Multiple key Rams will be free agents March 18, and unless extension agreements commence by the start of the tampering period (March 16), they will hit the market. The Rams are not expected to use their franchise tag, GM Les Snead said (via Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com, on Twitter).
While the ninth-year GM did not eliminate the tag as a possibility, the Rams’ major salary commitments always pointed to the team proceeding without applying tags. That makes for a less complicated offseason, factoring in the CBA’s impact on the tag process, but opens the door to multiple key defenders departing in free agency.
Dante Fowler, Michael Brockers and Cory Littleton are UFAs-to-be. Andrew Whitworth is as well, but Sean McVay expects the Pro Bowl left tackle to re-sign. It’s looking like all will be available when the new league year begins. The Rams are set to hold less than $15MM in cap space.
Los Angeles lost key role players last year, with Rodger Saffold, Lamarcus Joyner and Ndamukong Suh among those that departed after Super Bowl LIII. Another exodus may well take place.
Fowler, in particular, stands to receive major interest. The Ravens, Jaguars and Steelers are set to tag Matt Judon, Yannick Ngakoue and Bud Dupree, respectively, thus thinning out the edge rusher market. This will benefit the pass rushers that do make it to free agency. Fowler re-signed with the Rams on a one-year, $12MM contract just before 2019’s free agency period. He can expect a 2020 raise — likely from another team.
The Dallas Cowboys should take notice what the Rams are dealing with after paying for a RB and QB long before they deserve it. No money left to keep other key players.
The Rams GM should have been fired when Fisher was left go . He has this team screwed up about right !!!
Pay your stars top of the market and lose your team. Classic beginner’s error.
mlbnyyfan is right: the Dallas Cowboys are walking right into this wall. Ezekiel Elliott already cleaned out the coffers and Jones is thinking of sinking the team for good paying Dak Prescott north of $35 million/year.
Great for the Redskins and Eagles though: they will have the division mostly to themselves.
The Rams GM should have been fired when Fisher was left go . He has this team screwed up about right !!!