Rams will have tough time choosing which 2023 free agents to retain

[BonifayRam]

After I thought about it Coleman Shelton might see all those big $$$$ OL'ers are getting now & option out for greentarian pastures. Shelton played his way into a contract option this 2023 offseason. Leaving the Rams with just one center Brian Allen.

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/los-angeles-rams-offseason-free-agent-sign-coleman-shelton-pff-sean-mcvay

Rams OL Coleman Shelton Facing Free Agency Decision​

Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Coleman Shelton had a breakout year and played his way into a contract option this offseason ... but what will he do?

• DANIEL FLICK/JAN 26, 2023

The Los Angeles Rams' season was an up-and-down rollercoaster derailed by injuries but not lost in the disappointing campaign was the opportunity presented for several players to step up and build value for themselves moving forward.

Among them is offensive lineman Coleman Shelton, who started 13 games for the Rams while playing both right guard and center due to injuries across the line.

Shelton, 27, had just two starts in 39 career appearances entering this year but began the season as the first-team right guard before shifting to center in the wake of Brian Allen's knee injury. However, after four games, Shelton suffered a high ankle sprain and missed the next five weeks.

But as coach Sean McVay said, Shelton "continued to battle" and returned to the field - and starting lineup - in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals, ultimately doing a "great job" in his first consistent NFL action on offense.
Now, Shelton has a decision to make this offseason: stay in Los Angeles ... or use his option to test the open market and try to secure a more lucrative deal.

Shelton signed a two-year, $3.25 million contract with the Rams last offseason but earned the right to opt out by hitting a playtime benchmark.

And according to Pro Football Focus, if Shelton uses that opt out, re-signing him instantly becomes the team's biggest free agency focus.

If interior offensive lineman Coleman Shelton elects to opt out of the remaining year of his contract signed last offseason, he becomes the Rams’ top priority as a reliable pass protector in 2022 at center and guard on an interior that needs more consistency. - PFF's Brad Spielberger

Dating back to the preseason, McVay noted that he was "really pleased with the ascension" of Shelton, a sign that he took major strides from the year before and only foreshadowed his breakout campaign.

As such, Shelton could be in line for a pay raise ... but also risks not being able to return to Los Angeles, where he's begun to build a reputation as a steady contributor inside.

With the Rams currently $14 million over the salary cap limit, it's possible they couldn't afford to pay Shelton the additional money, making his decision all the more important to both parties - to the extent that it'll take "top priority" if the former undrafted free agent opts to pursue a larger payday.

 

[snackdaddy]

If they can't afford all the top free agents they are losing I'd prefer to see them re-sign Gaines and Gay. Would love to see them find a way to bring back Robinson. Donald, Gaines and Robinson make for a formidable line. A kicker like Gay can win a game or two over a lesser kicker. Its nice to know if you get inside the opponents 35 you're probably going to come away with points. A lesser kicker might force a coach to punt if its 4th and long.

 

[FrantikRam]

Baker Mayfield, QB - No, easy decision
A’Shawn Robinson, DT
Greg Gaines, DT
Troy Hill, CB - No, easy decision
Matt Gay, K
David Edwards, OG/OT
Nick Scott, DB - No, easy decision
Taylor Rapp, DB - No, easy decision
Ty Nsekhe, OT - No, easy decision
Oday Aboushi, OG - No, easy decision
Brandon Powell, WR/KR - minimum or No, easy decision
Riley Dixon, P - No, easy decision
Matt Skura, OG/OC - No, easy decision
Malcolm Brown, RB - No, easy decision
David Long, CB - No, easy decision
Matt Orzech, LS - minimum or No, easy decision
Travin Howard, MLB - No, easy decision



Pretty cut and dry - all would take care of itself except for those four:

Edwards
Gay
Gaines
Robinson

Shoot for one of Gaines/Robinson
Re-sign Gay
Edwards is 50/50 based on his concussions

 

[So Ram]

I’ll wait till next month to way in on my thoughts.

The biggest question I have is how many COMP PICKS?

Plus Baker Mayfield IMO is gone.Can’t see how The Rams can afford him.If he stays,I’ll say Mcvay(Rams) know how to work there MAGIC. Baker Mayfield no matter what happens has been GREAT for The Rams ORGANIZATION

 

[RamDino]

My belief is that the Rams will go "all in" again this year. What I mean is that it would not surprise me if McSnead tries to resign Gaines, Robinson, and Shelton, along with Matt Gay of course.. Push more money into next year and hope they get some players in the draft. Specifically, linemen, edge, and corner. We're gonna need a great draft!

 

[Malibu]

For me like I have said in various posts I would like AShawn, Gaines, Gay and Powell back, BUT and it's a big BUT if they are too expensive they are replaceable imo.

We should not chase anyone of these 4. Gay and aShawn are the 2 strongest for me but I wouldn't chase either offer what we can to improve the team the best way. Overspending with a cash strapped team is not the right approach.

We need 6 key new players upgrades imo.

OLB, LT, LG or C, Safety, 2nd CB and BU QB. 3 - 4 can be found in the draft but at a minimum we need 2 mid to high tier FAs. With this haul getting 5 out of 6 we will be back on top. We will get OLB, LT, LG or C with our 2nd pick we probably can get a LG or C with our 3rd round pick we can get Safety and QB somewhere else in the draft unless a cheap vet BU QB comes available like Bortles did. The LT and OLB are super priorities one must come at #36. I fear it will be the OLB which is great yet I don't see any LTs maybe Brown from the Chiefs. We need a Whit level not a top 5 a top 5-10 LT is fine.

 

[Malibu]

One extra thing I love OBJ pre knee problem I would love to have him back if knee is good. But I doubt he fits into our plans. As for Shelton he can be added to the list if he opts out let him go.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Grant Haley, not mentioned above, is a UFA who I'd like to see returning with a new contract. Long & Hill are likely lost, retaining some of our better CB depth is important.
While I feel Gay is a substantial loss, there are some good Kickers in the draft, one that I like is Jake Moody who was 148 out of 148 with extra points and had an 82.1% field goal percentage, breaking Michigan's school record. Kiper had him as his #4 leading Kicker prior to his East/West Shrine Bowl game.
For Gaines, him signing a multi-year contract would get the Rams a very nicely discounted year 1 CAP hit.
Players like Nsekhe, Dixon, Orzech, Aboushi & Skura should be inexpensive no-brainers slated for return.
Powell I'm still uncertain about, the Rams may not wish to pay him what another team is willing to, really depends on whether we feel strongly enough about the development of others and what might crop up in the draft.
jmo.

 

[Merlin]

Pretty cut and dry - all would take care of itself except for those four:

Edwards
Gay
Gaines
Robinson

Shoot for one of Gaines/Robinson
Re-sign Gay
Edwards is 50/50 based on his concussions

Edwards is done with us. Without Whit whispering sweet nothings in his ear he turned into a marginal player. So on top of the concussions is the question why his game was shit when he was actually on the field. That plus FA is a bad combination for purposes of him returning. I'd say like 95% he's gone.

Robinson had one window of production in the time he spent with us on that FA deal. He was a big reason why we won it all too. But projecting him forward doesn't look good. Age plus wear and tear on that position plus him being nicked up outside of that window where he smelled a ring. He's gone. Probably damn near 100%.

Gaines ok maybe. He's purely whether they can get him in at their number. Of course I am sure they want him but AD plus Floyd making mints and FA teams throwing some cash at Gaines puts the writing on the wall. Gaines is a good player. Someone is going to offer him some cash.

Gay is the guy they're gonna get done. McVay caught a break with kicker and no way he's going back to not knowing what he's got.

 

[Malibu]

None of the names are for sure retains. We all have our favorites we would like to see, but none of the names are superstars and by them leaving we are deeply hurt. Some players I feel we can find better or less expensive in the draft who will be a wash maybe not at first but with significant playing time a wash.

Just so you all know there are a ton of teams over the salary cap so it will be tough for many teams.

 

[Rams43]

Baker Mayfield, QB - No, easy decision
A’Shawn Robinson, DT
Greg Gaines, DT
Troy Hill, CB - No, easy decision
Matt Gay, K
David Edwards, OG/OT
Nick Scott, DB - No, easy decision
Taylor Rapp, DB - No, easy decision
Ty Nsekhe, OT - No, easy decision
Oday Aboushi, OG - No, easy decision
Brandon Powell, WR/KR - minimum or No, easy decision
Riley Dixon, P - No, easy decision
Matt Skura, OG/OC - No, easy decision
Malcolm Brown, RB - No, easy decision
David Long, CB - No, easy decision
Matt Orzech, LS - minimum or No, easy decision
Travin Howard, MLB - No, easy decision



Pretty cut and dry - all would take care of itself except for those four:

Edwards
Gay
Gaines
Robinson

Shoot for one of Gaines/Robinson
Re-sign Gay
Edwards is 50/50 based on his concussions

Pretty close, but I have a few tweaks.

Depends on what Mayfield will settle for to be a 1-2 year backup. If not Mayfield, then Rams have to find and sign a vet from SOMEWHERE, right?

Edwards is a goner. That was true since before the concussions. He’s just not good enough.

I would attempt to extend Gaines if he’s at all affordable. If not affordable then he will fetch a decent comp pick.

I think Robinson is a goner. Another decent comp pick candidate.

Yeah, Gay extension is a no brainer.

Nick Scott just might be affordable for extension. A crowd favorite with intangibles off the charts. Our Safety corps is already weak.

 

[Riverumbbq]

After I thought about it Coleman Shelton might see all those big $$$$ OL'ers are getting now & option out for greentarian pastures. Shelton played his way into a contract option this 2023 offseason. Leaving the Rams with just one center Brian Allen.

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/los-angeles-rams-offseason-free-agent-sign-coleman-shelton-pff-sean-mcvay

Rams OL Coleman Shelton Facing Free Agency Decision​

Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Coleman Shelton had a breakout year and played his way into a contract option this offseason ... but what will he do?

• DANIEL FLICK/JAN 26, 2023

The Los Angeles Rams' season was an up-and-down rollercoaster derailed by injuries but not lost in the disappointing campaign was the opportunity presented for several players to step up and build value for themselves moving forward.

Among them is offensive lineman Coleman Shelton, who started 13 games for the Rams while playing both right guard and center due to injuries across the line.

Shelton, 27, had just two starts in 39 career appearances entering this year but began the season as the first-team right guard before shifting to center in the wake of Brian Allen's knee injury. However, after four games, Shelton suffered a high ankle sprain and missed the next five weeks.

But as coach Sean McVay said, Shelton "continued to battle" and returned to the field - and starting lineup - in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals, ultimately doing a "great job" in his first consistent NFL action on offense.
Now, Shelton has a decision to make this offseason: stay in Los Angeles ... or use his option to test the open market and try to secure a more lucrative deal.

Shelton signed a two-year, $3.25 million contract with the Rams last offseason but earned the right to opt out by hitting a playtime benchmark.

And according to Pro Football Focus, if Shelton uses that opt out, re-signing him instantly becomes the team's biggest free agency focus.

Dating back to the preseason, McVay noted that he was "really pleased with the ascension" of Shelton, a sign that he took major strides from the year before and only foreshadowed his breakout campaign.

As such, Shelton could be in line for a pay raise ... but also risks not being able to return to Los Angeles, where he's begun to build a reputation as a steady contributor inside.

With the Rams currently $14 million over the salary cap limit, it's possible they couldn't afford to pay Shelton the additional money, making his decision all the more important to both parties - to the extent that it'll take "top priority" if the former undrafted free agent opts to pursue a larger payday.

This certainly exacerbates our tough situation at Center. I believe it also gives Allen another year to add some value to a rocky resume. I'd assume our draft gurus would double down on bringing in a high quality C/OG, someone who might start at LG in 2023 and move over to Center for 2024.
If Shelton moves on, retaining Skura moves up in importance, so I might anticipate Allen as starter & Skura in reserve until the rookie Center gets up to speed, and he should be able to accomplish this while simultaneously starting at LG. jmo.

 

[Malibu]

I see some thinking Mayfield will or might stay and I say why? There are AT LEAST 14 teams that need QBs there are 4 that will go in the first round, then Carr but Raiders have a hole. Same with Lamar but then Balt. has a whole. Maybe Rodgers and then there is Jimmy G after him there are b tier. Mayfield is B+/A- tier so there is tons of options for teams. He won't cost a fortune and teams could look at him as a bridge. Also watching the Rams teams realize with a solid team around him notwithstanding our OL last year he can thrive perfect a team like SF, TB etc. These teams have a lot of the pieces in place they just need a strong game manager.

 

[Ram65]

Rams 2023 unrestricted free agents:

Troy Hill, CB
David Edwards, OG/OT
Nick Scott, DB
Oday Aboushi, OG
Matt Skura, OG/OC
Malcolm Brown, RB
David Long, CB
Matt Orzech, LS
Travin Howard, MLB

Baker Mayfield, QB-I don't think he works as Stafford's heir apparent.

A’Shawn Robinson, DT-It depends on money. I think he still has two/three good years left in him.
Greg Gaines, DT-Money again and the younger player with room to grow.

At least one of the two.

Matt Gay, K-I wondered why the Rams didn't keep Dicker the Kicker on a rookie contract. Granted Gay had a Pro Bowl year. He has made 60 of 64 FG attempts. Now they have to pay him.

Riley Dixon P-Solid kicker that needs better coverage gunners. The Rams need to let him compete for the job.

Ty Nsekhe OT-Why not? Seemed serviceable LT to be a backup. Hard to find even at his age.

Brandon Powell, WR/KR-Depends on cost. Good returner and runner as a WR.

Taylor Rapp, DB-Would be a surprise, is he better than Scott?

 

[Riverumbbq]

I see some thinking Mayfield will or might stay and I say why? There are AT LEAST 14 teams that need QBs there are 4 that will go in the first round, then Carr but Raiders have a hole. Same with Lamar but then Balt. has a whole. Maybe Rodgers and then there is Jimmy G after him there are b tier. Mayfield is B+/A- tier so there is tons of options for teams. He won't cost a fortune and teams could look at him as a bridge. Also watching the Rams teams realize with a solid team around him notwithstanding our OL last year he can thrive perfect a team like SF, TB etc. These teams have a lot of the pieces in place they just need a strong game manager.

You ask why ?, but that's going to come down to several factors we fans can only speculate on at this time.
If Spotrac's estimated per year value for Mayfield as a free agent registers anywhere close to $6.5Mil., then I imagine he'll have a few suitors, maybe even the Rams. If Stafford has suggested an imminent retirement to the Rams, maybe following the 2024 season, perhaps the Rams see some value in Mayfield as a long term prospect. And remember, the first year for long-term contracts are heavily discounted, so if the Rams see themselves with deep play-off capabilities while Donald, Kupp & Ramsey are still with us, having a quality reserve QB like Mayfield could pay big dividends.
Mind you, I'm not suggesting it will go down this way, Mayfield's Spotrac estimated value could be way off base, but you asked why, and that bridge you speak of might be him waiting out Stafford. jmo.

 

[BC Ramfan]

My guesses/preferences:
Rams 2023 unrestricted free agents:

Troy Hill, CB If cheap, sure.
David Edwards, OG/OT. Nope
Nick Scott, DB. If cheap, but Doubt it.
Oday Aboushi, OG. Nope
Matt Skura, OG/OC Yes please. Will be Cheap.
Malcolm Brown, RB. Nope
David Long, CB. Nope
Matt Orzech, LS. If cheap, sure.
Travin Howard, MLB. If cheap, sure.

Baker Mayfield, QB- If cheap, but Doubt it.

A’Shawn Robinson, DT
Greg Gaines, DT
At least one of the two. Hope so.

Matt Gay, K- If cheap, but Doubt it.
Riley Dixon P- Nope .
Ty Nsekhe OT- Yes please. Will be Cheap.
Brandon Powell, R. If cheap, but Doubt it.
Taylor Rapp, DB- Nope

BC

 

[Steve808]

Matt Gay is the tough decision one. He’s fantastic and you don’t want to lose such a great kicker. But how do you justify spending that much of our cap when we have so little. I fear that this will be one we gotta let go - even though we don’t want to at all. Man Snead is gonna have to earn his salary this off-season with so many big roster decisions ahead.

We need Matt Gay. After they let Zuerlein walk, extra points became shaky.

And we need Gaines or Robinson. We can't afford to lose both.

Powell has proven to be a sure handed and at times explosive punt returner.