2016 Free Agency Talk

[shopson67]

Footballoutsiders numbers of Rams vs #1 WRs and #2 WRs. The lower the number the better.

2015: -26.4% offensive efficiency to #1 WRs and -19.1% to #2 WRs
2014: +3.5%, +33.8%
2013: +41.6%, -16.1%
2012: -17.2%, -7.3%

So the Rams have 2 good years and 2 bad years. Highly variable numbers. I don't see anything suggesting that contracts to either Rams CB will shore up the Rams secondary. This is more about Jenkins and Johnson due to the fact that Jenkins has always been out there but those numbers are all over the place.

You have to factor in the learning curve the Rams experienced plus the injury to Tru in 2014. All numbers would improve if the offense could keep the defense off the field longer.

 

[Clayton]

You have to factor in the learning curve the Rams experienced plus the injury to Tru in 2014. All numbers would improve if the offense could keep the defense off the field longer.

Sure, that +33.8% number in 2014 is mostly on EJ Gaines. That +41.6% in 2012? That was Jenkins.


There really isn't a good argument for the Rams to go all-in on Jenkins. Johnson is the guy they need to figure out first. Jenkins is on the same level as OJ Atogwe and Ron Bartell. Solid players but no one to break the bank on.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

if the Rams do lose one of them, this draft has some very good CB's that could come in and play right away if needed.

the Rams would be better off using that 10+M Jenkins is wanting somewhere else and drafting a replacement at #15. just sign Johnson and move on.

that 10+M can be used to fill a couple of holes vs trying to keep Jenkins.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

Of course, the fact that they are looking to extend Fisher's contract means they don't care about the fans anyways, so they will probably break the bank to keep JJ and Johnson will leave.

That's what we've come to expect as Rams fans.

And not that I would ever leave, but I wouldn't blame fans if they decided to become FA's themselves and find another team to root for until this mess is fixed. I mean, it's tough to loyally follow a team that is content with mediocrity.

 

[bluepigpen]

I meant that as a winner Angelakerams. You are exactly right about Jenkins and that 10 million number. In the draft probably Ramsey and Hargreaves are gone and maybe Alexander by #15 but Apple, Fuller, Mills and Jackson will most likely be there with one of the two picks in the 2nd.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

I meant that as a winner Angelakerams. You are exactly right about Jenkins and that 10 million number. In the draft probably Ramsey and Hargreaves are gone and maybe Alexander by #15 but Apple, Fuller, Mills and Jackson will most likely be there with one of the two picks in the 2nd.

Yeah, I was trying to figure out what was funny about my post.

If they manage to keep Johnson, they have Gaines fill in at #2 and they already have Mo at nickel. Whoever they get at #15 or in the 2nd would be a great fill in/4th CB when teams run 4 WR's.

I wouldn't mind them taking some of that 10M and making a run at Rishard Mathews if he doesn't cost too much. He is already better than any WR the Rams have not named Tavon and this years WR class had a woeful showing at the combine which leaves much to be desired at that position.

 

[bluepigpen]

Unfortunately Angelakerams, I'm 64 and can't change at this point. I started in the 50s & 60s and I bleed Rams, Dodgers and Lakers. A Dodgers hat, a Dick Bass jersey and Lakers shorts will go with me to my maker. This site and talking about my teams with you guys helps me through a series of medical issues I'm dealing with also. For the most part, I feel lucky to have those teams in my soul. The Dodgers of my early youth inspired me to follow sports and eventually umpire baseball for 32 years. The Rams in the 60s and 70s had me continue to play football and then coach 15 seasons at the high school level and the Lakers just winning was fun and remarkable. I wouldn't change a thing. If Fisher stays, oh I'll complain but still watch and dream of another Super Bowl run.

 

[shopson67]

Hell, I'm 45 and can't imagine switching allegiances...

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

Unfortunately Angelakerams, I'm 64 and can't change at this point. I started in the 50s & 60s and I bleed Rams, Dodgers and Lakers. A Dodgers hat, a Dick Bass jersey and Lakers shorts will go with me to my maker. This site and talking about my teams with you guys helps me through a series of medical issues I'm dealing with also. For the most part, I feel lucky to have those teams in my soul. The Dodgers of my early youth inspired me to follow sports and eventually umpire baseball for 32 years. The Rams in the 60s and 70s had me continue to play football and then coach 15 seasons at the high school level and the Lakers just winning was fun and remarkable. I wouldn't change a thing. If Fisher stays, oh I'll complain but still watch and dream of another Super Bowl run.

I understand completely Blue.

I was just stating that I would understand if someone was so frustrated that they felt they needed to so they didn't go crazy.

I'm 42 and been a Rams fan since I was little, so I'm with you guys as well.

Only difference Blue, is I'm an Angels fan instead of Dodgers. But I bleed blue/gold and purple/gold with you.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

wow, Eagles gave Bradford 2 yr/36M with 26M guaranteed

 

[bluepigpen]

Someone other than the Rams will pay him a lot of money. Good luck Philly.

 

[Retroram52]

For a completely useless QB, Blue. They were laughing so hard here in Phoenix on Sports Talk Radio the announcers were barely intelligible. LOL! Too funny!

 

[Battlelyon]

Kartje: Next few months will be critical for Rams; here's a blueprint for success
March 1, 2016

The Rams should use their franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, writes Ryan Kartje. The 26-year-old Johnson ranks among the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He had seven interceptions last season. STEPHEN BRASHEAR, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

General Manager Les Snead can set up the Rams for the next several years with some shrewd moves in the next few months, Ryan Kartje writes. BILLY HURST, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
By RYAN KARTJE / STAFF WRITER

The 40-yard dash wardrobe malfunctions and hand-size arguments that defined this year’s NFL Scouting Combine have come to a close. The 2016 salary cap is set (at $155 million). Tuesday afternoon, the franchise tag deadline will pass. In just one week, the NFL’s free agency window will open, with the newly minted – and deeply pocketed – Los Angeles Rams poised to be one of the silly season’s most serious players.

For Southern California’s new NFL franchise, these next few months will go a long way in determining the team’s direction over the next few years. But with a few pragmatic moves, some smart draft selections, and a couple of well-reasoned risks in free agency, the Rams could turn a hectic few months and a whopping $59 million in cap space into a foundation-building offseason.

Here, in eight steps, is how General Manager Les Snead and the Rams front office can pull it off:

1. Use the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, but don’t overpay for his fellow secondary mate, Janoris Jenkins: Today is the deadline for NFL teams to use their annual franchise tag, and reports from the Combine suggest the Rams will use the tag on one of their top-line corners, locking him up for one year with a salary among the top five at the position. For 2016, it would cost the Rams $13.952 million.

Both Jenkins and Johnson ranked among the best in the NFL at a premium position in 2015, but Johnson was the more impressive of the pair. For his career, Johnson’s passer rating allowed (67.1) is better than that of Carolina’s Josh Norman (72.1), and last season, Johnson made a ton of plays on the ball, reeling in seven interceptions. At 6-foot-2 and just 26 years old, his size and age are assets, too.

Snead has repeated his intentions to retain both corners. But after Jenkins reportedly turned down a five-year, $45 million offer at the Combine, took to Twitter to complain about the Rams’ “total disrespect,” and then fired his agent, well ... it appears talks aren’t going well.

Word is Jenkins wants somewhere around $12 million per year, which would put him in the top six or seven highest-paid at the position. For someone as prone to big plays as Jenkins, that’s a lot of dough. He’s worth the Rams’ efforts to try to re-sign him, but with injured corner E.J. Gaines returning, Johnson in the fold, and an improved LaMarcus Joyner at nickel, it’s not a contract for which the Rams should get caught overpaying.

2. Add a wide receiver with one of your first three draft picks: As bad as the Rams’ quarterback carousel has been over the past decade, the receiver situation has arguably been worse. The Rams haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Torry Holt in 2007.

Most agree Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell is the one wideout worthy of a mid-first-round selection. As a big, possession receiver in the mold of Dez Bryant, he could be an ideal fit with the Rams at 15th overall. If they opt for a quarterback in the first round or Treadwell is off the board, either of the team's two second-round picks could be used on a receiver. Ohio State’s Braxton Miller or Michael Thomas or TCU’s Josh Doctson could be quality fits in that case.

3. With their fifth-year options impending, sign Tavon Austin and Alec Ogletree to contract extensions: At an affordable rate, the Rams will almost certainly exercise Ogletree’s option, as they did with Michael Brockers last season. The team has expressed its hope for signing him to a long-term deal before 2017.

Austin, meanwhile, is a little more messy. Since he was a top-10 pick, exercising Austin’s fifth-year option would mean the Rams were on the hook for nearly $11 million in 2017. That’s more than most would pay for a wideout with a season high of 473 receiving yards. But if the Rams can sign Austin, who is still only 24, to a long-term extension, they could bypass that oversized 2017 cap bill.

4. Let Tim Barnes walk, and draft a center: Barnes was one of Pro Football Focus’ worst-rated centers last season (24th overall), and while he won’t cost much to retain, he doesn’t add much to a line that could use more talent. This year’s draft is also full of potential Day One starters who could be had with one of the Rams’ second picks in Round 2 or in Round 3. Michigan State’s Jack Allen, Notre Dame’s Nick Martin, and Alabama’s Ryan Kelly could all be upgrades.

5. Re-sign safety Rodney McLeod and outside linebacker Mark Barron to reasonable long-term deals, but don’t overpay: McLeod and Barron are both young and athletic, with banner seasons in 2015 that have made them offseason priorities. With speed at such a premium, Barron, a converted safety, could develop into an important centerpiece of the Rams defense, and McLeod, at just 26, looks as though he’s just entering his prime, after finishing 10th in Pro Football Focus’ safety ratings last season.

Snead will offer both long-term deals, but if either is looking to break the bank, the Rams may have to choose. Given the depth at safety – and lack thereof at hybrid weakside linebacker – Barron is the more important player to sign. But if all goes well, both will be back.

6. Sign Chargers tight end Ladarius Green: With the third-most cap room of any team, the Rams have to add some toys to their arsenal, right? After the Rams get through their re-signing blitz, any extra money should be spent on offense. With Green, the Rams could have their tight end of the future at a pretty sweet bargain – probably $3 million or so less than they spent on Jared Cook last season.

Green was seriously underrated in San Diego as the backup to soon-to-be Hall of Famer Antonio Gates, and with the opportunity, he could mold into an athletic freak in the middle of the Rams’ offense. That’s what the Rams desperately need.

7. Bring back William Hayes on a two-year contract, bid adieu to Nick Fairley and Eugene Sims, and draft a defensive lineman in the top three rounds: Chris Long’s departure already shook up the Rams’ defensive line, but with three more linemen set to be unrestricted free agents, the composition of the Rams’ front is about to change even further.

Robert Quinn’s return from injury should provide a huge boost, and after Hayes’ solid 2015 season, he should be brought back on a reasonable contract. At 31, teams aren’t busting down the door for his service.

Sims could also be brought back, but should attract more suitors. The Rams have almost no hope of keeping Fairley, with some team certain to pay him like a three-down starter. And with those losses in mind, you can count on the Rams to invest a pick or two in their already strong defensive front.

8. Figure out the quarterback situation: Well, that’s another column entirely.

 

[Battlelyon]

March 7-9

- Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2015 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

March 9

- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2016 on all players who have option clauses in their 2015 contracts.

- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.

- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2015 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.

- Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the 2016 salary cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.

- All 2015 player contracts expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

- The 2016 league year and free agency period begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

- The first day of the 2016 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

- Trading period for 2016 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2015 contracts.

 

[Battlelyon]

 

[27mtrcougar]

I could see it. The Rams are desperate for quarterback. Not to mention the attention it will bring to the team. He's still way better than anyone we have.

 

[27mtrcougar]

Kartje: Next few months will be critical for Rams; here's a blueprint for success
March 1, 2016

The Rams should use their franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, writes Ryan Kartje. The 26-year-old Johnson ranks among the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He had seven interceptions last season. STEPHEN BRASHEAR, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
View attachment 93678
General Manager Les Snead can set up the Rams for the next several years with some shrewd moves in the next few months, Ryan Kartje writes. BILLY HURST, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
By RYAN KARTJE / STAFF WRITER

The 40-yard dash wardrobe malfunctions and hand-size arguments that defined this year’s NFL Scouting Combine have come to a close. The 2016 salary cap is set (at $155 million). Tuesday afternoon, the franchise tag deadline will pass. In just one week, the NFL’s free agency window will open, with the newly minted – and deeply pocketed – Los Angeles Rams poised to be one of the silly season’s most serious players.

For Southern California’s new NFL franchise, these next few months will go a long way in determining the team’s direction over the next few years. But with a few pragmatic moves, some smart draft selections, and a couple of well-reasoned risks in free agency, the Rams could turn a hectic few months and a whopping $59 million in cap space into a foundation-building offseason.

Here, in eight steps, is how General Manager Les Snead and the Rams front office can pull it off:

1. Use the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, but don’t overpay for his fellow secondary mate, Janoris Jenkins: Today is the deadline for NFL teams to use their annual franchise tag, and reports from the Combine suggest the Rams will use the tag on one of their top-line corners, locking him up for one year with a salary among the top five at the position. For 2016, it would cost the Rams $13.952 million.

Both Jenkins and Johnson ranked among the best in the NFL at a premium position in 2015, but Johnson was the more impressive of the pair. For his career, Johnson’s passer rating allowed (67.1) is better than that of Carolina’s Josh Norman (72.1), and last season, Johnson made a ton of plays on the ball, reeling in seven interceptions. At 6-foot-2 and just 26 years old, his size and age are assets, too.

Snead has repeated his intentions to retain both corners. But after Jenkins reportedly turned down a five-year, $45 million offer at the Combine, took to Twitter to complain about the Rams’ “total disrespect,” and then fired his agent, well ... it appears talks aren’t going well.

Word is Jenkins wants somewhere around $12 million per year, which would put him in the top six or seven highest-paid at the position. For someone as prone to big plays as Jenkins, that’s a lot of dough. He’s worth the Rams’ efforts to try to re-sign him, but with injured corner E.J. Gaines returning, Johnson in the fold, and an improved LaMarcus Joyner at nickel, it’s not a contract for which the Rams should get caught overpaying.

2. Add a wide receiver with one of your first three draft picks: As bad as the Rams’ quarterback carousel has been over the past decade, the receiver situation has arguably been worse. The Rams haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Torry Holt in 2007.

Most agree Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell is the one wideout worthy of a mid-first-round selection. As a big, possession receiver in the mold of Dez Bryant, he could be an ideal fit with the Rams at 15th overall. If they opt for a quarterback in the first round or Treadwell is off the board, either of the team's two second-round picks could be used on a receiver. Ohio State’s Braxton Miller or Michael Thomas or TCU’s Josh Doctson could be quality fits in that case.

3. With their fifth-year options impending, sign Tavon Austin and Alec Ogletree to contract extensions: At an affordable rate, the Rams will almost certainly exercise Ogletree’s option, as they did with Michael Brockers last season. The team has expressed its hope for signing him to a long-term deal before 2017.

Austin, meanwhile, is a little more messy. Since he was a top-10 pick, exercising Austin’s fifth-year option would mean the Rams were on the hook for nearly $11 million in 2017. That’s more than most would pay for a wideout with a season high of 473 receiving yards. But if the Rams can sign Austin, who is still only 24, to a long-term extension, they could bypass that oversized 2017 cap bill.

4. Let Tim Barnes walk, and draft a center: Barnes was one of Pro Football Focus’ worst-rated centers last season (24th overall), and while he won’t cost much to retain, he doesn’t add much to a line that could use more talent. This year’s draft is also full of potential Day One starters who could be had with one of the Rams’ second picks in Round 2 or in Round 3. Michigan State’s Jack Allen, Notre Dame’s Nick Martin, and Alabama’s Ryan Kelly could all be upgrades.

5. Re-sign safety Rodney McLeod and outside linebacker Mark Barron to reasonable long-term deals, but don’t overpay: McLeod and Barron are both young and athletic, with banner seasons in 2015 that have made them offseason priorities. With speed at such a premium, Barron, a converted safety, could develop into an important centerpiece of the Rams defense, and McLeod, at just 26, looks as though he’s just entering his prime, after finishing 10th in Pro Football Focus’ safety ratings last season.

Snead will offer both long-term deals, but if either is looking to break the bank, the Rams may have to choose. Given the depth at safety – and lack thereof at hybrid weakside linebacker – Barron is the more important player to sign. But if all goes well, both will be back.

6. Sign Chargers tight end Ladarius Green: With the third-most cap room of any team, the Rams have to add some toys to their arsenal, right? After the Rams get through their re-signing blitz, any extra money should be spent on offense. With Green, the Rams could have their tight end of the future at a pretty sweet bargain – probably $3 million or so less than they spent on Jared Cook last season.

Green was seriously underrated in San Diego as the backup to soon-to-be Hall of Famer Antonio Gates, and with the opportunity, he could mold into an athletic freak in the middle of the Rams’ offense. That’s what the Rams desperately need.

7. Bring back William Hayes on a two-year contract, bid adieu to Nick Fairley and Eugene Sims, and draft a defensive lineman in the top three rounds: Chris Long’s departure already shook up the Rams’ defensive line, but with three more linemen set to be unrestricted free agents, the composition of the Rams’ front is about to change even further.

Robert Quinn’s return from injury should provide a huge boost, and after Hayes’ solid 2015 season, he should be brought back on a reasonable contract. At 31, teams aren’t busting down the door for his service.

Sims could also be brought back, but should attract more suitors. The Rams have almost no hope of keeping Fairley, with some team certain to pay him like a three-down starter. And with those losses in mind, you can count on the Rams to invest a pick or two in their already strong defensive front.

8. Figure out the quarterback situation: Well, that’s another column entirely.

Good plan Snake! Agree with it all. If all that happened and we added Manning at QB....

 

[shopson67]

Kartje: Next few months will be critical for Rams; here's a blueprint for success
March 1, 2016

The Rams should use their franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, writes Ryan Kartje. The 26-year-old Johnson ranks among the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He had seven interceptions last season. STEPHEN BRASHEAR, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
View attachment 93678
General Manager Les Snead can set up the Rams for the next several years with some shrewd moves in the next few months, Ryan Kartje writes. BILLY HURST, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
By RYAN KARTJE / STAFF WRITER

The 40-yard dash wardrobe malfunctions and hand-size arguments that defined this year’s NFL Scouting Combine have come to a close. The 2016 salary cap is set (at $155 million). Tuesday afternoon, the franchise tag deadline will pass. In just one week, the NFL’s free agency window will open, with the newly minted – and deeply pocketed – Los Angeles Rams poised to be one of the silly season’s most serious players.

For Southern California’s new NFL franchise, these next few months will go a long way in determining the team’s direction over the next few years. But with a few pragmatic moves, some smart draft selections, and a couple of well-reasoned risks in free agency, the Rams could turn a hectic few months and a whopping $59 million in cap space into a foundation-building offseason.

Here, in eight steps, is how General Manager Les Snead and the Rams front office can pull it off:

1. Use the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, but don’t overpay for his fellow secondary mate, Janoris Jenkins: Today is the deadline for NFL teams to use their annual franchise tag, and reports from the Combine suggest the Rams will use the tag on one of their top-line corners, locking him up for one year with a salary among the top five at the position. For 2016, it would cost the Rams $13.952 million.

Both Jenkins and Johnson ranked among the best in the NFL at a premium position in 2015, but Johnson was the more impressive of the pair. For his career, Johnson’s passer rating allowed (67.1) is better than that of Carolina’s Josh Norman (72.1), and last season, Johnson made a ton of plays on the ball, reeling in seven interceptions. At 6-foot-2 and just 26 years old, his size and age are assets, too.

Snead has repeated his intentions to retain both corners. But after Jenkins reportedly turned down a five-year, $45 million offer at the Combine, took to Twitter to complain about the Rams’ “total disrespect,” and then fired his agent, well ... it appears talks aren’t going well.

Word is Jenkins wants somewhere around $12 million per year, which would put him in the top six or seven highest-paid at the position. For someone as prone to big plays as Jenkins, that’s a lot of dough. He’s worth the Rams’ efforts to try to re-sign him, but with injured corner E.J. Gaines returning, Johnson in the fold, and an improved LaMarcus Joyner at nickel, it’s not a contract for which the Rams should get caught overpaying.

2. Add a wide receiver with one of your first three draft picks: As bad as the Rams’ quarterback carousel has been over the past decade, the receiver situation has arguably been worse. The Rams haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Torry Holt in 2007.

Most agree Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell is the one wideout worthy of a mid-first-round selection. As a big, possession receiver in the mold of Dez Bryant, he could be an ideal fit with the Rams at 15th overall. If they opt for a quarterback in the first round or Treadwell is off the board, either of the team's two second-round picks could be used on a receiver. Ohio State’s Braxton Miller or Michael Thomas or TCU’s Josh Doctson could be quality fits in that case.

3. With their fifth-year options impending, sign Tavon Austin and Alec Ogletree to contract extensions: At an affordable rate, the Rams will almost certainly exercise Ogletree’s option, as they did with Michael Brockers last season. The team has expressed its hope for signing him to a long-term deal before 2017.

Austin, meanwhile, is a little more messy. Since he was a top-10 pick, exercising Austin’s fifth-year option would mean the Rams were on the hook for nearly $11 million in 2017. That’s more than most would pay for a wideout with a season high of 473 receiving yards. But if the Rams can sign Austin, who is still only 24, to a long-term extension, they could bypass that oversized 2017 cap bill.

4. Let Tim Barnes walk, and draft a center: Barnes was one of Pro Football Focus’ worst-rated centers last season (24th overall), and while he won’t cost much to retain, he doesn’t add much to a line that could use more talent. This year’s draft is also full of potential Day One starters who could be had with one of the Rams’ second picks in Round 2 or in Round 3. Michigan State’s Jack Allen, Notre Dame’s Nick Martin, and Alabama’s Ryan Kelly could all be upgrades.

5. Re-sign safety Rodney McLeod and outside linebacker Mark Barron to reasonable long-term deals, but don’t overpay: McLeod and Barron are both young and athletic, with banner seasons in 2015 that have made them offseason priorities. With speed at such a premium, Barron, a converted safety, could develop into an important centerpiece of the Rams defense, and McLeod, at just 26, looks as though he’s just entering his prime, after finishing 10th in Pro Football Focus’ safety ratings last season.

Snead will offer both long-term deals, but if either is looking to break the bank, the Rams may have to choose. Given the depth at safety – and lack thereof at hybrid weakside linebacker – Barron is the more important player to sign. But if all goes well, both will be back.

6. Sign Chargers tight end Ladarius Green: With the third-most cap room of any team, the Rams have to add some toys to their arsenal, right? After the Rams get through their re-signing blitz, any extra money should be spent on offense. With Green, the Rams could have their tight end of the future at a pretty sweet bargain – probably $3 million or so less than they spent on Jared Cook last season.

Green was seriously underrated in San Diego as the backup to soon-to-be Hall of Famer Antonio Gates, and with the opportunity, he could mold into an athletic freak in the middle of the Rams’ offense. That’s what the Rams desperately need.

7. Bring back William Hayes on a two-year contract, bid adieu to Nick Fairley and Eugene Sims, and draft a defensive lineman in the top three rounds: Chris Long’s departure already shook up the Rams’ defensive line, but with three more linemen set to be unrestricted free agents, the composition of the Rams’ front is about to change even further.

Robert Quinn’s return from injury should provide a huge boost, and after Hayes’ solid 2015 season, he should be brought back on a reasonable contract. At 31, teams aren’t busting down the door for his service.

Sims could also be brought back, but should attract more suitors. The Rams have almost no hope of keeping Fairley, with some team certain to pay him like a three-down starter. And with those losses in mind, you can count on the Rams to invest a pick or two in their already strong defensive front.

8. Figure out the quarterback situation: Well, that’s another column entirely.

I agree with most of this, although I would prefer Dwayne Allen to Ladarius Green. He's a better fit for this offense IMO. I would also retain Barnes (as should be cheap) as the backup/bridge center on a short-term deal.

This plan basically has WR, DE, and C in the first 4 picks in the draft, which I think most would agree with anyway. That 4th pick would likely be one of QB/CB/LB/TE.

 

[Red_Chaos]

PLZ payton listen to your mom

 

[bluepigpen]

I don't want Manning. I would just as well see Mannion play then to bring Peyton in as a PLAYER. If you want to bring him in as a coach, I could go there. Stupid extension of Foles throws a monkey in the bunch and if he is a cancer for the team, take the cap hit and cut him. If they decide to draft say Lynch a 4 QB team won't work. At this point with the Foles deal, go BPA at #15 or trade out to get more depth. Look at a QB next draft. No matter what the Rams do, they must either draft a playable LT or have Robinson take a healthy step forward. I don't know the Haver can't move to the left side, draft a RT and center and move Robinson inside. Interesting so far, Johnson was a great move.