Rams 2024 Internal Free Agent Priority List (Midseason Edition)

[AvengerRam]

Unlike previous years, the Rams' 2024 list of internal free agents is not particularly long, and does not include many key starters.

Nonetheless, decisions will have to be made. So... based on performance thus far, here are my priority lists:

Unrestricted Free Agents

GROUP 1 (Bring 'em back!): Kevin Dotson, Ahkello Witherspoon
These are two players who came with little fanfare but have performed well as starters. I presume both can be extended at a reasonable price before they hit the FA market. These are the kind of "glue" players who will be important going forward.

GROUP 2 (Take 'em or leave 'em): Larrell Murchison, Jordan Fuller, Duke Shelley
Completely replaceable. If they want to accept minimal contracts to stay in L.A., fine. Otherwise... buh-bye.

GROUP 3 (Out with the old...): John Johnson, Brycen Hopkins, Demarcus Robinson, Tremayne Anchrum, Troy Reeder
Thank you for your service.

Restricted/Exclusive Rights Free Agents

GROUP 1 (Tender 'em): Alaric Jackson, Michael Hoecht, Jonah Williams
I don't want any of these guys starting in 2024 but, on the cheap, they are decent as depth players.

GROUP 2 (Free to go!): Christian Rozeboom, Ronnie Rivers, Zach Thomas, Earnest Brown

 

[Ramstien]

I like keeping Dotson, Witherspoon, and possibly Fuller.

 

[Psycho_X]

Only one I want to resign absolutely is Dotson so far. I would like to have Witherspoon back but he's going to be 29 with a lot of injury history. He's never gotten a long term big contract so I fully expect him to go to the highest bidder and I don't blame him. So would depend on the market. I want him back but depends on long term cost.

Everyone else I could take or leave... mostly leave. Other than the RFAs which would all be worth bringing back for depth.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Only one I want to resign absolutely is Dotson so far. I would like to have Witherspoon back but he's going to be 29 with a lot of injury history. He's never gotten a long term big contract so I fully expect him to go to the highest bidder and I don't blame him. So would depend on the market. I want him back but depends on long term cost.

Everyone else I could take or leave... mostly leave. Other than the RFAs which would all be worth bringing back for depth.

Agree. For me, it begins and ends with Kevin Dotson.

 

[HitStick]

Kevin Dotson should be extended before the off-season. Dude is a stud. We robbed the Steelers

 

[Allen2McVay]

Kevin Dotson should be extended before the off-season. Dude is a stud. We robbed the Steelers

I agree ... But ... Dotson may want to test free agency. How high should the Rams go with an offer?

There are plenty of guards that have contracts with Average-Annual-Values in excess of $10M-per-year.

 

[OldSchool]

I expect Witherspoon will move down the list as the season progresses.

 

[AvengerRam]

I expect Witherspoon will move down the list as the season progresses.

Really? Why?

 

[FrantikRam]

I definitely want Rivers back, would be a competent backup and a great RB3

Dotson, yes please, but I have a sinking feeling it'll be for $12+ million per year

Need some space for a CB and EDGE, then a G if we don't retain Dotson. That's really all I care about for FA this year

 

[Riverumbbq]

News Analysis: Rams' season is at crossroads but barring playoff run, building blocks are set for 2024

With eight games remaining, mathematically the Rams could make a run to fight for a playoff spot but more likely the battle leads to building for 2024.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[XXXIVwin]

Unlike previous years, the Rams' 2024 list of internal free agents is not particularly long, and does not include many key starters.

IMO the 2024 list of internal UFA's is the shortest it's been in ages. We've already re-signed Higbee. And unfortunately the 2020 draft class ended up being almost a total bust. Check out these names: Akers, Van Jeff, T Lewis, Burgess, Hopkins, Fuller, Clay Johnston, Sloman, Anchrum. Only one we would want to keep is Fuller. (Anchrum perhaps on a super-cheap backup deal.)

The only 2 UFA's we'd want to keep we found in the bargain bin: Steelers gave up on Dotson, and all the other 31 teams declined to sign Witherspoon for months. Only other name we *might* want to add to this list is Wentz!

Bottom line-- one of the main reasons I'm optimistic about the Rams in 2024 is our incredibly short list of internal UFA's. Yes we have holes to fill, but as compared to recent years, we have far fewer guys that we can't afford to lose.

 

[OldSchool]

Really? Why?

He's very inconsistent and has had long stretches of bad play after some good play. There's a reason every club he's been on ket him go. He also wasn't very good the last couple of games.

 

[AvengerRam]

He's very inconsistent and has had long stretches of bad play after some good play. There's a reason every club he's been on ket him go. He also wasn't very good the last couple of games.

He leads the Rams in (lowest) passer rating allowed (56.8), interceptions (2), fumble recoveries (2) and passes defended (6).

I think you are vastly underrating his performance.

 

[OldSchool]

He leads the Rams in (lowest) passer rating allowed (56.8), interceptions (2), fumble recoveries (2) and passes defended (6).

I think you are vastly underrating his performance.

He's had a good year I never said anything to the contrary. Last week was not a performance equal to the previous weeks. And his performance prior to this year has nothing to do with these rankings and stats you listed.

Am I mistaken about his travels before the Rams or his performance last week?

 

[AvengerRam]

He's had a good year I never said anything to the contrary. Last week was not a performance equal to the previous weeks. And his performance prior to this year has nothing to do with these rankings and stats you listed.

Am I mistaken about his travels before the Rams or his performance last week?

The topic is whether to re-sign him. You said “no,” and made general assertions about his performance.

Based on his overall performance in 2023, I say “yes.”

 

[OldSchool]

The topic is whether to re-sign him. You said “no,” and made general assertions about his performance. You didn’t specify any time period.

Based on his overall performance in 2023, I say “yes.”

Actually my comment was by the end of the year I think more people will say no. Based on what I've said in earlier posts here about him.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Witherspoon got waxed against GB and wasn't great in Pitt. We need to improve on the outside at CB. I like him on a good deal as depth. Dotson is a re-sign and Robinson is a possibility but it depends on cost and what we do in the WR room moving forward. Fuller is fine @ a 2.75 - 3.25 2024 cap hit not much more

 

[SteezyEndo]

The Steeler boys are a blessing. Steelers are known for good OL and Defense so they know whats up. Eventhough Witherspoon played for the 9ers the longest in his NFL career I can forgive that he brings good energy and skill, he is a keeper…

 

[oldnotdead]

IMO Jackson has to dominate in the second half to keep his job. If he does the Rams will extend him. But because he's a RFA I think he gets a second round tender if the Rams have any doubts.

Dotson is a keeper for the right price. He's better than Corbett in the run game and equal in pass protection. They wanted to keep Corbett for the right price as well. Coin toss IMO.

McClendon IMO was drafted for that RG spot. So a lot depends upon how good or not they feel about him.

Witherspoon IMO gets a 3 year deal.

Freeman gets at least a two year deal. RB room should be Williams, Freeman, Evans

Shelton gets a 4 year deal.

Noteboom gets his remaining $20M on his contract restructured to over the remaining 3 years on the deal. He starts at RT or RG depending upon Dotson and McClendon.

They will draft at least one WR. WR room: Kupp, Nacua, Atwell, drafted player, Skowronek (I think next year will be Benny's last as a Ram), Smith (I think he becomes the returner if not this year than next year as Trammell brings nothing to the table as a WR).

They draft another edge in the second or third round. They draft a OT in the second or third round. They are projected to get a 3rd round comp pick I think they take a CB. I think they take a LB in the fourth round the Rams need a true WIL with size and speed and coverage ability. Be it a LB or SS converted to LB that is what they need. It's why I think Fuller only gets extended if he can play that position. He needs to bulk up and strengthen to do it. Otherwise, I expect Fuller will be allowed to walk. They look to get a comp pick in the 5th so they can take a LB or big SS in that round.

Personally I would love to see Penix with Kalen DeBoer as HC. DeBoer has an offensive background and runs an offense very much like LA does now. One thing about Kalen is he doesn't abandon the run for no reason like McVay is prone to do. He understands the importance of a balanced approach. Even if the run isn't working the threat of the run backs the front 7 off from simply teeing off on the QB. He also understands the need for a strong OL and has a very good one in front of Penix.

I know it's blasphemy in LA to say it but in many ways, DeBoer is a better HC than McVay. Whatever NFL team gets DeBoer will be a winner in short order. The last thing I want is for him to go to the SeaHawks.

 

[Giles]

Dotson is a must.