills have to start with the trenches. It's part one of building around a potential franchise quarterback in a literal sense. The coaching staff would probably like to see Josh Allen scramble less and have more time to deliver strikes from the pocket. The Bills can't turn Allen into an accurate quarterback over the offseason, but they can strengthen the pocket and give him time to scan the field for his targets. According to Football Outsiders, Buffalo's pass protection ranks 21st. As wideouts Robert Foster and Zay Jones develop, the passing attack could routinely break off chunk plays with the signal-caller's big arm behind a sturdy pocket.

Carolina Panthers: Tweak the Ground Attack
Center Ryan Kalil will retire at the end of the year, and the Panthers still need a strong replacement for Andrew Norwell at left guard. With an upgrade and replacement on the interior, Carolina can use a physical backup running back to bang bodies up the middle for short-yardage situations in place of Newton. A starting-caliber guard and new center would go a long way toward accomplishing an objective to preserve the quarterback and add another layer to the ground attack.

Minnesota Vikings: Acquire Interior Offensive Linemen
The front office must do a better job at opening bigger lanes for the ball-carriers. Left guard Tom Compton will hit the open market. According to ESPN.com's Courtney Cronin, Mike Remmers hasn't fared well in his transition from right tackle to right guard. "Minnesota could elect to move on from Mike Remmers, who was paid well to be the Vikings' right tackle before moving inside to right guard, where he has struggled," she wrote.Remmers isn't likely to move back to right tackle because the Vikings selected Brian O'Neill to take over the perimeter spot for the long term. Now stuck on the interior, which isn't his natural position, he's expendable.Without him, the Vikings probably have to address both guard spots. If the seventh-year veteran remains on the roster, the front office would still need someone to push him for the starting role or fill the void at left guard.

New York Jets: Renovate the Offensive Line
It's the offensive line that's concerning going into the offseason. Primary starting left guard James Carpenter will become a free agent in March. Right tackle Brandon Shell suffered an atypical knee injury that could keep him out for a longer period. The Jets could benefit from an upgrade at right guard too; here's a Bleacher Report scouting report on Brian Winters coming into the season:"This season (2017), his play dipped even more. The problem with Winters is simple: He offers nothing from a play strength perspective and can't drive defenders off the ball. And given that problem is pretty hard to fix, it's hard to imagine Winters being a guy that justifies his contract over the next two seasons."The commitment to provide pass protection and complement Darnold's arm with a strong ground attack would expedite the rookie signal-caller's development. Without quality guards it's hard to envision his improvement with so much pressure to create something out of nothing in a shaky pocket.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Replace Offensive Left Guard Ramon Foster
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to maintain their physical play style up front. Left guard Ramon Foster will become a free agent. Barring an extension, the Steelers should search the free-agent pool or take an offensive lineman within the first two days of the upcoming draft. At 36 years old, Ben Roethlisberger shouldn't lead the league in pass attempts as he does this season (630). As mentioned, he's also tied with Sam Darnold for a league-leading 15 interceptions. In order to keep the ball-carriers rolling on the ground, the Steelers must place offensive guard atop their roster needs list.

 

[OldSchool]

Right. We'd be moving on, but not getting any extra cap money. If we release Barron, we get more cap money.

And I'll ask my last question again because it gets directly to my point about the logic of these statements. If Saffold is not under contract for next year, just like Suh and Joyner, why can't we use the "savings" from him not being on the roster next year to sign him and use the "savings" from the other two for someone else?

In case you don't feel like answering, it's because these mythical savings don't exist. If you did feel like answering, I'm sorry for stealing your spotlight before you could say, "Because those mythical savings don't exist."

So if we "move on" from Suh and his $14 million dollar cap hit for somebody who costs less the cap savings are mythical? You're right there is a salary cap cost associated with every roster change over. But just because we paid one guy $X doesn't mean his replacement isn't going to cost as much or more. That roster spot does cost less but we spend the money in other places.

It also doesn't mean because we paid for example Suh $14 million this year to play his position just because we don't pay somebody else the same amount we're going to get less production.

Are you insinuating because they aren't signed for next year that fans can't say that money is spent better elsewhere? I really don't get what you're implying here. Just because we don't have somebody signed next year doesn't mean that on the 2019 cap we can't say the salary hit we used for that position isn't a savings. We obviously aren't saving on the 2018 cap because the money is already spent. I don't get what point you're trying to convey here.

 

[kurtfaulk]

LaMarcus Joyner
Calculated Market Value as a Free Agent:
$10.6M Avg. Annual Salary

• Five yrs , $53,247,260
  
  • Avg. Salary: $10,649,452
  • NFL Rank: 97
  • FS Rank: 3

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams/lamarcus-joyner-14450/market-value/


Maybe you may want to think about that again with this well known information out there in the market RamWoodie, how many $$$$ franchised Rams has Snead resigned since 2012?

Haha, where did they get that market value from, their arse? Nobody is paying Joyner that much money. And if they do they're doomed to fail, just like the rams d this year every time the ball goes anywhere in his vicinity.

.

 

[So Ram]

Here might be six teams who would be happy to offer Rodger Saffold a sizeable large contract this upcoming March!

The Top Offseason Priority for Every NFL Team
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2811652-the-top-offseason-priority-for-every-nfl-team#slide0

Atlanta Falcons: Patch Up the Interior of the Offensive Line
During the last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons signed Brandon Fusco, a steady veteran guard who's on his third team; he appeared in seven games before going on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The offensive line lost Andy Levitre for the year after two games because of a torn triceps in consecutive terms. He's set to hit free agency in March.Without their starting guards, the Falcons haven't shown commitment to the ground attack, ranking 31st in rush attempts and 27th in yards. Assuming the Falcons move on from Levitre, who's turning 33 in May, general manager Thomas Dimitroff should beef up the interior of the front line. Whether it's another veteran or a rookie guard, Atlanta needs more offensive balance.

Buffalo Bills: Revamp the Offensive Line
The Buffalo Bills have to start with the trenches. It's part one of building around a potential franchise quarterback in a literal sense. The coaching staff would probably like to see Josh Allen scramble less and have more time to deliver strikes from the pocket. The Bills can't turn Allen into an accurate quarterback over the offseason, but they can strengthen the pocket and give him time to scan the field for his targets. According to Football Outsiders, Buffalo's pass protection ranks 21st. As wideouts Robert Foster and Zay Jones develop, the passing attack could routinely break off chunk plays with the signal-caller's big arm behind a sturdy pocket.

Carolina Panthers: Tweak the Ground Attack
Center Ryan Kalil will retire at the end of the year, and the Panthers still need a strong replacement for Andrew Norwell at left guard. With an upgrade and replacement on the interior, Carolina can use a physical backup running back to bang bodies up the middle for short-yardage situations in place of Newton. A starting-caliber guard and new center would go a long way toward accomplishing an objective to preserve the quarterback and add another layer to the ground attack.

Minnesota Vikings: Acquire Interior Offensive Linemen
The front office must do a better job at opening bigger lanes for the ball-carriers. Left guard Tom Compton will hit the open market. According to ESPN.com's Courtney Cronin, Mike Remmers hasn't fared well in his transition from right tackle to right guard. "Minnesota could elect to move on from Mike Remmers, who was paid well to be the Vikings' right tackle before moving inside to right guard, where he has struggled," she wrote.Remmers isn't likely to move back to right tackle because the Vikings selected Brian O'Neill to take over the perimeter spot for the long term. Now stuck on the interior, which isn't his natural position, he's expendable.Without him, the Vikings probably have to address both guard spots. If the seventh-year veteran remains on the roster, the front office would still need someone to push him for the starting role or fill the void at left guard.

New York Jets: Renovate the Offensive Line
It's the offensive line that's concerning going into the offseason. Primary starting left guard James Carpenter will become a free agent in March. Right tackle Brandon Shell suffered an atypical knee injury that could keep him out for a longer period. The Jets could benefit from an upgrade at right guard too; here's a Bleacher Report scouting report on Brian Winters coming into the season:"This season (2017), his play dipped even more. The problem with Winters is simple: He offers nothing from a play strength perspective and can't drive defenders off the ball. And given that problem is pretty hard to fix, it's hard to imagine Winters being a guy that justifies his contract over the next two seasons."The commitment to provide pass protection and complement Darnold's arm with a strong ground attack would expedite the rookie signal-caller's development. Without quality guards it's hard to envision his improvement with so much pressure to create something out of nothing in a shaky pocket.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Replace Offensive Left Guard Ramon Foster
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to maintain their physical play style up front. Left guard Ramon Foster will become a free agent. Barring an extension, the Steelers should search the free-agent pool or take an offensive lineman within the first two days of the upcoming draft. At 36 years old, Ben Roethlisberger shouldn't lead the league in pass attempts as he does this season (630). As mentioned, he's also tied with Sam Darnold for a league-leading 15 interceptions. In order to keep the ball-carriers rolling on the ground, the Steelers must place offensive guard atop their roster needs list.

Let’s go back a see WHAT you THOUGHT of Roger Daffold Bonified ?? To think how far Roger Saffold & The Rams have come.

Also Roger Saffold will finish his career at Guard. Have not paid much attention to The Rams this season really. Not a far weather fan. Enjoy the off season & building.
The rookie from TCU I’m sure is getting reps at LT & is the backup there.

 

[pmil66]

If we KNEW Noteboom can play better next year and stay healthy, maybe I would agree.
But Saffold is one of the leagues best guards, pro-bowls be damned.
He is a capable swing tackle for us as well.
Next year is already coming with questions at Center and our LT is no spring chicken either. Losing Saffold would weaken our line and IMO it's highly unlikely that they could maintain or improve the O-lines performance by letting him walk. To do that they would have to absolutely nail a mid-round draft pick or pay for it in FA. Those are resources I would rather see the team invest elsewhere.
I am excited about Noteboom but if he is to be Whitworths replacement and is practicing primarily at LT, I want him focusing squarely at that position. I know Kromer and most good OL coaches like positional flexibility but if we need to depend on him to protect Goffs backside, I don't want him thinking too much or "sliding over to tackle" after settling in at guard. Not if that's avoidable, anyway.

There's another reason, maybe it's only me but I think it's good when teams have some great veteran players that get drafted by, play their whole or damn near whole career and retire with that team. You need a few of those guys on your team, not just the stars at skill positions. It's rare now. If the Rams can afford keep him here longer, I see no reason for the big guy to go kick ass somewhere else when we could use him next year on our back-to-back Super Bowl run...

Those 3rd contracts for drafted players are what give me hesitation. Saffold is at that point in his career.

Also, i like what happened at RG this year. Every poster assumed Brown would be back starting after his suspension was over. That did now happen. The Rams starter at RG, Blythe, was an undersized C drafted by another team. He was picked up by the Rams, and developed, by an outstanding OL coaching staff, into a good starting RG. He is under his rookie contract next year at a very good rate. Need to pay him. The Rams outstanding OL coaching staff have drafted both Noteboom and Demby and are developing them now. Certainly feel confident, after seeing the development of Blythe at RG, that the rams outstanding OL coaching staff can find a starter at LG between them next year. Its such a turnaround to see the Rams have an outstanding OL coaching staff, first time in a long, long time.

 

[BonifayRam]

Did you know? Rams Left guard Rodger Saffold is a first alternate to the pro bowl. Saffold, a ninth-year pro, is in the final season of his contract with the Rams and never has been selected to the Pro Bowl. -- Lindsey Thiry
The Best Player Each NFL Team Could Add in 2019
Minnesota Vikings: OL Rodger Saffold
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2810829-the-best-player-each-nfl-team-could-add-in-2019#slide20

1. 
   
   
   
   It's no secret the Vikings must balance their offensive attack with more rush attempts; they rank 27th in the category. Quarterback Kirk Cousins can't carry this squad to the Promised Land alone. As a group, the ball-carriers average just 4.2 yards per carry.
   
   While it's easy to point the finger at running backs Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray, the interior of the offensive line needs an upgrade. Minnesota ranks 25th in second-level rushing yards, per Football Outsiders. In other words, there's not much room to run beyond the line of scrimmage. Bigger lanes will help the Vikings rediscover the ground attack.
   
   Left guard Tom Compton, who started 12 contests at the position this season, will hit the free-agent market. Fellow interior lineman Nick Easton underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck, sidelining him for the entire 2018 campaign. He's also set to become an unrestricted free agent.
   
   Not only does Rodger Saffold line up at left guard for the seventh-best rushing team in the league, but he could play four different positions across the offensive line. Aside from center, the ninth-year pro can fill spots on the interior and perimeter. Going into his age-32 season, the versatile offensive lineman may come at a reasonable price for a team in need of his ability and experience.

 

[jap]

Beetlejuice needs to retire as a Horn.

 

[BonifayRam]

Beetlejuice needs to retire as a Horn.

When you have a LT who is in the very last dim twilight of his long career & having shown declining play later in the last two seasons finally add in the mix that Andrew being 38 yrs old before the next season concludes .....most would think you should have a solid strong veteran playing next to him like a Rodger to assist when age becomes a bigger negative.

If the above was not enough of a reason to secure our Pro Bowl caliber playing LG for 3 to 4 more seasons then ad the fact that the current weak link in the OL plays just to the right of Rodger.....John Sullivan. JS may be one of the cerebral Brainiac's playing @ the NFL center post but his back is like a two day old washed up dead squid. JS is currently holding on to the starting post by a tentacle.

Sure the Rams have three drafted rookies in reserve, but the fact they are rookies & have very little regular on-field playing time with this offense is a big NEGATIVE. Back in 2017, it was both Whitworth & Sullivan arrived given big contracts & helped out Saffold & the rest to up their play. Now going into 2019 it needs to be Saffold that gets the long-term nice contract to help out the well seasoned aged Andrew & John to up their game.

Finally when AW & JS retire (it could be this season when the Rams win the SB) then Snead & McVay will still have one well seasoned Ram veteran OL'er to lead guide the new crop of youngsters (Nootboom/ Allen & Demby) to go with young veterans Havenstein & Blythe (both 27 yrs old). I believe that Saffold is fully capable of picking up the Andrew Whitworth leadership role mantle.

 

[So Ram]

When you have a LT who is in the very last dim twilight of his long career & having shown declining play later in the last two seasons finally add in the mix that Andrew being 38 yrs old before the next season concludes .....most would think you should have a solid strong veteran playing next to him like a Rodger to assist when age becomes a bigger negative.

If the above was not enough of a reason to secure our Pro Bowl caliber playing LG for 3 to 4 more seasons then ad the fact that the current weak link in the OL plays just to the right of Rodger.....John Sullivan. JS may be one of the cerebral Brainiac's playing @ the NFL center post but his back is like a two day old washed up dead squid. JS is currently holding on to the starting post by a tentacle.

Sure the Rams have three drafted rookies in reserve, but the fact they are rookies & have very little regular on-field playing time with this offense is a big NEGATIVE. Back in 2017, it was both Whitworth & Sullivan arrived given big contracts & helped out Saffold & the rest to up their play. Now going into 2019 it needs to be Saffold that gets the long-term nice contract to help out the well seasoned aged Andrew & John to up their game.

Finally when AW & JS retire (it could be this season when the Rams win the SB) then Snead & McVay will still have one well seasoned Ram veteran OL'er to lead guide the new crop of youngsters (Nootboom/ Allen & Demby) to go with young veterans Havenstein & Blythe (both 27 yrs old). I believe that Saffold is fully capable of picking up the Andrew Whitworth leadership role mantle.

Well like I’ve been saying & will continue to say . Noteboom not Saffold will play LT !!
Roger Saffold is a pro Bowl type LG .

 

[Jorgeh0605]

So if we "move on" from Suh and his $14 million dollar cap hit for somebody who costs less the cap savings are mythical? You're right there is a salary cap cost associated with every roster change over. But just because we paid one guy $X doesn't mean his replacement isn't going to cost as much or more. That roster spot does cost less but we spend the money in other places.

It also doesn't mean because we paid for example Suh $14 million this year to play his position just because we don't pay somebody else the same amount we're going to get less production.

Are you insinuating because they aren't signed for next year that fans can't say that money is spent better elsewhere? I really don't get what you're implying here. Just because we don't have somebody signed next year doesn't mean that on the 2019 cap we can't say the salary hit we used for that position isn't a savings. We obviously aren't saving on the 2018 cap because the money is already spent. I don't get what point you're trying to convey here.

The reason it isn't savings is because you make the assumption we haven't already spent that $14M this year. That money could have been eaten up in Havenstein's contract, Cook's Contract, Donald's Contract, etc. So you can't apply that savings to whomever you wish to sign because the money may already be allocated. It isn't new money created by releasing a player currently in contract.

 

[OldSchool]

The reason it isn't savings is because you make the assumption we haven't already spent that $14M this year. That money could have been eaten up in Havenstein's contract, Cook's Contract, Donald's Contract, etc. So you can't apply that savings to whomever you wish to sign because the money may already be allocated. It isn't new money created by releasing a player currently in contract.

So you’re arguing semantics got it.

 

[12intheBox]

View: https://twitter.com/rodger_saffold/status/1080636797619585025?s=21

 

[Merlin]

Roger Saffold is a pro Bowl type LG .

Definitely. He's a top 3 LG in this league, dominant in the run game and damn good in pass pro. He will break the bank for guards if he hits the market, so if the Rams are smart they try to lock him up well before.

I think it's going to be a tough deal, hope it gets done but damn he's probably gonna leave some money on the table to stay with us.

 

[Loyal]

Definitely. He's a top 3 LG in this league, dominant in the run game and damn good in pass pro. He will break the bank for guards if he hits the market, so if the Rams are smart they try to lock him up well before.

I think it's going to be a tough deal, hope it gets done but damn he's probably gonna leave some money on the table to stay with us.

I wonder...if we win the Super Bowl, if he'll want to stay for the hometown discount. I know he wouldn't want to go to a bad team, and start all over again helping his new team become good if he left LA without a ring...

 

[Merlin]

I wonder...if we win the Super Bowl, if he'll want to stay for the hometown discount. I know he wouldn't want to go to a bad team, and start all over again helping his new team become good if he left LA without a ring...

Pretty sure he already said he'd be willing to stay for a discount, in so many words. So hopefully the Rams are working that. I have always assumed he'd bail in FA, up until he said that, so maybe things will work out.

 

[dang]

I believe Sullivan is going to be replaced next year and Whitworth retires the following year (unless he decides to retire this year after the Rams win the SB!!). The Rams will need Saffold to become the OL leader as well as hold down the LG position during this time of transition.

 

[So Ram]

Pretty sure he already said he'd be willing to stay for a discount, in so many words. So hopefully the Rams are working that. I have always assumed he'd bail in FA, up until he said that, so maybe things will work out.

Roger is a perfect fit for The Rams. He always claimed he would out perform his contract. I always held him accountable to that standard & hated the way he talked negatively after Goff said remember this feeling after Goff’s rookie season.

His injuries have always played a role in his performance. I still hate the way fans think of him as a backup tackle. He is all a All Pro guard.
Scary thing last season it was Williams who was The Rams backup LT. Noteboom did an excellent job at LT in place of Noteboom.

 

[BonifayRam]

Pretty sure he already said he'd be willing to stay for a discount, in so many words. So hopefully the Rams are working that. I have always assumed he'd bail in FA, up until he said that, so maybe things will work out.

Rams signed up a 35 yr old & 32 yr old UFA early in 2017 paid both very big contract both are still starting & holding up good enough....

The type of contract that could make Saffold RESIGN @ a moderate yearly priced contract..... is to make it long term going till normal retirement age for OL'ers. 5 to 6 yr contract would show Saffold the Rams Org. desire & want him to be a rare career Ram player in the modern age in LA. If Whitworth can play till 38 then why can't Saffold play LG till he is 36 yrs old. Whitworth sure has shown him how the last 2 years.

If OC Sullivan is replaced in 2019, Saffold would give the Rams/Kromer a decade-long starting veteran presence, just left to the first season starting center Brian Allen. What would this mean to youthful Allen to have Rodger Saffold performing next to him @ LG in the NFL trench warfare?

In addition, if aging LT Andrew Whitworth gives way early next season to another first season starter Joe Noteboom. What would it mean to Noteboom to have a pro bowl caliber Saffold starting next to him? In addition, Noteboom gets the luxury of having a LG who played LT for his entire college career plus starting 3 NFL season @ LT...... perfect!

What good fortune Snead/ McVay/Kromer & Goff will get with having Saffold here in the future. Saffold brings so much more than just being a good starting LG in the lineup.....a pro bowl caliber, smart & general great all-around true professional ....What is the true complete worth & value of this?

 

[Merlin]

Rams signed up a 35 yr old & 32 yr old UFA early in 2017 both are still starting & holding up good enough....The type of contract that could make Saffold RESIGN a moderate yearly priced contract..... is to make it long term going till normal retirement age for OL'ers. 5 to 6 yr contract would show him the Rams want him to be a rare career Ram player in the modern age. If Whitworth can play till 38 then Saffold stands the chance to play LG till he is 36 yrs old.

Your argument has some merit Boni. But I am afraid of longer contracts for guys over 30, and would not be willing to do that if I'm in Demoff's shoes.

My approach would be offering him a 3 year deal where he's paid well, just not to the level of what he'd get on the FA market.

ALSO I would couple that with a restructure of Big Whit's contract because his cap hit for 2019 is a whopping $15M (with $5M dead cap hit). Whit's cap hit this past year was $9M, so I'd try to shave his number down to the $6M range or so and help lessen the hit of Saffold's increased cap hit.

Basically what I'd be going for is two guys making top money (Havenstein & Saffold), and a guy who is long in the tooth and near retirement still being compensated and having a roster spot.

 

[Merlin]

Oh and btw re: Big Whit... He should have a job as an Asst OL Coach waiting for him if he elects to retire. His calm leadership style would serve him very well as a coach IMO.