Looking at the Rams roster after the bye week

[BonifayRam]

Looking at the Rams roster after the bye week​

No splash moves yet, but L.A. injuries are beginning to heal

By Venie Randy Soares Oct 23, 2022

An uneventful bye week for the Los Angeles Rams has now passed and Les Snead wasn’t able to pull the trigger on any major additions. Still, Rams fans confidence has risen after dropping dangerously low, fueled by rumors of a possible trade for Carolina Panthers edge Brian Burns, a measure of offensive progress in their last game, and a handful of players returning from injury and suspension lists.

Tight end Brycen Hopkins was recently reinstated after his suspension. Defensive tackle Bobby Brown, cornerback Troy Hill, and wide receiver Van Jefferson are ready to be activated and expected to ready for next Sunday’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. Center Brian Allen and cornerback Decobie Durant have convalesced while remaining on the roster.

At any moment, edge Daniel Hardy and running back Kyren Williams will be designated for return after stints on the Injured Reserve List. Safety Jordan Fuller, guard David Edwards and center/guard Coleman Shelton are still a couple weeks out and finally, there no status reports on the time table for return from the Reserve/Non-Football List by linebacker Travin Howard and safety Quinten Lake.

What are the Rams to do with all the bodies?​

Currently, L.A. has 50 players on the active roster 15 on the practice squad. If Brown, Hill, and Jefferson are indeed activated this week, no roster moves will be necessary. As Hardy, Williams, Fuller, and Edwards return, corresponding moves will be made. But who?

Here’s the Rams current roster and their snap count percentages:

Quarterback​

Matt Stafford (99.74) John Wolford, Bryce Perkins

Nothing to see here, Sean McVay has kept three QB’s for the second consecutive season.

Running back​

Darell Henderson (63.09), Malcom Brown (6.81), Cam Akers (29.06)

Brown was a stop-gap addition and wouldn’t be missed. Akers is the picture of a dead man walking and will probably have to be released, hard to expect an opposing team offer much, if anything, after his injury and the Rams public handling of his situation.

Wide receiver​

Cooper Kupp (98.95), Allen Robinson (91.36), Bennett Skowronek (83.77), Brandon Powell (14.92), Tutu Atwell (6.02), Lance McCutcheon (.26)

No need for fans to worry about McCutcheon being released. Even though the receiver room is a little roster heavy, there are plenty of cut candidates without the future potential of the small-school fan favorite.

Tight end​

Tyler Higbee (92.15), Kendall Blanton (6.54), Brycen Hopkins (4.45)

Blanton has been under-whelming since his return, he is just not a good enough blocker. Hopkins was almost invisible before his suspension and did anyone really notice he played nine offensive snaps versus Carolina?

Offensive line​

Alaric Jackson (81.68), Bobby Evans, Jeremiah Kolone (49.21), Oday Aboushi (14.66), Rob Havenstein( 98.95), Brian Allen (17.54), Matt Skura, Ty Nseke

Egad! The question with the the Rams OLine is not who should go, but rather, who should be kept? Seriously, odds are high on Kolone and Skura as Allen returns to play in the interior and multiply as Shelton and Edwards heal up. Nseke has past ties (2015-16) to McVay from the Washington Redskins/Football Team/Commodes and is the only backup with pro tackle experience.

Defensive line​

Aaron Donald (87.22), Greg Gaines (83.52), A’Shawn Robinson (57.10), Marquise Copeland (23.30), Jonah Williams (7.67), Michael Hoecht (2.56)

After his kickoff return, was I the only one who said. “Look at that big SOB run... wonder if he could play tight end?”. Last year, the Rams tried to sneak Williams through waivers, and he was claimed, but seven down linemen might be a little much and he is only getting about five defensive snaps per game.

Edge​

Leonard Floyd (80.68), Justin Hollins (51.42), Terrell Lewis (48.58)

Numbers alone preclude any moves here, unless it’s an addition.

Off ball linebacker​

Bobby Wagner (99.72), Ernest Jones (69.60), Christian Rozeboom (0), Jake Hummel (0), Jake Gervase(0)

It would seem that one of the three backups could go. Not one snap at LB for Rozeboom, Hummel, and Gervase, all their reps have been on special teams. Wagner has missed one of 352 defensive snaps and when Jones comes off the field, it’s for a secondary player.

Safety​

Taylor Rapp (74.15), Nick Scott (95.45), Terrell Burgess (23.30), Russ Yeast (.28)

Yeast has only been active in four games and received about 12 special teams snaps in each of those, but positional numbers should make the Rams look elsewhere.

Cornerback​

Jalen Ramsey (97.44), David Long (33.81), Derion Kendrick (62.50), Robert Rochell (4.83), Decobie Durant (6.53), Shaun Jolly (0)

Jolly is as good as gone and I’m sure he knew that when signed. He has played four total snaps and if L.A. wants to keep him, he would likely clear waivers and be signed to the practice squad.

View: https://twitter.com/RamsOnFilm/status/1582382188363776001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1583305121534218241%7Ctwgr%5E2fe4a48e602c82739997fa2a6fde315f9912f866%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2022%2F10%2F23%2F23418961%2Fla-rams-roster-after-bye-week

Special teams​

Place kicker Matt Gay, punter Riley Dixon, and longsnapper Matt Orzech

Gay is solid, Dixon is serviceable, and while Orzech has had some blocking/communication problems, but there is no one else on the roster and initiating tryouts this late doesn’t seem in the cards.

Practice squad​

RB- Ronnie Rivers (.79)

WR- Austin Trammel

TE- Jacob Harris (.26), Roger Carter, Jared Pinkney

OL- Chandler Brewer, A.J. Arcuri, Max Pircher

DL- Earnest Brown, T.J. Carter, Elijah Garcia,

E- Keir Thomas (.85), Brayden Thomas, Zach Van Valkenberg

S- T.J. Carter

Tight end Jacob Harris has been activated to the active roster three times, the league limit for elevations. If the Rams move him up again, he must be terminated from the practice squad and be officially signed to the 53. Offensive lineman Chandler Brewer has garnered two elevations and running back Ronnie Rivers, one.

Going forward​

The roster seems safe from subtraction for the time being, Bobby Brown, Troy Hill, and Van Jefferson can be integrated without cuts. Down the road, obviously the Cam Akers situation needs to be addressed, but after that, Shaun Jolly, Jeremiah Kolone, and one of the linebackers, likely Jake Gervase, should be next on the chopping block. Kendall Blanton, Matt Skura, and Russ Yeast are not far behind.

Jonah Williams may have to go, simply because of the DLine numbers. To save him, I would cross train Michael Hoecht at tight end, and move up Jacob Harris up from the practice squad. Both are huge, athletic guys and should progress with meaningful practice snaps. Blanton and Hopkins, to a lesser extent, have just not progressed.

The trade deadline is November 1, only one week left for L.A. to add outside upgrades. If they don’t, the roster moves will internal, mostly bookkeeping transactions. Can the Rams win with what they have, or what they will get back from injury?

 

[Merlin]

That TE room is hideous. If we didn't have bigger problems elsewhere I'd be upset about it.

 

[BonifayRam]

Ref the article's question on who to keep after the walking dead return.....

OFFENSIVE LINE
Starters
OT's-Jackson/ Havenstein
OG's-Shelton/ Aboushi
OC- Allen

Reserves
Swing Reserve OT- Evans
Swing OG-Edwards
Reserve OC-Kolone

PS
LT-Arcuri
OC-Skura
OG-Brewer
RT-Pricher

IR
Bruss
Noteboom
Anchrum

 

[BonifayRam]

News Analysis: Off week won’t heal all these Rams injuries, but look who’s back​

News Analysis: Off week won't heal all these Rams injuries, but look who's back

The Rams have been overwhelmed with injuries this season, especially along the offensive line, but they get some pieces back for game against 49ers.

www.latimes.com

How Week 7 impacted the Los Angeles Rams​

The Rams are going to be fighting for their division hope lives in Week 8 against the 49ers

How Week 7 impacted the Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are going to be fighting for their division hope lives in Week 8 against the 49ers

www.turfshowtimes.com

The Los Angeles Rams had a bye in Week 7, but that doesn’t mean that they weren’t impacted by what happened in the NFL on Sunday. There are plenty of places you can find full game recaps, this is just a report on how each game effected the Rams.

Cardinals 42, Saints 34 (TNF)​

The Rams play the Cardinals in Week 10 and the Saints in Week 11. Arizona improved to 3-4, keeping pace with the NFC West. Former Ram Greg Dortch started the season hot but has mostly disappeared from the offense and DeAndre Hopkins returned this week.

Ravens 23, Browns 20​

The chances of Lamar Jackson being traded next year (potentially an NFC team) still look very slim. But after a hot start, Jackson hasn’t been as productive in the last four games. John Johnson had a tackle for a loss for the 2-5 Browns.

Panthers 21, Bucs 3​

Stunning. The Rams have a better chance in the NFC than maybe expected as Tom Brady falls to 3-4. Carolina rebounds from a Rams loss to beat Tampa Bay. The Panthers are only one game out of first place and might decide to keep their best players rather than sell. Cory Littleton had a batted pass for the Panthers.

Bengals 35, Falcons 17​

The Falcons had won three of four since losing to the Rams. Atlanta is still tied for first place in the NFC South at 3-4. Cincinnati had been “the other Super Bowl team that is struggling” but now the Bengals have won four of their last five games.

Cowboys 24, Lions 6​

The NFC East has the early lead on two of three wild card spots in the NFC, as Dallas is now 5-2. In that context, including L.A.’s earlier loss to the Cowboys, it means the Rams could need to win the division to make the playoffs, even if there isn’t a winning team in the NFC South. But this is not even the midway point of the season quite yet and some of these records today will turn over in the future. Every year around this time I usually go back and research best records from last year (Cardinals were 7-0) but it’s so consistently the case, what’s the point? I can guarantee that every year some hot team will be bad and some bad team will get hot at the right time.

Anyway, Jared Goff went 21/26 for 228 yards but threw two interceptions and was sacked five times. The Lions are 1-5 and probably see a “top-ranked quarterback” at the end of the tunnel by now.

Giants 23, Jaguars 17​

At 6-1, New York now holds the top wild card position in the NFC. Is it an illusion? I don’t think anybody would want to face the Giants in a playoff game win-or-go-home scenario right now, so it’s real enough.

Titans 19, Colts 10​

Robert Woods had three catches for 26 yards. Woods has 20 catches for 230 yards and one touchdown over six games.

Commodes 23, Packers 21​

The Packers are 3-4. Washington is also 3-4 and in last place in the NFC East, but the only other NFC teams with a better record are the Vikings and Seahawks. I had given some praise to former Rams coach Joe Barry for his Green Bay defense earlier in the year. But now I would have to say they’ve been underwhelming given the personnel.

Jets 16, Broncos 9​

The Broncos are sending their first and second round picks to the Seahawks, with the first of those currently slated at sixth overall. Denver is 2-5 and Russell Wilson missed this game. The Rams play the Broncos on Christmas Day. The Jets are 5-2 but lost star rookie running back Breece Hall to a torn ACL, so the Rams won’t be the only team searching for a running back. LaMarcus Joyner had an interception for the Jets. Greg Zeurlein made all of his kicks.

Raiders 38, Texans 20​

The Rams play the Raiders, now 2-4, on Thursday Night Football in Week 14. Brandin Cooks had four catches for 46 yards for Houston. The Texans would be slated to pick second in the draft, after the Lions. I reckon both of those picks would be used on quarterbacks.

Seahawks 37, Chargers 23​

Seattle is in first place in the NFC West at 4-3. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, a former Rams assistant, could be getting head coaching interviews after this season. Another former assistant, Brandon Staley, seems to be another person getting an “Aaron Donald boost” to his career. The Chargers defense has not been vaunted, though they’ve dealt with some injuries. The Rams play the Seahawks in Weeks 13 and 18, and the Chargers in Week 17.

Morgan Fox had a sack, Sebastian Joseph-Day had a tackle for a loss for the Chargers.

Chiefs 44, 49ers 23​

San Francisco’s defense didn’t seem so stout against Patrick Mahomes. The 49ers fell to 3-4 and face the Rams next week. Brock Purdy made an appearance at quarterback for San Francisco. Christian McCaffrey made his 49ers debut and had eight carries for 38 yards with 24 receiving yards. The winner of Rams-49ers will at worst be in striking distance of first place. The loser, especially of the Rams get swept by San Francisco, will be looking up at least two other teams in the division. Maybe all three. Important game.

Dolphins 16, Steelers 10​

The game mostly lacked having an impact on the Rams, which would be my biggest criticism of i

 

[BonifayRam]

​

View: https://twitter.com/BryanDFischer/status/1584327617347719169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1584327617347719169%7Ctwgr%5E2707eeec449367040619b3c3681ac7ffaa2358a9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2022%2F10%2F23%2F23419743%2Fnfc-west-updates-week-seven-rams-seahawks-kenneth-walker​

Judging the biggest overreactions from Sunday's games: Are the Bengals back?

Are the Seahawks the favorites in the NFC West? Are Brady and Rodgers done? Are the Bengals back? Judging Week 7 overreactions.

www.espn.co.uk

​

NFC West Updates: Seahawks shockingly in first place after 7 games​

Also, 49ers fail to gain divisional ground before huge rematch with Rams

NFC West Updates: Seahawks shockingly in first place after 7 games

Also, 49ers fail to gain divisional ground before huge rematch with Rams

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[fearsomefour]

How do the Rams as currently constructed actually beat the Whiners?....hard to see it happening.

 

[Rambitious1]

How do the Rams as currently constructed actually beat the Whiners?....hard to see it happening.

Sadly, true.

 

[OnceARam]

How do the Rams as currently constructed actually beat the Whiners?....hard to see it happening.

Screens. Lots and lots of screens.

 

[BonifayRam]

How do the Rams as currently constructed actually beat the Whiners?....hard to see it happening.

The Defense will need to change dramatically. His passive defense will result in another loss to them.

DC Morris will need to bring pressure from all points. DC Morris needs to attack & be very aggressive the entire game.

 

[nighttrain]

How do the Rams as currently constructed actually beat the Whiners?....hard to see it happening.

short passes with Hendo getting 15 or so carries, and more use of Atwell's speed
train

 

[madrid311]

if we lose to the 9ers, I will be so mad.....go rams

 

[fearsomefour]

Screens. Lots and lots of screens.

I would expect that is how the Whiners beat the Rams.....the Rams keep throwing pick six's on their WR screens agains SF.

 

[fearsomefour]

short passes with Hendo getting 15 or so carries, and more use of Atwell's speed
train

Hendo should be getting 15-20 carries every single game.

 

[fearsomefour]

The Defense will need to change dramatically. His passive defense will result in another loss to them.

DC Morris will need to bring pressure from all points. DC Morris needs to attack & be very aggressive the entire game.

Roll the dice I suppose.
Shanny will certainly have multiple looks and screen/short passes (with broken tackle opportunities) for Samuel and McCaffrey.
I have no doubt the Ram WRs (is Jefferson ever coming back?) can get open versus the Whiner secondary. But, the OL has to give time....absent a prime Orlando Pace or Jackie Slater showing up that means they have to run the ball.

 

[BonifayRam]

How will Rams create cap space in 2023?​

What moves will Les Snead make to give the Rams more wiggle room next year?

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Oct 24, 2022

A quick glance at the Los Angeles Rams’ page on OvertheCap.com would lead you to believe that the team could have over $7 million in cap space next year. But a deeper look reveals that because there are only 38 players accounted for that add up to those liabilities, it means that the Rams still must find a way to pay an entire 53-man roster plus practice squad and L.A.’s “real” cap space is more like $3.4 million in the red.

Every year, teams are projected to be over the cap. Every year, all those teams find ways to save money and usually without looking dramatically different. Even the Saints at $67.9 million over and the Bucs at $55.5 million over, will get under the cap. What can the Rams do and what should the Rams avoid?

Rams Key Free Agents​

G David Edwards​

S Taylor Rapp​

S Nick Scott​

CB David Long​

RB Darrell Henderson​

DT Greg Gaines​

ST/WR Brandon Powell​

K Matt Gay​

P Riley Dixon​

G Bobby Evans​

There are more, but already you can see that the Rams have a number of starters who either need to be retained or replaced. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want the Rams to re-sign Taylor Rapp, for example, because L.A. needs to have a safety on the roster in his place anyway and that player will cost money regardless.

Even if the Rams had “$10 million in cap space” when free agency started, they couldn’t afford to pay an entire roster without making some moves with regards to the players currently signed through 2023.

Which Moves Should Rams Make? Possibilities:​

Re-structure Aaron Donald​

Donald has a $26 million cap hit in 2023, but the Rams can save a maximum of $20.5 million by restructuring his contract. The downside to that is that if the Rams wanted to restructure that deal by converting base salary into a signing bonus, it increases his 2024 cap hit from $34 million to $41 million and it essentially locks him in at that number. Donald already has a $29 million cap hit in 2025 and that’s in spite of him NOT BEING SIGNED for 2025. That’s just the result of void years being added to his recent re-negotiation.

The team would incur a greater cap hit if they had to convert his 2023 base salary into a signing bonus spread out over those seasons.

Re-structure Jalen Ramsey​

Ramsey has a $25.2 million cap hit but the Rams can save a maximum of $10.6 million by restructuring. But that would essentially guarantee Ramsey’s place on the roster in 2024 at a cap hit of $26 million.

Re-structure Cooper Kupp​

Kupp has a $15 million base salary next year and a $5 million roster bonus. L.A. could save a max of $14.1 million if they re-structure, nearly locking in Kupp at $31 million in 2024.

Cut Leonard Floyd, post June 1​

The Rams have options to re-structure Floyd too, but are we past that point now? Cutting Floyd without a June 1 designation saves the Rams a total of $3 million, but doing so after that deadline brings the number up to $15.5 million. Floyd also has a $2 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year, so the Rams would need to make the move before then most likely. Post-June 1 cut explanations can be found here.

Trade Allen Robinson​

Is it even possible? A team trading for Robinson would be on the hook for his $10 million base salary, depending how much the Rams are willing to pay. It’s not a very big cap hit for a starting wideout, Marquez Valdes-Scantling will make $11 million next year, Tim Patrick is set to make $11.5 million, Russell Gage is at $12.1 million. But is Robinson even that good? The Rams would still have dead money on the books for Robinson but they must consider possibilities if there’s a team out there willing to take Robinson from them.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

The Rams can save $3.8 million by restructuring Higbee but he’s only signed through 2023 and that dead money would be added to the books in the future. Instead, extend Higbee to bring down his 2023 cap hit.

Trade/Release Joe Noteboom​

It hasn’t been the year that Noteboom or the Rams had hoped for and it would be unfortunate for his L.A. career to end with an injury. But Noteboom has a $5 million roster bonus and a $8.5 million base salary. Maybe L.A. could find a team willing to trade for a semi-cheap offensive tackle, and a deal done early in the year would save the Rams $7.5 million. A post-June 1 release would save the team $8.5 million next season.

Cut Bobby Wagner​

The five-year, $50 million contract was never going to end up going five years and $50 million. Wagner has a $7.5 million base salary next season and the team would save $4.5 million by making a move early in the year, as Wagner has a $3.5 million bonus due.

Cut Brian Allen​

The team would save $2.6 million by releasing Allen.

Additionally, the Rams should save about $1.4 million when they part with Cam Akers, but again, they will still need to pay a different running back and that doesn’t leave much savings, even if it’s a rookie.

What the Rams should do:​

Re-structure Kupp​

I believe Kupp is the safest bet to be healthy and productive and valuable beyond next season. Donald too, but Donald is more expensive and two years older. This move would save up to $14.1 million against the cap, moving that earlier figure of $3.3 million in the red to being roughly $10.8 million in the black.

Release Leonard Floyd, post-June 1​

It is past the time to move on already. Floyd has zero sacks and only four pressures in six games this year. Because the Rams have prorated bonus payments of $6.5 million in 2023 and 2024, plus $3 million void payments in 2025 and 2026, the team only saves $3 million by outright releasing him. Giving him the post-June 1 designation pushes some of those payments down the line (it doesn’t mean that the Rams just don’t have to account for that dead money, it just helps the team more immediately) but that might be a sacrifice that Snead has to make.

In any case, I don’t see Floyd staying on the roster at $22 million next season. He’s not that kind of an impact player. A post-June 1 designation saves $15.5 million of cap room next year and that would give the Rams to roughly $26.3 in cap space. Or they could go the other route, save $3 million, and be at $13.8 million in cap space. Either one is understandable.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

Without any other solid options at tight end on the roster, the Rams could bring down Higbee’s $6.25 million base salary by giving him a new contract. That could save them at least a few million more.

As for the Allen Robinson situation, I believe L.A. is stuck with him now and must try to make it work. Besides, Snead would just be out there again trying to find another star receiver to replace Robinson, the Rams don’t tend to stop trying to add great receivers.

Trade Joe Noteboom​

With A.J. Jackson playing well enough at left tackle, the Rams might find it is already time to move on from Noteboom. Despite his injury, left tackle is at such a premium that there should be interested parties if the Rams are willing to trade him as he only has an $8.5 million base salary. That would make him one of the cheapest veteran tackles in the league, assuming that there are teams that believe he’s a starter. However, if that interest does not exist, the Rams may need to just release him to avoid the $5 million roster bonus.

Re-evaluate the Bobby Wagner situation​

I don’t think there’s enough intel yet to make a full commitment either way with Wagner. But he will be 33 next year and there’s savings no matter what route the Rams choose to go.

What the Rams should not do:​

Re-structure Donald, Ramsey, Floyd​

It was re-structuring Floyd once already that made his savings so inconsiderable next year without a post-June 1 designation. It’s about time for the Rams to have some “outs” with these expensive deals and Matthew Stafford’s biggest cap hits are coming after 2023.

Re-structuring Kupp, releasing Floyd, and parting with Noteboom should do enough to give Snead the wiggle room that the Rams will need.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

How will Rams create cap space in 2023?​

What moves will Les Snead make to give the Rams more wiggle room next year?

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Oct 24, 2022
View attachment 57066
A quick glance at the Los Angeles Rams’ page on OvertheCap.com would lead you to believe that the team could have over $7 million in cap space next year. But a deeper look reveals that because there are only 38 players accounted for that add up to those liabilities, it means that the Rams still must find a way to pay an entire 53-man roster plus practice squad and L.A.’s “real” cap space is more like $3.4 million in the red.

View attachment 57068
Every year, teams are projected to be over the cap. Every year, all those teams find ways to save money and usually without looking dramatically different. Even the Saints at $67.9 million over and the Bucs at $55.5 million over, will get under the cap. What can the Rams do and what should the Rams avoid?

Rams Key Free Agents​

G David Edwards​

S Taylor Rapp​

S Nick Scott​

CB David Long​

RB Darrell Henderson​

DT Greg Gaines​

ST/WR Brandon Powell​

K Matt Gay​

P Riley Dixon​

G Bobby Evans​

There are more, but already you can see that the Rams have a number of starters who either need to be retained or replaced. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want the Rams to re-sign Taylor Rapp, for example, because L.A. needs to have a safety on the roster in his place anyway and that player will cost money regardless.

Even if the Rams had “$10 million in cap space” when free agency started, they couldn’t afford to pay an entire roster without making some moves with regards to the players currently signed through 2023.

Which Moves Should Rams Make? Possibilities:​

Re-structure Aaron Donald​

Donald has a $26 million cap hit in 2023, but the Rams can save a maximum of $20.5 million by restructuring his contract. The downside to that is that if the Rams wanted to restructure that deal by converting base salary into a signing bonus, it increases his 2024 cap hit from $34 million to $41 million and it essentially locks him in at that number. Donald already has a $29 million cap hit in 2025 and that’s in spite of him NOT BEING SIGNED for 2025. That’s just the result of void years being added to his recent re-negotiation.

The team would incur a greater cap hit if they had to convert his 2023 base salary into a signing bonus spread out over those seasons.

Re-structure Jalen Ramsey​

Ramsey has a $25.2 million cap hit but the Rams can save a maximum of $10.6 million by restructuring. But that would essentially guarantee Ramsey’s place on the roster in 2024 at a cap hit of $26 million.

Re-structure Cooper Kupp​

Kupp has a $15 million base salary next year and a $5 million roster bonus. L.A. could save a max of $14.1 million if they re-structure, nearly locking in Kupp at $31 million in 2024.

Cut Leonard Floyd, post June 1​

The Rams have options to re-structure Floyd too, but are we past that point now? Cutting Floyd without a June 1 designation saves the Rams a total of $3 million, but doing so after that deadline brings the number up to $15.5 million. Floyd also has a $2 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year, so the Rams would need to make the move before then most likely. Post-June 1 cut explanations can be found here.

Trade Allen Robinson​

Is it even possible? A team trading for Robinson would be on the hook for his $10 million base salary, depending how much the Rams are willing to pay. It’s not a very big cap hit for a starting wideout, Marquez Valdes-Scantling will make $11 million next year, Tim Patrick is set to make $11.5 million, Russell Gage is at $12.1 million. But is Robinson even that good? The Rams would still have dead money on the books for Robinson but they must consider possibilities if there’s a team out there willing to take Robinson from them.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

The Rams can save $3.8 million by restructuring Higbee but he’s only signed through 2023 and that dead money would be added to the books in the future. Instead, extend Higbee to bring down his 2023 cap hit.

Trade/Release Joe Noteboom​

It hasn’t been the year that Noteboom or the Rams had hoped for and it would be unfortunate for his L.A. career to end with an injury. But Noteboom has a $5 million roster bonus and a $8.5 million base salary. Maybe L.A. could find a team willing to trade for a semi-cheap offensive tackle, and a deal done early in the year would save the Rams $7.5 million. A post-June 1 release would save the team $8.5 million next season.

Cut Bobby Wagner​

The five-year, $50 million contract was never going to end up going five years and $50 million. Wagner has a $7.5 million base salary next season and the team would save $4.5 million by making a move early in the year, as Wagner has a $3.5 million bonus due.

Cut Brian Allen​

The team would save $2.6 million by releasing Allen.

Additionally, the Rams should save about $1.4 million when they part with Cam Akers, but again, they will still need to pay a different running back and that doesn’t leave much savings, even if it’s a rookie.

What the Rams should do:​

Re-structure Kupp​

I believe Kupp is the safest bet to be healthy and productive and valuable beyond next season. Donald too, but Donald is more expensive and two years older. This move would save up to $14.1 million against the cap, moving that earlier figure of $3.3 million in the red to being roughly $10.8 million in the black.

Release Leonard Floyd, post-June 1​

It is past the time to move on already. Floyd has zero sacks and only four pressures in six games this year. Because the Rams have prorated bonus payments of $6.5 million in 2023 and 2024, plus $3 million void payments in 2025 and 2026, the team only saves $3 million by outright releasing him. Giving him the post-June 1 designation pushes some of those payments down the line (it doesn’t mean that the Rams just don’t have to account for that dead money, it just helps the team more immediately) but that might be a sacrifice that Snead has to make.

In any case, I don’t see Floyd staying on the roster at $22 million next season. He’s not that kind of an impact player. A post-June 1 designation saves $15.5 million of cap room next year and that would give the Rams to roughly $26.3 in cap space. Or they could go the other route, save $3 million, and be at $13.8 million in cap space. Either one is understandable.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

Without any other solid options at tight end on the roster, the Rams could bring down Higbee’s $6.25 million base salary by giving him a new contract. That could save them at least a few million more.

As for the Allen Robinson situation, I believe L.A. is stuck with him now and must try to make it work. Besides, Snead would just be out there again trying to find another star receiver to replace Robinson, the Rams don’t tend to stop trying to add great receivers.

Trade Joe Noteboom​

With A.J. Jackson playing well enough at left tackle, the Rams might find it is already time to move on from Noteboom. Despite his injury, left tackle is at such a premium that there should be interested parties if the Rams are willing to trade him as he only has an $8.5 million base salary. That would make him one of the cheapest veteran tackles in the league, assuming that there are teams that believe he’s a starter. However, if that interest does not exist, the Rams may need to just release him to avoid the $5 million roster bonus.

Re-evaluate the Bobby Wagner situation​

I don’t think there’s enough intel yet to make a full commitment either way with Wagner. But he will be 33 next year and there’s savings no matter what route the Rams choose to go.

What the Rams should not do:​

Re-structure Donald, Ramsey, Floyd​

It was re-structuring Floyd once already that made his savings so inconsiderable next year without a post-June 1 designation. It’s about time for the Rams to have some “outs” with these expensive deals and Matthew Stafford’s biggest cap hits are coming after 2023.

Re-structuring Kupp, releasing Floyd, and parting with Noteboom should do enough to give Snead the wiggle room that the Rams will need.

This guy is already going to bail on Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner.

It’s not even half way through the season.

 

[BonifayRam]

This guy is already going to bail on Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner.

It’s not even half way through the season.

I am fine with BW till he retires!

On WR Robinson I would suggest he & #9 spend a lot more time together on the practice field. Robinson is special.

 

[Ram Ts]

I believe the save Stafford plan by limiting his off-season throwing greatly impacted negatively Arod.
The year before, Stafford & Kupp spent tons of time working out together and getting rhythm & in sync.

 

[Riverumbbq]

How will Rams create cap space in 2023?​

What moves will Les Snead make to give the Rams more wiggle room next year?

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Oct 24, 2022
View attachment 57066
A quick glance at the Los Angeles Rams’ page on OvertheCap.com would lead you to believe that the team could have over $7 million in cap space next year. But a deeper look reveals that because there are only 38 players accounted for that add up to those liabilities, it means that the Rams still must find a way to pay an entire 53-man roster plus practice squad and L.A.’s “real” cap space is more like $3.4 million in the red.

View attachment 57068
Every year, teams are projected to be over the cap. Every year, all those teams find ways to save money and usually without looking dramatically different. Even the Saints at $67.9 million over and the Bucs at $55.5 million over, will get under the cap. What can the Rams do and what should the Rams avoid?

Rams Key Free Agents​

G David Edwards​

S Taylor Rapp​

S Nick Scott​

CB David Long​

RB Darrell Henderson​

DT Greg Gaines​

ST/WR Brandon Powell​

K Matt Gay​

P Riley Dixon​

G Bobby Evans​

There are more, but already you can see that the Rams have a number of starters who either need to be retained or replaced. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want the Rams to re-sign Taylor Rapp, for example, because L.A. needs to have a safety on the roster in his place anyway and that player will cost money regardless.

Even if the Rams had “$10 million in cap space” when free agency started, they couldn’t afford to pay an entire roster without making some moves with regards to the players currently signed through 2023.

Which Moves Should Rams Make? Possibilities:​

Re-structure Aaron Donald​

Donald has a $26 million cap hit in 2023, but the Rams can save a maximum of $20.5 million by restructuring his contract. The downside to that is that if the Rams wanted to restructure that deal by converting base salary into a signing bonus, it increases his 2024 cap hit from $34 million to $41 million and it essentially locks him in at that number. Donald already has a $29 million cap hit in 2025 and that’s in spite of him NOT BEING SIGNED for 2025. That’s just the result of void years being added to his recent re-negotiation.

The team would incur a greater cap hit if they had to convert his 2023 base salary into a signing bonus spread out over those seasons.

Re-structure Jalen Ramsey​

Ramsey has a $25.2 million cap hit but the Rams can save a maximum of $10.6 million by restructuring. But that would essentially guarantee Ramsey’s place on the roster in 2024 at a cap hit of $26 million.

Re-structure Cooper Kupp​

Kupp has a $15 million base salary next year and a $5 million roster bonus. L.A. could save a max of $14.1 million if they re-structure, nearly locking in Kupp at $31 million in 2024.

Cut Leonard Floyd, post June 1​

The Rams have options to re-structure Floyd too, but are we past that point now? Cutting Floyd without a June 1 designation saves the Rams a total of $3 million, but doing so after that deadline brings the number up to $15.5 million. Floyd also has a $2 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year, so the Rams would need to make the move before then most likely. Post-June 1 cut explanations can be found here.

Trade Allen Robinson​

Is it even possible? A team trading for Robinson would be on the hook for his $10 million base salary, depending how much the Rams are willing to pay. It’s not a very big cap hit for a starting wideout, Marquez Valdes-Scantling will make $11 million next year, Tim Patrick is set to make $11.5 million, Russell Gage is at $12.1 million. But is Robinson even that good? The Rams would still have dead money on the books for Robinson but they must consider possibilities if there’s a team out there willing to take Robinson from them.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

The Rams can save $3.8 million by restructuring Higbee but he’s only signed through 2023 and that dead money would be added to the books in the future. Instead, extend Higbee to bring down his 2023 cap hit.

Trade/Release Joe Noteboom​

It hasn’t been the year that Noteboom or the Rams had hoped for and it would be unfortunate for his L.A. career to end with an injury. But Noteboom has a $5 million roster bonus and a $8.5 million base salary. Maybe L.A. could find a team willing to trade for a semi-cheap offensive tackle, and a deal done early in the year would save the Rams $7.5 million. A post-June 1 release would save the team $8.5 million next season.

Cut Bobby Wagner​

The five-year, $50 million contract was never going to end up going five years and $50 million. Wagner has a $7.5 million base salary next season and the team would save $4.5 million by making a move early in the year, as Wagner has a $3.5 million bonus due.

Cut Brian Allen​

The team would save $2.6 million by releasing Allen.

Additionally, the Rams should save about $1.4 million when they part with Cam Akers, but again, they will still need to pay a different running back and that doesn’t leave much savings, even if it’s a rookie.

What the Rams should do:​

Re-structure Kupp​

I believe Kupp is the safest bet to be healthy and productive and valuable beyond next season. Donald too, but Donald is more expensive and two years older. This move would save up to $14.1 million against the cap, moving that earlier figure of $3.3 million in the red to being roughly $10.8 million in the black.

Release Leonard Floyd, post-June 1​

It is past the time to move on already. Floyd has zero sacks and only four pressures in six games this year. Because the Rams have prorated bonus payments of $6.5 million in 2023 and 2024, plus $3 million void payments in 2025 and 2026, the team only saves $3 million by outright releasing him. Giving him the post-June 1 designation pushes some of those payments down the line (it doesn’t mean that the Rams just don’t have to account for that dead money, it just helps the team more immediately) but that might be a sacrifice that Snead has to make.

In any case, I don’t see Floyd staying on the roster at $22 million next season. He’s not that kind of an impact player. A post-June 1 designation saves $15.5 million of cap room next year and that would give the Rams to roughly $26.3 in cap space. Or they could go the other route, save $3 million, and be at $13.8 million in cap space. Either one is understandable.

Extend Tyler Higbee​

Without any other solid options at tight end on the roster, the Rams could bring down Higbee’s $6.25 million base salary by giving him a new contract. That could save them at least a few million more.

As for the Allen Robinson situation, I believe L.A. is stuck with him now and must try to make it work. Besides, Snead would just be out there again trying to find another star receiver to replace Robinson, the Rams don’t tend to stop trying to add great receivers.

Trade Joe Noteboom​

With A.J. Jackson playing well enough at left tackle, the Rams might find it is already time to move on from Noteboom. Despite his injury, left tackle is at such a premium that there should be interested parties if the Rams are willing to trade him as he only has an $8.5 million base salary. That would make him one of the cheapest veteran tackles in the league, assuming that there are teams that believe he’s a starter. However, if that interest does not exist, the Rams may need to just release him to avoid the $5 million roster bonus.

Re-evaluate the Bobby Wagner situation​

I don’t think there’s enough intel yet to make a full commitment either way with Wagner. But he will be 33 next year and there’s savings no matter what route the Rams choose to go.

What the Rams should not do:​

Re-structure Donald, Ramsey, Floyd​

It was re-structuring Floyd once already that made his savings so inconsiderable next year without a post-June 1 designation. It’s about time for the Rams to have some “outs” with these expensive deals and Matthew Stafford’s biggest cap hits are coming after 2023.

Re-structuring Kupp, releasing Floyd, and parting with Noteboom should do enough to give Snead the wiggle room that the Rams will need.

My feeling is that if the Rams are unable to make truly impactful trades this off-season, we should just ride things out and concentrate on the draft, ... don't add to the problem by seeking out 'B' grade players with 'A' grade CAP repercussions just to temporarily please the fan base. We won it all last year, we had a chance again this year but were hit with unimaginable injuries, the last thing I want to see is Snead risking our future by overcompensating. 2023 & 2024 might just end up becoming reconstruction years, but I still see a great future if we play it right. jmo.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I am fine with BW till he retires!

On WR Robinson I would suggest he & #9 spend a lot more time together on the practice field. Robinson is special.

Yeah, I meant the Author. Wagner and ARob seem to be just fine. People tend to be impatient.