What Win/Loss Total at Trade Deadline Would Make the Rams Buyers/Sellers?

[AvengerRam]

The NFL trade deadline this year is October 31, 2023.

The Rams will have played 8 games at that point.

How many wins would the Rams need to have before you'd expect them to be "buyers" in the trade market?

Conversely, how many losses would the Rams need to have before you'd expect them to be "sellers" in the trade market?

Or... do you believe our activity at the trade deadline will be based more on more long-term considerations (i.e. regardless of record, "buying" young players who we'd have room to sign/extend in 2024, or "selling" to stockpile draft picks)?

What is your expectation?

 

[AvengerRam]

I'm going to say... 4 or more wins, we are "buyers" looking to make a push (though not with veteran rentals).

Under 4 wins, I could see some minor selling to get a few more picks, but we'd probably just be observers at the deadline.

 

[RhodyRams]

I think it may depend more on how the division is shaping up and the whole playoff picture

 

[Riverumbbq]

I see us ultimately as sellers, with guys like :

Higbee, Van Jefferson, Copeland, Noteboom & Brian Allen becoming potential targets.
Havenstein ... maybe.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I'm going to say... 4 or more wins, we are "buyers" looking to make a push (though not with veteran rentals).

Under 4 wins, I could see some minor selling to get a few more picks, but we'd probably just be observers at the deadline.

I was going to say 4 we’re reasonable buyers. It probably depends on our injury status, too.

 

[Cjcinec]

I don’t see any scenario that would induce the Rams to be buyers. They bit the bullet in the offseason and committed to a rebuild / retool. Regardless of how the NFC West is looking at that point I think they know that this team as currently constructed could not make a deep run in the playoffs. I could see a possibility of them moving some of their veterans that are in the last year of their contracts if they really stumble out of the gate. Jefferson and Higbee are both in contract years and if they get the right compensation for them they would receive picks for 2024 as opposed to having to wait until 2025 for a comp pick. Jefferson has been an enigma with his injuries and bright spots. Higbee has been a great player for them but he’s unlikely to be resigned for 2024 and could help a contender. I think they are all on the same page about building for 2024 and beyond.

 

[Malibu]

Not sure we are either - maybe a little sellers but I think we will have a terrible record no matter what. What do we have to sell? Stupid to get rid of AD or Kupp if we are building for the following year you need both. If a wr emerges and Van does well sure maybe Van but what are really getting for him or Higby?

Only imo 2 games winnable of Seahawks, SF, Bengals, at Colts (maybe win), Eagles, Cards (winnable) Steelers, Cowboys - that is a blistering schedule. I think we come out with 2 wins not sure who but our Def is terrible and ST is an unknown with all new parts. Too many rookies and 2nd year players.

 

[BuffaloRam]

6-2 as buyers.

Not sure we are selling anyone

 

[Loyal]

Only if Jonathon Tayler becomes available. Sell the ranch, Snead! ~ @Merlin

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

When I think of Stafford (and AD to an extent), I kind of hope we don't take a wait-and-see approach. I'd rather see us evaluate things as much as possible earlier than 8 weeks in. They deserve that respect.

 

[RamFan503]

When I think of Stafford (and AD to an extent), I kind of hope we don't take a wait-and-see approach. I'd rather see us evaluate things as much as possible earlier than 8 weeks in. They deserve that respect.

True but I think they're involved in the conversations more than we know. I think this regime respects those two and Kupp potentially above all other players and will at minimum keep them in the loop.

 

[snackdaddy]

0-8-Sell the farm
1-7 Definitely sellers.
2-6-Should be sellers.
3-5-Stand pat. Maybe the easier second half schedule they make a run.
4-4-Stand pat
5-3 Stand pat unless there is a starter that won't cost anything higher than a 4th.
6-2 Buy but don't give up higher than the 3rd round.
7-1 Buy but don't give up the first round
8-0 Buy if he's good enough to give up the first round, but only if you know you're gonna extend him.

I would not advocate giving up picks for a half year rental unless those picks are day 3.

 

[Ram65]

I don’t see any scenario that would induce the Rams to be buyer

Maybe a defensive miracle.

I could see a possibility of them moving some of their veterans that are in the last year of their contracts if they really stumble out of the gate. Jefferson and Higbee are both in contract years and if they get the right compensation for them they would receive picks for 2024 as opposed to having to wait until 2025 for a comp pick

Good point on compensation. IIRC they haven't been able to get an extension done with Higbee but, they were trying. So much money floating around in the NFL.

 

[dang]

The Rams have a 2 year plan. This year is focused on stocking up on good young cheap talent that will be roster pieces next year. They may buy at the trade deadline regardless of record if a key piece (Edge, DL, LT) becomes available. They have little to sell but would need to keep their few studs (Stafford, Kupp, AD) for next year. I suppose they could sell lower level players (Allen, Note, Jefferson) that may not be key pieces to the plan for next year.

I may be a hopeless optimist but I see the Rams being able to put together a solid playoff caliber team next year. Develop the good young guns, add some key vets (FA or trade) and finish with key adds in next years draft. Just don’t see that as a possibility or focus for this year.

 

[simonblaze]

I'm starting to buy the hype on Tutu and Nacua, can see them being #2 and #3 interchangeably in our offense and putting Van Jefferson on the trading block...

I don't see Noteboom on the roster past the trading deadline either...

Sellers it is

 

[Turducken]

5+ wins and (at least) a share of the division lead.

 

[Londoner]

I don’t think that our record will matter as much as value.

Snead and McVay will always go by value: if a good offer comes in for any of our players (and I believe that only AD and Kupp are genuinely untouchable), they’ll consider it no matter where we stand in terms of wins and losses.

Similarly, if they put out the feelers and find a player they like for 2024 and beyond, they’ll try to make the trade.

 

[bomebadeeda]

Good question. It really depends on our defense. I see us w/ 5 wins. But unless injuries happen between now and then most definite buyers on pass rush front or run stopping hog in the middle. I'm not that big on speculation. Some things will happen and other things won't and we'll have no idea it's happening until we read about it here. I'm just along for the ride.

 

[FrantikRam]

I think it's more about next year.

No matter what happens this year we will need to bolster the pass rush. If someone is available and fits that plan and timeline, I think we pull the trigger.

I don't think we're going to buy for the sake of buying. And I would point out that Ramsey was traded for when we were close to .500 - that IMO was more about being able to steal an elite player than making a move just to make a move.

 

[I like Rams]

If we really suck, I think it depends on who is available and what the price is. If we do good, I think we stay put with our roster atm. Either way, I dont think the move would be solely to help this season. I think Sean is looking to add more long term pieces that will help us next season and beyond. If we can grab someone that can really help us in the future, this season, that gives them a head start next season bc they will know the system that much more having worked in it this season.