If the Rams are going to succeed this year, it will be through the sheer willpower of Les Snead and Sean McVay.
Here are the top eight salaries for the Rams by cap number this year:
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Cooper Kupp is definitely being paid well for past performance. Hopefully he returns to full health and skill, but it is reasonable to assume we will never see 2021-22 Kupp again. This make me very sad, but let's move past that.
Aaron Donald - the GOAT - has retired, leaving behind spectacular memories and results, alongside a massive cap hit.
Higbee is likely lost for the bulk of the year, and who knows what he will be able to do when he returns from the injury (fuck the Lions).
Noteboom is generously a backup. And while his number is smaller than it used to be, it is still eighth on the team, while not actually owning a spot as a starter unless there is an injury.
So, long story longer, the Rams are only going to receive full benefit from four of their top eight salaries (and the only $10M+ cap hits): Stafford and three dudes paid to keep Stafford upright - Hav, Jonah Jackson and KDot. With some hope for Kupp, and maybe a quarter of a season from Higbee?
The Rams have a good roster (a great offense) that will only get better with the additions made in the draft. But don't be mistaken, we are doing this with one hand tied behind our backs due to financial happenstance, and the only reason we are able to still be competitive (and hopefully more than that) is because of the coaching of Sean McVay and the players that Les has acquired at minimal cost through the draft and free agency.