OFFICIAL 2025 NFL News: Trades, cuts, free agency, and more

[Elmgrovegnome]

Yes, I remember Lovie liked Duncan, but I thought he recommended him as a replacement due to the Rams not wanting to pay Fletcher what he was worth.

I always thought that it was Lovie Smith who drove that decision.

He felt that Duncan was a better fit for his Tampa two defense because he wanted more athleticism and the ability to drop into coverage.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Yes, I remember Lovie liked Duncan, but I thought he recommended him as a replacement due to the Rams not wanting to pay Fletcher what he was worth.

Perhaps but it's even more painful to know (in hindsight) that the difference in comp was so small.

Fletcher's five-year deal averaged a little-over $3M-per-year; compared to Duncan's five-year deal which averaged a little-over $2M-per-year. Just $1M per-year difference.

Add in that Fletcher was terrific for five season in Buffalo, while Duncan only lasted two years with the Rams.

 

[majrleaged]

I always thought that it was Lovie Smith who drove that decision.

He felt that Duncan was a better fit for his Tampa two defense because he wanted more athleticism and the ability to drop into coverage.

You might be right. I just thought it was spin. Fletcher was better in every facet of LB and the Rams were notoriously cheap. At one point the Rams were tied with the worst record of the decade with cincy. Or something like that. Shaw told Martz it was better for the bottom line not to play in the SB.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I always thought that it was Lovie Smith who drove that decision.

He felt that Duncan was a better fit for his Tampa two defense because he wanted more athleticism and the ability to drop into coverage.

It was my understanding that they felt they could pay Fletcher or Little but not both.

 

[dieterbrock]

Meanwhile, back in 2025.....


View: https://x.com/NFL/status/1922710080929120391

 

[VegasRam]

Total agereement with the above re Fletcher, but in fairness they could not pay both Fletch and Little, and chose Little.
I know everyone hates him, but he was a very good DE. They just guessed wrong - shit happens.
It is true howerver that we have sucked at LB ever since, Laurinitus included.

Edit: @WestCoastRam- didn't see your post.