Where are the Rams in the NFL Waiver wire order? Because the Colts just released LB Darius Leonard

[Stl2La]

View: https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1727035428803428360?s=12&t=gEUcKN5ugzpn7hhJJvpNKw


Not sure what’s going on with him, but if I was the Rams, I’d be all over this guy

 

[Merlin]

Lot of teams gonna put a claim in on that dude. That said I think he's crazy as fuck.

 

[Stl2La]

Lot of teams gonna put a claim in on that dude. That said I think he's crazy as fuck.

Is there a reason you think he’s crazy? I’m asking because I don’t follow Indy at all and I haven’t really seen much news on this guy before as far as that stuff goes.

 

[snackdaddy]

Wouldn't think we'd have a shot at him. But yeah, if they can I'd say go for it. Could be the missing link to making this defense more respectable.

 

[Stl2La]

View: https://x.com/tompelissero/status/1727036546254274678?s=46&t=gEUcKN5ugzpn7hhJJvpNKw



View: https://x.com/fieldyates/status/1727036215994863699?s=46&t=gEUcKN5ugzpn7hhJJvpNKw

OK well this news probably takes us out of the running to claim him

 

[snackdaddy]

I don't know what the order is. The only thing I found was an article addressing the first 3 weeks of the season. It goes on last year's draft order. But we're well past the first 3 weeks. Is it current draft order now?

 

[Allen2McVay]

2022 off-season back surgery. Barely played in 2022 (three games). Has been playing this season (9 games, 70% of the defensive snaps. Guessing his play has declined.

Pre-injury / surgery, I thought he and Fred Warner were the two best Off-Ball / Inside-Linebackers in the NFL.

 

[Merlin]

Is there a reason you think he’s crazy? I’m asking because I don’t follow Indy at all and I haven’t really seen much news on this guy before as far as that stuff goes.

He's just one of those guys who has always had a screw loose. Guy was a bit nuts when he came out I thought, and I haven't seen anything from him to change that.

It's an interesting cut. If he goes to the right team and situation I imagine he'll give them a boost, because I think his main problem is he mentally quit on his team. But like you I don't follow Indy at all.

 

[Merlin]

I don't know what the order is. The only thing I found was an article addressing the first 3 weeks of the season. It goes on last year's draft order. But we're well past the first 3 weeks. Is it current draft order now?

Well looking at https://www.tankathon.com/nfl we're sitting 13th. Doubt the Rams are coveting him but have to think someone ahead of us gets him regardless.

 

[Kupped]

He's not worth anywhere near what it would cost to claim him.
He'll clear waivers.

 

[Dodgersrf]

That’s a lot of coin to pay a guy that can’t stay in the field and has suffered back injuries

 

[RamDino]

Think he was an all pro as a rookie but since then... nothing.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Think he was an all pro as a rookie but since then... nothing.

No ... Really BIG NO ... Leonard was a lot better than that.

Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. Then went to three straight Pro Bowls from 2019-2021; and, during that stretch was a three-time First Team All Pro, and a one time Second Team All Pro.

Leonard was legitimately Great before his back injury/surgery.

 

[Merlin]

He's not worth anywhere near what it would cost to claim him.
He'll clear waivers.

Yeah just looked at his contract. Holy shite.

 

[Ramstien]

I don't see the Rams being interested at that price. How much would he actually be owed for the last 3rd of the regular season?

 

[RamDino]

No ... Really BIG NO ... Leonard was a lot better than that.

Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. Then went to three straight Pro Bowls from 2019-2021; and, during that stretch was a three-time First Team All Pro, and a one time Second Team All Pro.

Leonard was legitimately Great before his back injury/surgery.

I should have looked it up. I knew he was great for a while.. just haven't heard anything "lately". Now I know why. Gracias, mi amigo.

 

[Allen2McVay]

He's not worth anywhere near what it would cost to claim him.
He'll clear waivers.

I would be more concerned about his health and durability.

If the above Pelissero and Yates posts are accurate, there is not a huge amount of guaranteed-$ left on Leonard's contract. The salary numbers are far too high but he could be re-structured and extended to give him more guaranteed-$ and significantly reduce his 2024 cap hit.

That would probably be too risky because Leonard could decline to restructure, forcing the Rams (or any team that may claim him) to release him to avoid paying the huge salary; and there would be some Dead-$ from the remaining guaranteed-$ ($6.5M in 2024 per Pelissero).

My guess is that the Rams will not put in a Waiver Claim because of their 2023 Strategy to maximize 2024 cap space; and, primarily, the health and durability concerns.

All that being said, the pre-back-injury Darius Leonard (before he went with Shaquille) was a great player.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I don't see the Rams being interested at that price. How much would he actually be owed for the last 3rd of the regular season?

#'s posted above, including the remaining guaranteed $.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I should have looked it up. I knew he was great for a while.. just haven't heard anything "lately". Now I know why. Gracias, mi amigo.

 

[jrry32]

Let him hit FA and then give him a call imo.