FA and Cap Outlook

[1maGoh]

Les Snead sees some cap flexibility through restructures, but not a lot​

View attachment 52731​

Cameron DaSilva​

Thu, March 3, 2022, 4:45 PM​

Les Snead sees some cap flexibility through restructures, but not a lot

Les Snead indicated that the Rams aren't going to restructure very many contracts to create cap space this year

sports.yahoo.com

if you look at the Rams’ current salary cap situation, it appears bleak. They’re $21.6 million over the cap right now and have several starters hitting free agency. But there are ways for them to create space, which they must do by the start of the new league year on March 16.

Restructuring is an obvious way to free up some money, but Rams GM Les Snead doesn’t see a lot of opportunities to tweak players’ contracts.

“There’s not a lot of restructuring,” Snead said this week. “We have some highly paid players and there’s a few that we can maybe renegotiate or redo. But if you look at our team, there’s a lot of players that probably couldn’t necessarily be restructured to help us. That’s why we have to definitely rely on – ironically, based on everything that’s been said this year – the draft. The draft is very, very important to us.”

Jalen Ramsey and Cooper Kupp are candidates to have their contracts restructured, with each move freeing up about $10 million this year. But by doing that, the Rams will put money on the cap in the next few years, essentially kicking the can down the road and delaying their bill.

By drafting well, the Rams can help fill out their roster and still keep high-priced players, but Snead doesn’t expect many players to have their contracts restructured this offseason.

“We definitely use the draft because when you don’t necessarily have players you can just go open them up and give them a signing bonus to create cap room and push it down the future, it just limits you a little bit,” he said.

This can't be right. I was told we can open up tons of cap space and will have no financial problems. How can this be!?

 

[RamFan503]

The Rams can open up something like $60 million really simply... it doesn't mean they will, but why wouldn't they? We'll see.

One thing I'm trying to remember is that the Rams regularly pull off "holy shit!" moves.. so.. why not Terron Armstead?? He'll cost a ton.. but you could probably play with the structure on a multi-year deal.

I think they will pull off some clever restructuring. I really think they will go after an O-lineman and a CB in FA but not who we all think. It seems virtually ever FA over the past few years has blindsided most of us and they'll likely do it again.

 

[RamFan503]

and even Max Pircher remain part of the conversation,

This is one I wonder about. He has the physical attributes - it seems. But is he too raw or are we pipe dreaming here? They gave him a futures contract - no?

I could see them making a big unexpected move but I get the sense they believe more in plug and play on the O-line unless they feel a certain FA is a huge upgrade.

Either way, by McVay's comments of late, I think they will go after an O that will give them more push in the run game.

It will definitely be interesting to watch

 

[RamFan503]

If Whitworth retires, I would prefer that the Rams spend that freed up cap space - plus more, if needed - to go sign a big money LT. Armstead would do nicely, for example.

LT is one position you do not play around at. Big Whit is an absolutely elite LT, even at age 40. I believe he was the highest-graded pass blocking offensive lineman in the NFL this season. He can pass block to great effect, as well. The Rams' ability to pass block is, IMO, the top reason why they are Super Bowl champions at present. Stafford was rarely under duress when compared to other playoff QBs. We need to retain that level of excellence. Especially with McVay being pass-happy and the Rams' offensive playmakers being concentrated in the QB and WR positions.

I do not trust Noteboom to stay healthy for a full season.

Jackson looked good in limit reps, but is too untested to roll with for a team as Super Bowl ready as the Rams.

Stafford already has an extensive injury history and is starting to get older. It is imperative to protect his blindside.

The Rams are primed to run it back. Rolling with what you have in house, at a position as important as LT, when your in-house options are somewhat unknown quantities, is something I would expect from a re-building team, or a team on the cusp of a playoff spot, or even a Super Bowl dark-horse. Not a pre-season favourite to win it all. Unlike other positions in the NFL, rest assured there will be no mid-season replacements available if the in-house guys prove lacking, because other teams don't let capable LTs shake loose mid-year.

I am cautiously optimistic the Rams will see it my way. They generally seem to de-value lineman in the draft, using only mid to late round picks on OL, to groom for future usage, as they coach up whoever they have in house to man the ship in starting roles. HOWEVER, they did not hesitate to open up the wallet for Havenstein at RT, or at LT for Big Whit, who I believe was McVay's first free agent signing. It seems the Rams place grate value on their bookends, indeed, even if they somewhat ignore the interior - to the point that the Rams often draft tackles to play guard, which I suspect is in no small part motivated to build their tackle depth in the event injuries pile up at the position.

I can't find much I disagree with here. I think McVay values the outside blockers and there's no reason we move on from Havs at this point. I'm thinking we make a big move at LT. If Note was in their future plans as an every game LT, they would have already extended him.

I would be surprised if they don't make a move to sign a known commodity at LT. This seems to be their MO but who really knows what they have in the wheelhouse.

 

[RamFan503]

So, I'll hold off on being upset about Tutu. Fair to call it a bad pick.. but I don't worry too much about that.

Yeah... I'm a bit upset over the TuTu pick but I have to hope they didn't totally miss on that one. He definitely has tools. He is just so small for the big leagues. He could be that deep threat with a QB like Stafford but....???

I think it's a bit presumptuous of us to question our regime on the wings of a VERY rare SB victory, so I'll wait in great anticipation.

We have a GREAT base. Now let's go win another one and follow up so AD can have THREE. THAT would make me the happiest 55 year Ram fan in the galaxy.

 

[FrantikRam]

Les Snead sees some cap flexibility through restructures, but not a lot​

View attachment 52731​

Cameron DaSilva​

Thu, March 3, 2022, 4:45 PM​

Les Snead sees some cap flexibility through restructures, but not a lot

Les Snead indicated that the Rams aren't going to restructure very many contracts to create cap space this year

sports.yahoo.com

if you look at the Rams’ current salary cap situation, it appears bleak. They’re $21.6 million over the cap right now and have several starters hitting free agency. But there are ways for them to create space, which they must do by the start of the new league year on March 16.

Restructuring is an obvious way to free up some money, but Rams GM Les Snead doesn’t see a lot of opportunities to tweak players’ contracts.

“There’s not a lot of restructuring,” Snead said this week. “We have some highly paid players and there’s a few that we can maybe renegotiate or redo. But if you look at our team, there’s a lot of players that probably couldn’t necessarily be restructured to help us. That’s why we have to definitely rely on – ironically, based on everything that’s been said this year – the draft. The draft is very, very important to us.”

Jalen Ramsey and Cooper Kupp are candidates to have their contracts restructured, with each move freeing up about $10 million this year. But by doing that, the Rams will put money on the cap in the next few years, essentially kicking the can down the road and delaying their bill.

By drafting well, the Rams can help fill out their roster and still keep high-priced players, but Snead doesn’t expect many players to have their contracts restructured this offseason.

“We definitely use the draft because when you don’t necessarily have players you can just go open them up and give them a signing bonus to create cap room and push it down the future, it just limits you a little bit,” he said.

Have to think Von is gone after reading this.

Hollins is a starting caliber EDGE and was playing great before getting hurt. Assuming Obo is gone too, we will need to add some depth - but I also think that Chris Garrett will step into an actual rotational role, so would just need one more for depth.

Whatever cap space we free up needs to go toward the OL, then draft a few CBs, OL, ILB and EDGE for depth.

 

[Memento]

Have to think Von is gone after reading this.

Hollins is a starting caliber EDGE and was playing great before getting hurt. Assuming Obo is gone too, we will need to add some depth - but I also think that Chris Garrett will step into an actual rotational role, so would just need one more for depth.

Whatever cap space we free up needs to go toward the OL, then draft a few CBs, OL, ILB and EDGE for depth.

If Miller goes, I'd kick the tires on one or both of the Smiths from Green Bay; they're likely going to be cut because the Packers are way over the cap.

 

[Merlin]

Have to think Von is gone after reading this.

Hollins is a starting caliber EDGE and was playing great before getting hurt. Assuming Obo is gone too, we will need to add some depth - but I also think that Chris Garrett will step into an actual rotational role, so would just need one more for depth.

Whatever cap space we free up needs to go toward the OL, then draft a few CBs, OL, ILB and EDGE for depth.

I like Hollins but he's a depth dude. And not only do we need an edge without Von, but we would need a blindside which is the better rusher of the pairing which is really hard to find when you're drafting late.

So if they feel like Von's gonna be all-in mentally I think he's a priority. The guy makes a difference. Hard to let those guys go.

 

[dang]

Have to think Von is gone after reading this.

Hollins is a starting caliber EDGE and was playing great before getting hurt. Assuming Obo is gone too, we will need to add some depth - but I also think that Chris Garrett will step into an actual rotational role, so would just need one more for depth.

Whatever cap space we free up needs to go toward the OL, then draft a few CBs, OL, ILB and EDGE for depth.

I’m preparing myself for the Rams losing Miller, Corbett, Oko, DWill, Michel, SJD, Howard snd Mundt in FA. I’d love to keep any of those but that would be a pleasant surprise. I do expect them to sign OBJ, Note, Shelton, Allen and Gay. That’s what happens when you win the SB and have limited cap space.

 

[Memento]

I’m preparing myself for the Rams losing Miller, Corbett, Oko, DWill, Michel, SJD, Howard snd Mundt in FA. I’d love to keep any of those but that would be a pleasant surprise. I do expect them to sign OBJ, Note, Shelton, Allen and Gay. That’s what happens when you win the SB and have limited cap space.

Howard is still a RFA. We'll be able to sign him easily. Allen is the one I think we lose; All-Pro centers will go for a price we can't match.

 

[dang]

Howard is still a RFA. We'll be able to sign him easily. Allen is the one I think we lose; All-Pro centers will go for a price we can't match.

I should have looked that up for Howard. I would like to keep 2 of Note/Corbett/Allen. There is no way the Rams can pay FA market price for all 3.

No telling with the Rams though. Perhaps they lose all 3, sign a stud LT or OG and fill in with players on the roster (Shelton and Ajax??).

 

[CGI_Ram]

“There’s not a lot of restructuring,” Snead said this week. “We have some highly paid players and there’s a few that we can maybe renegotiate or redo. But if you look at our team, there’s a lot of players that probably couldn’t necessarily be restructured to help us. That’s why we have to definitely rely on – ironically, based on everything that’s been said this year – the draft. The draft is very, very important to us.”

This is an amazing quote, from Snead.

Sure, we have a good amount of picks… but they are late.

How many GM’s approach the draft expecting to score with late picks like the Rams do?

Awesome.

I should have looked that up for Howard. I would like to keep 2 of Note/Corbett/Allen. There is no way the Rams can pay FA market price for all 3.

I understood what you meant. You make sense there. I think Miller is 50/50. He still seems hungry for a pay day, based on signals.

 

[Kupped]

Have to think Von is gone after reading this.

Hollins is a starting caliber EDGE and was playing great before getting hurt. Assuming Obo is gone too, we will need to add some depth - but I also think that Chris Garrett will step into an actual rotational role, so would just need one more for depth.

Whatever cap space we free up needs to go toward the OL, then draft a few CBs, OL, ILB and EDGE for depth.

Whit is probably gone.. that's a big chunk of the overage.
Extensions for Donald and Stafford could open up a pretty big chunk of money.
Do just a couple of restructures, and you're fine, as far as Miller goes. They'll also structure new deals to be light in the first year, imo.

Miller is one I really think they get done.

 

[Merlin]

I hope people don't freak out if all three OL leave in FA. Because it's starting to feel like all three OL might leave in FA.

 

[OldSchool]

I hope people don't freak out if all three OL leave in FA. Because it's starting to feel like all three OL might leave in FA.

I’d love to keep Boom, the other two are easier to replace with people on the team already, but it depends on what he’s offered in free agency. One name I haven’t read a lot about yet is my guy Anchrim. How does he fit in Carberry and McVays future plans?

 

[Merlin]

Yeah this is a really interesting offseason. So much is going to come down to what they think of the OL depth. If they like one guy at LT everything changes. Otherwise they can still go Boom or chase an LT on the market.

Also... What's exciting about Jackson maybe being the guy is the team dodges a huge contract requirement at LT for at least a couple seasons. Really big deal there if he's that good. I mean Edwards would only have one year of control if he were the guy. So best case scenario for us is Jackson getting that job IMO.

 

[BonifayRam]

I hope people don't freak out if all three OL leave in FA. Because it's starting to feel like all three OL might leave in FA.

Having only 2 of the main 6 Ram OL'ers return in 2022 should throw a very wet blanket on all that back to back conversations

 

[FrantikRam]

I like Hollins but he's a depth dude. And not only do we need an edge without Von, but we would need a blindside which is the better rusher of the pairing which is really hard to find when you're drafting late.

So if they feel like Von's gonna be all-in mentally I think he's a priority. The guy makes a difference. Hard to let those guys go.

I wouldn't let him go either, but I disagree about Hollins. IMO he's a starter.

 

[Kupped]

I wouldn't let him go either, but I disagree about Hollins. IMO he's a starter.

Hollins didn't make much impact when he came back this year, but he was working back from injury. I like him and like what he showed at start of season.
What I think is HUGE for next season is that the Rams go in with a plan to play Donald and Miller less.. to keep them as fresh as possible for the postseason. This was the longest season in NFL history.. 21 games!!! Crazy!
I want to see a lot of Hollins and, hopefully, Garret next season.. and maybe a draft pick. Hopefully Lewis can contribute as well.
I also want to see a bunch of Bobby Brown and Marquise Copeland inside.

 

[Merlin]

Having only 2 of the main 6 Ram OL'ers return in 2022 should throw a very wet blanket on all that back to back conversations

If that were to happen it would mean they are targeting a position in FA. I think they will keep two players on that OL who are "paid" and one of them will be Hav. The other could be LT or it could be another position if they think they have LT covered.

So I'm thinking either Boom returns OR they bring in some fresh blood at one of the positions. Probably LT but maybe not. Thing about this offseason is there's a bunch of different and valid ways for it to go. Which one they choose probably comes down to Boom's contract demands and what they think of in-house LT options.