A closer look at what could be next for Rams and Saffold

A closer look at what could be next for Rams and Rodger Saffold

Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/22583/a-closer-look-at-what-could-be-next-for-rams-and-rodger-saffold

EARTH CITY, Mo. — Now that the St. Louis Rams have placed right guard Rodger Saffold on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, the obvious question that many are wondering is what is next for Saffold and the team?

Given that this is Saffold’s second shoulder surgery in as many years (one to each shoulder) and his long history of injury issues, it’s a fair question to ask. We can start by examining what remains on the five-year contract Saffold signed with the team in the 2014 offseason.

Here’s the breakdown of the remaining three years:

2016

Base salary: $4.5 million (guaranteed for injury only, becomes guaranteed on third day of league year)

Signing bonus: $1 million

Roster bonus: Up to $375,000 (bonus of $23,438 per game active)

Cash value: $4.875 million

Cap value: $5.875 million

2017

Base salary: $4,722,233

Signing bonus: $1 million

Roster bonus: Up to $375,000 (bonus of $23,438 per game active)

Cash value: $5,097,233

Cap value: $6,097,233

Notes: Saffold can void this season if he reaches certain incentives.

2018

Base salary: $5 million

Signing bonus: $1 million

Roster bonus: Up to $1.375 million (bonus of $23,438 per game active plus $1 million if still on roster third day of league year)

Cash value: $6.375 million

Cap value: $7.375 million

Notes: Saffold can void this season if he reaches certain incentives.

Should the Rams release Saffold, the only money that would count against the salary cap is what’s left of the prorated signing bonus. So in addition to the $1 million of signing bonus money scheduled to count next year, the remaining $2 million would accelerate upon his release for total dead money around $3 million. The Rams still would realize a net savings of around $3 million, but still have $3 million in dead money.

While Saffold’s $4.5 million base salary for 2016 currently is guaranteed for injury only and becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the league year, the Rams would have to make a decision before then. That means Saffold would need to pass a physical before then to be considered healthy enough to be released without an injury designation. Even if he were to pass and the Rams released him without the injury designation, Saffold still could theoretically file an injury grievance.

Of course, all of that is way down the line and assumes the Rams would release him. That’s no sure thing. The Rams have been patient with injured players in the past, bringing back high-priced veterans such as quarterback Sam Bradford, tackle Jake Long and center Scott Wells after serious injuries. But it should be noted that they parted ways with all three of those players when they suffered further injury.

On one hand, a $6 million cap hit isn’t an outrageous amount to pay a player with Saffold’s experience and versatility. And though he will have two surgically repaired shoulders, one could also argue that he’s at least had them fixed and should have fewer problems with them moving forward. For a young line, subtracting the most experienced lineman, even a year from now, is risky business without a suitable replacement lined up.

On the other hand, the Rams already have drafted youngsters Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann to groom for the future. Neither figures to play right away, but they’re both just another offensive line injury away from getting in the mix. If either plays and proves capable, it could make the decision easier. While $6 million isn’t a lot for a starting guard, it’s a lot for anyone who can’t stay on the field.

Regardless, we’ve reached a point where Saffold’s injury issues make it necessary for the Rams to at least weigh their options heading into the offseason.