Which Los Angeles Rams 2020 UFA's has the most to prove?

[BonifayRam]

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...ed-free-agents-michael-brockers-marcus-peters

Which Los Angeles Rams 2020 UFA's has the most to prove?


Which of these guys needs to have the best season in 2019? Find out below.

By Sosa Kremenjas

Looking ahead to the 2020 offseason, the Los Angeles Rams will have their work cut out for them. In the 2020 free agency period, the Rams are slated to have a handful of important players hit the market.

Have a look at the list 2020 LA Rams Free Agents

Austin Blythe OL UFA

Michael Brockers DL UFA

Marqui Christian CB UFA

Blake Countess DB UFA

Dante Fowler, Jr. EDGE UFA

Tyler Higbee TE UFA

Troy Hill CB UFA

Cory Littleton LB UFA

Marcus Peters CB UFA

Aqib Talib CB UFA

Mike Thomas WR UFA

Andrew Whitworth LT UFA

Greg Zuerlein K UFA


Brandon Allen QB RFA
Justin Davis RB RFA
Morgan Fox DE RFA
Jojo Natson KR/PR RFA
Kevin Peterson CB RFA
Josh Carraway OLB ERFA
Donte Deayon CB ERFA
Dominique Hatfield CB ERFA
KhaDarel Hodge WR ERFA
Jeremiah Kolone OL ERFA
Johnny Mundt TE ERFA
Aaron Neary OL ERFA
John Wolford QB ERFA

There’s obviously a laundry list of guys. Some who wont make the roster this year, some who’ll spend the year on the practice squad, and some who are simply end-of-the roster type guys. Still, there are a handful of key players such as starting offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth and Austin Blythe, defensive lineman Michael Brockers and Dante Fowler Jr, and of course, the mercurial Marcus Peters (among other starters like Aqib Talib and Cory Littleton).

Let’s take a look at which starters need to prove the most to stick around in 2020. Some guys are going to part just by way of the nature of the NFL, but they’ll still have something to prove in terms of creating their own free agent markets.

Here’s the list of starters in order of most-to-least to prove:

Marcus Peters
This one was an easy one, wasn’t it? Peters’ first year with the Rams wasn’t great, though it improved as the season went on. Looking at the cornerback market, Peters is likely to demand a long-term contract somewhere in the range of $15m annually. Are the Rams comfortable committing that amount of money to a guy who hasn’t shown great football in horns? Maybe. But that’s why 2019 is crucial for Peters. He has a chance to truly rehab his value as he’s a highly talented player, though for the time being, he’s got the most to prove to earn a long-term contract.

Michael Brockers
This might seem like a strange choice for a guy who’s been a Ram for seven years, though it feels appropriate. Brockers’ play has fallen off a bit of a cliff recently, so his chance to rehab his value in 2019 is important. Brock was moved into more of a complimentary role to DT’s Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh last year, though he’ll reclaim his spot as the second interior guy with Suh gone this year.

Dante Fowler Jr
The Rams re-signed Fowler to a one-year incentive laden deal in free agency this year after trading for him at the 2018 trade deadline. Fowler is a highly-talented edge rusher, though his production has simply never matched his ability. The contract the Rams gave him speaks volumes as it proves their reluctance to invest in him long term, though the option remains open if he has a strong 2019 season.

Tyler Higbee
Higbee might seem low on this list, but my belief is we know what he is at this point. People who’re still waiting for his Travis Kelce-like breakout are misguided, though his strong blocking ability and spurts of playmaking prove he’s worthy of his role as the second tight end on the roster. The pairing of Higbee and Gerald Everett is fine, though Higbee’s price is likely to determine whether he’s a Ram next year.

Austin Blythe
Blythe is a fantastic offensive lineman who the Rams essentially got for free by a waiver claim. Blythe was paid pennies ($650k) last year, and his price doesn’t sky rocket this year either as he’s only owed $2m. Blythe stepped in as the starting right guard upon Jamon Brown’s suspension, and his play ensured he never relinquished the position. Blythe has a chance to prove his only season as a starter wasn’t a fluke, and if he does, the Rams could very well invest in his future.

Cory Littleton
Littleton’s first season as a starting inside linebacker went well. He’s not perfect, he’s got real weaknesses, though he also shown plenty of ability. Littleton’s sideline-to-sideline range, speed, and knack for making big plays are all positives. If Littleton can put together another solid campaign, he’s very likely to return as the leader of the defense in 2020.

Greg Zuerlein
GZ is one of the best kickers in the entire league. He’s consistent, he’s got unlimited range, and he’s got balls of platinum, never-mind steel. The only question for GZ is his recent injury history. Regardless, the Rams should have zero hesitation about extending the man known as Greg the Leg.

Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib has nothing left to prove in the NFL. Talib is likely going to be a hall of famer, though he’ll have a decision to make in 2020. The decision is whether he’s ready to hang it up or does he want to return for one more shot at a ring. The Rams would be wise to employ Talib until he’s ready for retirement.

Andrew Whitworth
Like Talib, Whit has absolutely nothing left to prove. Whit mulled retirement this offseason, though he ultimately chose to return for one more year to play out his contract. Whitworth retiring next year almost feels like a guarantee, though if he chose to return, the Rams are likely to have a spot for him.

 

[OldSchool]

Fowler and Peters would tie for my vote. Fowler is trying to build up his name for a fat payday and bring right behind AD is a great way to do it. I just hope it’s not us signing him to his next contract.

Peters is really trying to rebuild his name. A horrible first half of last year, yes he had some injuries but also wasn’t great before them, was followed by a good second half and playoffs. Again I’m not sure I want the Rams to sign him. I’d rather they both walk and get two third round comp picks for them.

 

[BonifayRam]

Fowler and Peters would tie for my vote. Fowler is trying to build up his name for a fat payday and bring right behind AD is a great way to do it. I just hope it’s not us signing him to his next contract.

Peters is really trying to rebuild his name. A horrible first half of last year, yes he had some injuries but also wasn’t great before them, was followed by a good second half and playoffs. Again I’m not sure I want the Rams to sign him. I’d rather they both walk and get two third round comp picks for them.

I agree ....... I would say mission accomplished IF Snead can get this 2019 salary $$ {$12 mil & $9.1 mil} invested, out of both of them on the field. I would be very happy if we can do just that.

Best I would hope for is the possibility of the awarded comprehensive selections. Or both could do what Suh did to the Rams after giving him a big present of $14 million & sign late.

I am thinking that DE Brockers will turn in the best season of all in that list, followed by ILB Cory Littleton.

 

[Crazy-Legs]

I agree 100% with the author. Peters tops the list. If he plays as bad as he did last year or ends up in the middle of the packs for corners I hope the Rams let him walk. Taking 2 safeties and a CB in this past draft gives us a little leeway when it comes to Peters. At this point I'd rather extend Talib than Peters and see how Long pans out (plus whomever they draft next year)...

Brockers is an okay player but IMO we need to move on. He's above average against the run but he seldom gets a tackle behind the line of scrimmage (stuffs) and doesn't pressure the QB\get sacks...

Fowler is okay and if he takes a step forward they'll try to resign him. I don't know if we'll have the coin though to do so if he plays up to his talent level...

Higbee is gone IMO but we'll try to resign Blythe. Whitworth retires, they try to re-sign Greg the Leg and if Littleton doesn't take the next step he may be gone too...

 

[bubbaramfan]

Countess, Hill and Mike Thomas

 

[OldSchool]

Countess, Hill and Mike Thomas

I get a feeling all three of them will be proving it elsewhere.

 

[Ramrocket]

I get a feeling all three of them will be proving it elsewhere.

Perhaps sooner than next year as well

 

[Rams43]

Great thread topic for this time of year.

Hmmmmm...

I think the Ram future of Peters, Brockers, and Fowler is in each’s hands. Any one, or all who bust out this year will find the Rams straining to find a way to extend them. Straining, I say!

However, any, or all who fail to have a really big year will find the Rams “pursuing other options”. Lol.

All 3 could be extended, all 3 could be walking, depending on what they show us in ‘19.

As an aside, I guess I’m more optimistic about Fowler than many of the brethren. I saw a player come in at mid-season last year and get better week after week. And he’s no one trick pony as a mere pass rusher. The guy can defend the run quite nicely. Without Fowler the Rams don’t make the SB.

I guess I’m saying that I think he has a very high ceiling potentially, and I hope he finds it as a Ram. IOW, I would put Fowler at the top of our Hope/wish list for a ‘20 extension (assuming he has a great year).

As a second aside, there’s a part of me that kinda hopes that Talib can be coaxed to extend for 1-2 years.

 

[Akrasian]

Great thread topic for this time of year.

Hmmmmm...

I think the Ram future of Peters, Brockers, and Fowler is in each’s hands. Any one, or all who bust out this year will find the Rams straining to find a way to extend them. Straining, I say!

However, any, or all who fail to have a really big year will find the Rams “pursuing other options”. Lol.

All 3 could be extended, all 3 could be walking, depending on what they show us in ‘19.

As an aside, I guess I’m more optimistic about Fowler than many of the brethren. I saw a player come in at mid-season last year and get better week after week. And he’s no one trick pony as a mere pass rusher. The guy can defend the run quite nicely. Without Fowler the Rams don’t make the SB.

I guess I’m saying that I think he has a very high ceiling potentially, and I hope he finds it as a Ram. IOW, I would put Fowler at the top of our Hope/wish list for a ‘20 extension (assuming he has a great year).

As a second aside, there’s a part of me that kinda hopes that Talib can be coaxed to extend for 1-2 years.

If Brockers bounces back and takes somewhat of a pay cut, he could be back. If he wants a pay raise, that might be problematic.

Peters I doubt comes back in 2020, though hopefully I'm wrong. He'll need to have a nice bounce-back year AND not want to break the bank. I'm optimistic that he'll perform fine - I'm less than optimistic about him not breaking the bank.

I agree on Talib - a couple of year extension, with the Rams drafting a CB fairly high is likely the Rams' best option.

Fowler did steadily improve, and it would be nice if he wants to come back. At what price, though? Will the Rams be able realistically to give him top Edge pay, with Goff due a huge pay raise, and with other positions either getting expensive or unexpectedly needing an upgrade? We'll see, maybe he will take slightly less but still life changing money.

 

[XXXIVwin]

I misread the title as, “Which UDFA has the most to prove?” and I thought, “Nobody, they’d all be happy just to make the team!”

But regarding UFA’s...

My first thought was Peters. But honestly, there is almost nothing he could do in 2019 that would make me feel comfortable about signing him to a long-term contract. You feel me? Just too unreliable. Don’t get me wrong, I hope he plays lights-out in 2019, but I just can’t see the Rams committing long term, you feel me?

I re-watched a couple of his interviews and was reminded how volatile and goofy this dude can be.


View: https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=10155898561621742&_rdr




View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9Eod3TJaWHg

 

[Memento]

Blythe is my pick. There are a lot of people who are doubting him after the Super Bowl, and I, for one, can't wait to see how he steps up. Honorable mention to Fowler.

 

[Ram65]

Any time you about to become a free agent you need to have a good year. All of them need to play at or near their best.

The most money on the line is Fowler and Peters. I wished the Rams would have rapped up a longer term deal for Littleton. I see Peters leaving and Fowler may cost too much. Wouldn't want to have to replace all three. Inside LBers that can cover are hard to find.

 

[Memento]

Any time you about to become a free agent you need to have a good year. All of them need to play at or near their best.

The most money on the line is Fowler and Peters. I wished the Rams would have rapped up a longer term deal for Littleton. I see Peters leaving and Fowler may cost too much. Wouldn't want to have to replace all three. Inside LBers that can cover are hard to find.

We have to re-sign Littleton to a long-term deal. I can't stress that enough. He calls the plays for the defense, and he's a well-rounded linebacker with speed, who can cover all but the swiftest tight ends and running backs, and makes splash plays happen. We absolutely cannot afford to let him go.

John Johnson III is another player we can't afford to let go, but that's a different topic altogether.