Analysis

2/20/22

4 min read

Los Angeles Rams Free Agency Outlook

Los Angeles Rams Free Agency Preview

The Los Angeles Rams are on top of the world as they won their first Super Bowl as the LA Rams after a Cooper Kupp last-minute touchdown propelled them over the Cincinnati Bengals. It was truly a magical season with the Rams winning a highly competitive NFC West and only losing one game after Week 12. Kupp had arguably one of the best individual seasons from a wide receiver in the history of the NFL, culminating in Super Bowl MVP. But as with all Super Bowl Champions, there comes a point in time where they will need to start focusing on the offseason. With no first-round picks until 2024, this team will have to hit on its later round picks once again in order to continue to contend. Los Angeles is approximately $17.8 million over the cap, and they will need to make a plethora of moves to ideally position themselves for the 2022 season. 

Update: The Rams are now $20,273,914 over the cap.

Los Angeles’ Impending Free Agents:

  • EDGE Von Miller
  • CB Darious Williams
  • RB Sony Michel
  • CB Donte Deayon
  • WR Brandon Powell
  • TE Johnny Mundt
  • RB Buddy Howell
  • P Johnny Hekker
  • WR Odell Beckham Jr. (VOID)
  • LG Coleman Shelton (RFA)
  • LG Jamil Demby (RFA)
  • S Antoine Brooks (SFA)
  • LB Troy Reeder (RFA)
  • K Matt Gay (RFA)
  • LB Travin Howard (RFA)
  • QB John Wolford (ERFA)

The Rams are in a difficult cap situation, but are in position to figure a way out of it. The only issue is that this may include letting go of some key pieces. With reports coming out that star defensive tackle Aaron Donald wants both Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller back on the team, the team may be pressed to keep both star veterans around. Both were instrumental in the Rams defeating the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, and they will most likely be top priorities. Moreover, RG Austin Corbett and C Brian Allen are two key pieces of the offensive line that Los Angeles should look to retain.

Franchise Tag:

  • LT Joseph Noteboom (Projected Franchise Tag Price: $16.698 M)
  • CB Darious Williams (Projected Franchise Tag Price: $17.5M)
  • EDGE Von Miller (Projected Franchise Tag Price: $17.5M)

Seeing how many key free agents the Rams have, it is very possible that the Rams will not use their franchise tag this offseason. Darious Williams and Von Miller are both potential candidates, and backup left tackle Joseph Noteboom is a sneaky candidate to receive the tag if Andrew Whitworth retires. Noteboom only started two games during the 2021 season, but he played a huge role in a number of games, particularly the Divisional Round playoff game against the Buccaneers where he did not give up a sack and recorded a pass-blocking grade of 86.3 according to Pro Football Focus. If the Rams expect another team to make a substantial offer to Noteboom, the tag could be in play.

Update: The Rams decided to not use their franchise tag this offseason. 

Top Team Needs:

  1. Linebacker
  2. Interior Offensive Line
  3. Corner Opposite Jalen Ramsey
  4. Specialists (Punter & Kicker)

After a Super Bowl LVI win, the Rams will have some work to do in order to keep the band together, let alone improve. No team has repeated as Super Bowl Champions since the 03-04 New England Patriots. The biggest need for the Rams will be left tackle, as Whitworth could potentially retire and backup tackle Joseph Noteboom is a free agent. The Rams will need to lock up this position for the foreseeable future in order to keep Matthew Stafford during the duration of his tenure in Los Angeles. Another position of need will be linebacker as starters Von Miller and Troy Reeder could potentially test the free agent market this offseason. The interior offensive line is a similar story as starters Austin Corbett and Brian Allen are also free agents. Lastly, the Rams could look to get younger at the second cornerback position, especially if Darious Williams proves to be too costly to bring back.

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