They didn't trade for Michel not to re-sign him. Akers and Michel are a good combo. Akers on early downs and Michel on 3rd downs and short yardage. Henderson is too fragile. I like him but he's always hurt. Henderson has an affordable contract in 2022 and he's a FA in 2023 so I see him simply staying. With Akers, Michel, Henderson, and Funk they look set at RB.
Michel likes it in LA so if he's offered a reasonable contract I see him taking it. Also, this team will continue to be a SB contender so that is an incentive for all the FAs like Michel, OBJ, and Miller. Good team culture and a legit SB contender are strong incentives.
I was all in on keeping Michel, but the more I think of it now, and seeing how McVay is using Akers even after coming off an Achilles, I don't see him staying here. You can get a cheaper option late in the draft or a cheap vet.
Just too little cap room the go around and too many other critical needs.
My FA priorities...
1. Noteboom (must have)
2. Corbett (torn on this one, OGs easier to find, but he is solid and knows the system.
3. OBJ & Miller on cap friendly deals
4. Williams or a CB from another team
Departures...
Whit retires and clears $13M.
Trade/Cut Hekker, saves $2.5M.
Trade Rapp, saves $2.5M.
Stafford gets a new deal, lowers cap hit by $10M in 22'
Restructure Floyd, Kupp, clears another $10M
Extend Ramsey or Donald to lower cap hit next yr as well.
Could probably end up with $35M to spend to make next yr a run it back yr then pay a bit of a price in 23' in regards to cap pain.