NFL chat with Jim Thomas, 2/23

NFL chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_6?Page=3

Will Goodell ever step down? No just with the Rams but the man seems like a major pushover. Still not sure how he got to be commish in the first place.
by Texasformerram 2:04 PM

He seems to be very popular with the owners who keep paying him outrageous sums of money in salary.
by jthomas 2:04 PM

Are players and coaches still working in St. Louis facilities?
by bfulton 2:09 PM

Coaches still working at Rams Park and will do so for about another month. Players don’t have to be around this time of year _ the offseason conditioning program doesn’t start until April 18 for a team like the Rams that is returning its head coach. However, players can come in voluntarily to work out or work with the athletic trainers. Laurinaitis was in the building last Friday when he found out he was being released.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

Is there any more clarity on how the Rams are going to play in the QB free agent market?
by bfulton 2:12 PM

Not really. But the free agency period isn’t that far away _ March 9. So we don’t have long to wait.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

So is the Rams staff working out of trailers in California?
by Gerald Reynolds 2:13 PM

They’re still at Rams Park in suburban St. Louis for another month.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

So stan is paying $2B for the stadium, $550M for relocation, who knows how much for a facility, moving the team/staff … what do you suppose a PSL has to cost to not only pay for that, but make a profit?
by Gerald Reynolds 2:13 PM

There have been reports that the stadium will now cost in excess of $2.5 billion. So yeah, I think there will be sticker shock_ even by LA standards _ when those PSL prices come out in a couple of years for the Inglewood stadium. I think $250 was the cheapest PSL for the Edward Jones Dome back in ’95.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Just an FYI from the West Coast: So far, I’m getting my Rams news first from your website. Literally. Another example was last week, when the Long-Laurinaitis news was posted on your site before anybody out here had anything.
by Swede \”Harlan\” Svare 2:16 PM

Well, thank you. But I’m sure the LA media will get up to speed the closer we get to the games starting in 2016. And I’m sure the LA media will be at the Combine in force this week. I’m leaving tonight for Indy.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Rams fan from New England area. So I don’t get to see a lot of games. What is the real deal on Laurianitis. It cant’s just be about money. Was he really starting to fade? Hard to believe he is cut, and Saffold is still here. Him and long will both be more than welcome on the Patriots.
by ptphoto 2:19 PM

Laurinaitis was never the fastest runner or hardest hitter. But he is smart, productive, durable, and versatile. He is still only 29 years old, and didn’t miss any games, but did have nagging injuries in 2014 (ankle/foot) and 2015 (elbow). I think the Rams feel Ogletree will give them a more athletic presence in the middle.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Yikes, you’ll be joining LA media at the combine to both cover the Rams? That will be awkward, won’t it? Will you be comparing the size of your notepads?
by Michael Fitzpatrick 2:22 PM

Won’t be awkward. I either know or have met most of the main LA writers. And the only time we’ll really overlap in what we’re doing is at the Fisher and Snead media sessions.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

What’s your take on these allegations against Peyton Manning resurfacing from his college days? Do you think they have the potential to hurt his HOF chances?
by Patrick Fitzmichael 2:24 PM

You know, I need to read more of the stories on this to have any kind of real opinion. But in terms of HOF voting, off-field issues aren’t supposed to be taken into consideration by voters.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Jim, your notepad is second to no one’s in la … even mine!
by John Holmes 2:25 PM

And actually, in this age of digital recorders, not many reporters even carry around notebooks any more.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Is there any desire to ask fisher any questions about the move, or will it just be all draft?
by Johnny 2:26 PM

I know I’ll be asking some. Overall, I think it will be a mix of those topics.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Olgletree and Barron will be fun to watch, Do you think the Rams miss Laurinaitus , I think it was a good move, The LA media will be picking your brain JIM!
by snapprams 2:27 PM

Yes, I think there’s a lot of potential in those two playing side-by-side. The Rams will be a little undersized at LB though. I think the Rams will miss Laurinaitis’ leadership and savvy. As for the LA media, if the situation were reversed, I’d be doing the same.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

Shouldn’t Kroenke get some credit for what he accomplished? He relocated an entire multi-million franchise and is responsible for the construction of a 1 billion dollar facility. How many people could have done that? I understand that he’s a cold, calculated, unemotional business man, but doesn’t the world need people like that in order to move mountains? OK, so he shunned St Louis, and would not speak to the media. Neither one of those was illegal. I think you need to hand it to him for what he accomplished. How many people were willing to put their neck on the line and do what he did? My guess would be not many. I respect the man.
by David 2:29 PM

He put his “neck on the line” to make more money. To double the value of his franchise. I don’t think you get medals for that. And I don’t think you get medals for turning your back on a city, and ripping the city on the way out. I think he probably gets what he wants _ the votes to move to LA _ without taking the low road w/respect to how he portrayed St. Louis as a dying market.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

Hey Jim, With the recent cap cuts this past week, does that leave them enough cap room to resign their own plus make a free agent splash?
by Dwayne 2:31 PM

Yes. Look at it this way. Assuming the Rams re-sign Jenkins, Johnson, McLeod, Barron, Hayes, Sims _ and pay them all an average of $7 million a year _ that will cost the Rams about $39 million in cap space. That still leaves $25 million-plus. (And I think it’s a safe bet they won’t sign all six, and it’s an even safer bet that they would average under $7 million a year even if they all were signed.) Now beyond those six players, there are other UFAs such as Zuerlein, Quick, Harkey, Fairley, but they won’t sign them all and that group won’t be nearly as expensive.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Are there any doubts about Quinn coming back full strength?
by Healey 2:38 PM

Backs can be tricky, but I don’t sense any concern among the Rams on Quinn.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Sorry, Jim.. just have to vent on David’s comment… While moving an NFL franchise isn’t that big of an accomplishment, he’s absolutely correct when he asks how many people could be responsible for a multibillion dollar facility. But that doesn’t reflect on his social, moral or intellectual superiority… it’s because he’s rich. And why is he rich? He married well, and then made more money building strip shopping centers for his wife’s business, extracting as many public concessions as he could to do so. Not sure why any of that deserves admiration.
by SadRamsFan 2:40 PM

Between he and his wife, they’re worth over $12 billion. So even if the project was a complete failure, they’d still have enough money to scrape by.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

So? What’s wrong with making more money? Everyone has the right to do that no matter what your financial status is.
by David 2:41 PM

Well, make it building another strip mall. Why do you have to rip a franchise out of a town. Kroenke has now played a major role in doing that twice. The Rams never would have left Anaheim in 1995 if Kroenke hadn’t decided that he could make much more money in St. Louis _ at least in the short term _ than by staying in southern California as a minority investor. Now, after helping to run the franchise into the ground in St. Louis, he has left in locust-like fashion for greener pastures back in LA. I wonder if the league will let him move out of LA again if he finds a better deal elsewhere in 15 years?
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Where do he following end up next season; RG3, Johnny FB, Bradford and Cousins?
by Don 2:46 PM

My best guesses, Bradford stays in Philly; Cousins stays in Washington; Johnny FB doesn’t have a job at the start of the season: RGIII _ let’s say Los Angeles..
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Only in the nfl can you consistently put a horrible product on the field, alienate your fans and be rewarded with the largest available market just because you have the “jack” to put into it.
by Amber 2:48 PM

And because of the TV dollars, it is impossible to lose money.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

This Saturday is the home/season opener of the St. Louis Raiders arena football team at the St. Charles Family Arena. Will you or anyone from the Post cover the team to show that St. Louis supports all its football teams no matter what league (big or small) they play in. These players are playing for love of the game and not the money.
by Den 2:48 PM

I will be at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday. I’m unaware that we have any coverage plans.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Jim, Don’t you think Georgia was hell bent on leaving LA at the time and would have hooked up with Baltimore if not StL? She had created a toxic relationship with the LA fans and media.
by AC 2:49 PM

No. Kroenke was given the option. Invest in team and keep it in Anaheim. Or invest in team and move to St. Louis.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Any change in the amount of questions in your chats since the move was announced?
by Mike 2:50 PM

The first few weeks after the relocation vote, I think we had more questions than usual. The volume has gone down some since then, but it usually does at this time of year.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Any idea where Long ends up? Chicago with his brother?
by ndoz 2:54 PM

I don’t think it’ll be Chicago. The Bears run a 3-4 alignment, and it’s difficult to see Long making the switch this far along in his career after playing so many years in a 4-3.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Does Manning retire?
by Don 2:55 PM

I think everyone expects him to.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

I guess with today’s story about the NFL’s accounting “mistake” we start to realize why there are giving up their tax-exempt status. Better to count those Billions behind closed doors. How will history remember the Goodell era in the NFL?
by Terrance Stamp 2:55 PM

I think the Goodell era probably has many more years remaining before it plays out. The league has had unprecedented growth. And as long as that’s the case, I don’t think the owners _ at least most of them _ will have any problems with Goodell.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

What about you, Jim? Will you still cover the NFL without a team in town?
by ndoz 2:57 PM

Yes, our thought is that the NFL is big enough that even without a team in town we will continue to cover it. It will be different and not quite as intensive as it was with a team in town. But we will still have an NFL presence. I will be at the combine this week, the NFL owners meetings in March, attend a couple of pro days, cover the draft. We’ll still do some Rams stuff, but again not nearly as much as if the team were in StL.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

I’m not saying I’m happy the Rams left, all I’m saying is I admire the fact he even had the ability to do what he did.
by David 3:00 PM

Maybe if he decided to spend the money on finding a cure for cancer I’d have admiration.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Let’s play swami, you pick champs each division for 16/17.
by Don 3:01 PM

Can we come back to that one after the draft?
by jthomas 3:01 PM

What David is saying is that he just admires extremely rich people regardless of whether or not they have ANY moral compass.
by Knux 3:02 PM

David, I don’t think you have many friends on the chat right now. But thanks for playing. . . . .
by jthomas 3:02 PM

What is your favorite NFL city to visit?
by Walt 3:02 PM

1.) Green Bay; 2.) Seattle. 3.) New Orleans. Also, Kansas City, Chicago, Arizona would have to rate up there
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Thanks Jim, again, for these great chats. I have noticed much free agency action not even of teams resigning there own players. Is it me or is this abnormally late?
by bfulton 3:06 PM

No, I think it’s about the same. We’ll see the action pick up after the combine – where agents meeting teams about free agents is almost as important as what goes on with the college draft prospects.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

So they had James L. come to California and do some promotional stuff then cut him? Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing?
by El Conquistador 3:07 PM

I don’t think Laurinaitis actually traveled to LA for any appearances. He just did some media interviews at the club’s request with southern California media.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Isn’t it a no-brainer that Ogletree takes over at MLB for Rams? Or am I missing something? I appreciated Laturinaitis’ career here — his loyalty and leadership — but really, wasn’t he average at best as an MLB?
by Ghost of Sparky Stalcup 3:09 PM

Yes, I think that’s the plan: Ogletre at MLB. And I think Laurinaitis was better than average _ much better than average in some seasons.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

So that would be a “not in the near future”? You do have a point, I guess the owners like a man they can smack around.
by Texasformerram 3:10 PM

If you’re referring to Goodell, I think the owners like a man that keeps making them money.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Hi Jim, can You share with us what was it last year with then free agent center Wisniewski that eventually led the Rams away from him? He played all 16 games for the Jaguars eventually.
Thanks for your work, greetings from your biggest and probably only Hungarian fan
by gaborini 3:11 PM

How can I phrase this? They had some doubts about his availability for all 16 games.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

I was in la 2 weeks ago. Interesting observations. While some were aware of rams moving, very few cared. Even fewer expressed any interest going to a game and seem quite content following current teams. I know the nfl is a cash cow, but I think its going to take more than demoff and company to raise interest … how long before demoff is fired?
by Walt 3:12 PM

Well, judging by the response on season-ticket deposits, it looks like there are enough Rams fans in the LA area _ at least for now. I think Demoff is more likely to get a pay raise from Kroenke for helping to orchestrate the move than get fired.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

How hard is it to weed out the BS that comes out this time of year from the truth when it comes to personal moves
by UP North 3:14 PM

When it comes to the draft, especially, you really don’t know for sure until draft day.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

What players are you most looking forward to seeing at the combine and why?
by Tom R 3:15 PM

Carson Wentz the QB from North Dakota State. He really burst onto the scene at the Senior Bowl and now could be the No. 1 QB taken in the draft, and maybe go No. 2 overall. Ezekiel Elliott, the running back from Ohio State (and John Burroughs High in St. Louis). He is head and shoulders the top RB in this draft class. How high does he go? And also just want to get a feel for the top of this defensive line class. It’s supposed to be one of the best in years.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Not so sure about Fitzpatrick for Rams QB, he seems to do really well only with Chan Gailey calling plays. Do the Rams use a similar system? What say you, Jim
by Youngblood 3:19 PM

Not really sure if Gailey’s system is similar to what the Rams will use under Boras and new passing game coordinator Groh. I still think Fitz would be an upgrade.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Do you see the rams making an aggressive offer on Fitzpatrick or Osweiler if either becomes a free agent.? Thanks
by Paul 3:21 PM

I would think both would be under consideration if they hit the market.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

I remember reading about the Manning Moon 10 years ago. Disappointed Sean King tries to make a sophomoric college prank into a sexual assault. I’m not real Manning fan, but this reeks of desperate journalism now that he likely retiring. As usual Mr King, without something exceptional (TBay defense, shock journalism) is simply not good enough
by Youngblood 3:22 PM

And it did happen 20 years ago.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Odds that Lauranitis, Long and Cook play football next year?
by Healey 3:22 PM

99.8 percent.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Were you surprised that Lauirinatus was cut? That Saffold was kept? What is the salary floor for 2016 and how much more do the Rams need to spend to reach it?
by C Dobler 3:23 PM

A little bit on Laurinaitis because his cap number wasn’t really that high. (About $6.4 million.) As for Saffold maybe they feel they need another veteran’s presence on the line. The cap floor is 89% _ but it’s my understanding that it’s 89% over a four-year period. So the Rams don’t have any issues there.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

I’m stunned by the Long and Laurinitis cuts. I would’ve thought deals would’ve been made there. Are the Rams going to fill those needs in house or go to the draft?
by bfulton 3:27 PM

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams used a high draft pick on a pass-rushing DE. But if they re-sign Hayes and pair him with Quinn they should be fine, after which they’re just looking for rotation players. And as mentioned earlier, Ogletree is expected to play MLB.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Did the Rams cut Laurenitis, Long and Cook to get cap room to make a BIG free agent signing to make a Splash with LA fans. I can understand Cook and Long but I would think Laurenitis still can make a big contribution. I cannot believe that free agent signing would be Peyton Manning if he doesn’t go back to the Bronchos.
by LouieB 3:29 PM

There can be no doubt that having all this cap room available this year was at least partly in anticipation of the move to LA. But I think it also has a lot to do with how many Rams players are scheduled for free agency this year.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

How much of a minority am I? I’m still upset we lost the Rams. I think I’m only going to follow Mizzou and the Blues. I’m sorry my brethren but baseball and soccer are boring and don’t cut it for me!
by NJMizzoufan 3:30 PM

We all have our personal preferences, although in St. Louis there probably aren’t many sports fans who don’t like baseball AND soccer.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Yes, stan should get credit for his part in the continuing divide between fans of football and the business of football. When goodell’s only stated goal is to take the league into the $25B income level and has no stated goals about taking real care of damaged players, making the game a more entertaining, fiscally reasonable experience for fans to attend, that tells you all you need to know about where this game is headed. It takes more than “family” commercials.
by Amber 3:32 PM

Here’s Amber’s 2 cents. . . . .
by jthomas 3:32 PM

During the course of covering the relocation mess, would you say the amount of “off the record” information you received was fairly significant and/or surprising? Not looking to get you to spill information, just looking for confirmation that there is other information “out there” that we may not be privy to.
by G. Pyle 3:33 PM

At this point, much of the “off-the-record’ stuff is out there in one form or another.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

On David’s comment, my guess is that Enos StanK will go down in St Louis history as one of the biggest villains. I don’t see this ever changing. He can take his hero worship to L.A.
by RJ 3:34 PM

You’re probably right.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Have you heard any rumors that the UFL is thinking about starting up again? How about the XFL? USFL?
by Pat Tilley 3:40 PM

I believe there’s a new spring developmental league _ the United States Football League _ gearing up for play.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Asking fisher about attending relocation staff meetings for the past 3 years (as he sad to la media) after telling anyone who would listen in STL he has not thought about it could lead to some interesting answers.
by Johnny 3:41 PM

Yes it could.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Jim, I grew up with the fearsome foursome, Roman Gabriel, jack Snow et al. Had their posters in my room as a kid. Can still name the rosters of those teams. When they left I wanted them to lose every single game. I hated Georgia. I stopped following the NFL. Am considering being a fan again. Will buy you Iunch here if you come out for a few games. Are they gonna be worth watching?
by Chad 3:42 PM

They need a QB. Need to stay healthy, because frontline players on defense are pretty good. A key, also, is signing at least some of their own free agents.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

How long do you think the LA media will let Fisher get by with the standard response of “we’ll get it fixed” when responding to any issues with the team?
by Jerry 3:43 PM

I suspect there will be a honeymoon period, especially given the fact there hasn’t been a team in LA since 1994.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Were you surprised with Bradfords success the second half of the season? I thought he never had a chance in St, Louis, you?
by Don 3:44 PM

Not surprised by his improved play. He played like that in stretches while in St. Louis. He didn’t have much around him in St. Louis on offense, that’s for sure.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Talking about moral compasses did Georgia have one? Lots of people in so cal don’t think so
by Walt 3:45 PM

Again, Georgia probably doesn’t move the team if Kroenke didn’t prefer to go to St. Louis.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Who is the Rams #1 WR next year?
by DJM34 3:46 PM

Probably Austin.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Kevin Demoff really comes off as an awful person. I know he was working for StanK, but Demoff has proven to be a liar. What a terrible job Kevin did with the relocation procedure.
by Keith 3:47 PM

I’m sure there’s some things he’d like to have handled differently in the process that’s for sure.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

Quick interrogative question, in your opinion, Do you consider Kevin Demoff a liar?
by Knux 3:49 PM

I’ll just answer the Demoff part. With the possible exception of telling me a couple of years ago that the original 60-acre purchase in Inglewood was made in large part to spur St. Louis into action I don’t believe I can come up with an example of him misleading me, or lying to me. I know there are other examples from public comments or interviews give to other media outlets. I’m sure Kevin will not be remembered fondly here.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Jim what was it about Wisniewski the free agent center last year that drove the Rams away from him? He could have been un upgrade over Barnes, and help the young O line.
by gaborini 3:52 PM

Again, I’ll just say this: The Rams had some concern over his availability for all 16 games.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Not that it would ever be relevant, but do you know if Busch Stadium could facilitate a football game now like Busch 2 did? I can’t ever imagine it being an issue, just curious. Especially if the Dome is redone/torn down.
by steve r 3:53 PM

The answer is yes. Busch has played host to at least one college football game.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

I heard Laurinaitis put his house up for sale. I also heard that Kroenke bought the house, cut Laurinaitis, and then tried to sell his house back to him for a profit. Did you hear anything about this?
by Tom R 3:54 PM

Laurinaitis’ house is up for sale. As for the rest of your remarks, I’ll just say funny. Very funny.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Nice article JT, and title for Chris Long on staying connected to the greater STL market. Shows some character on his part. And, his appreciation of ram fans!
by MJ 3:55 PM

Losing aside, Long really enjoyed his time here in St. Louis. And I think he would seriously consider investing in MLS here if approached.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Jim, you’re the only writer or media type I’ve ever heard say that Kroenke was given the option of keeping the Rams in Anaheim. I’d like to see your documentation on that. That one is difficult to believe. Georgia was Georgia, after all.
by Scott 3:57 PM

My source is impeccable on this one. That’s all I’ll say.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Jim, a lot of fans poo-poo the idea that SK hired Fisher knowing a move was coming and his experience in moving a franchise may have played a part in his hiring. I don’t think that is entirely wrong – moving a team is a big deal. Your thoughts?
by Dan 3:58 PM

I wrote a story about in January 2012, when Fisher was hired.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Your thoughts on TE position? Go with that we have, draft, high FA priority?
by Uncle Leo 3:59 PM

I think they need another body now that Cook is gone. It’s only an average draft year at tight end.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Jim, drop everything and get Scott some documentation!
by Andy 4:00 PM

Again, I’ll stand by my source.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Jim , what team do you think our St. Louis based fans follow ?
by Farnsworth 4:00 PM

I’d love to see an STLtoday.com readers poll on the subject.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Chris Long seemed like both a great player and a well-rounded guy, charity work, other ventures, but it’s called No Fun League for a reason. Did his social media prominence work against him when it came time to keep him or cut him? He puts himself out there, perhaps more than Rams executive offices cared for?
by Uncle Leo 4:01 PM[/i]

I don’t think so. While, eccentric, eclectic, and often funny, I think his social media stuff is largely non-controversial. I think it’s more a case of his QB-like cap number ($14M), and the fact that they feel William Hayes can handle the starting role.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Who do you think will be interested in Laurenitis, he seems like a goo quarterback type MLB
by Farnsworth 4:05 PM

i think Chicago and Washington could be a couple.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

We need to come up with an insulting or derogatory nickname for Stan’s new shrine to the NFL. It will not change anything but it might make a few of us feel better. From above, it sort of looks like a comma or a tadpole, or something similar that might not be fit for this chat. Can we get some input from your readers?
by Todd 4:05 PM

Let me know what you come up with.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Jim, Love the Chats. In your opinion, over/under 10 years the NFL would start to consider expansion? I just can’t get over growing up with the NFL and living with the fact that I don’t ever see the NFL coming back to STL. I think the only chance STL would play ball is if an expansion team was on the table.
by Kyle 4:06 PM

Geez, I’m gonna say over. Don’t see any appetite in the league for expansion.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Has there been any gesture by any member of the Rams front office to thank the fans in St. Louis before they went on their California gold rush?
by MacGruff the Crime Squirrel 4:07 PM

Nothing that I’m aware of. As you know, these are bittersweet times.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Any word on Stedman Bailey?
by Jiffy Jeff 4:08 PM

He did a radio interview the other day on the Dan Le Batard Show, which is based I believe out of south Florida. Among the highlights, he said the shooting was “totally random,” said he felt no pain after the shooting until he got to the hospital, said he was told right away by doctors that he could make a full recovery, said he’s hoping to play in 2016, and planned to do some football drills (the same day of the interview).
by jthomas 4:13 PM

Looking back, which is more shocking: Darian Stewart starting in the Super Bowl for another team and getting a ring or tossed aside long ago QB Fitzpatrick that Rams would love sign as a FA if they could?
by Uncle Leo 4:14 PM

I guess, I’d say Stewart. He had trouble staying healthy in St. Louis, and wasn’t nearly as consistent of a tackler back then as he seems to be now.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Hey Jim, the thought of having to get cable / NFL packages just to watch the Rams every week is what’s really hurting me right now. Any thought on the NFL exploring live online streaming such as MLB.TV in the future? I know that London game on yahoo had great reception from fans.
by user#10000000000000000000 4:15 PM

Sorry, don’t know about the live on-line streaming. Are you in St. Louis? At least early in the season, I think there’s a pretty good chance the games will be shown here locally.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

How poor of a position is Spanos in now? stan doesn’t have to truly negotiate with him and neither does San Diego. The NFL really took care of a long-time NFL family-owned team didn’t they?
by Andy 4:18 PM

He’s not in an ideal spot. I thought Spanos already had worked out a tentative agreement w/Kroenke and Inglewood after 2016.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

Can we post a reminder that Stan Kroenke is still in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and that a well-worded, polite email to that organization may go a long way in getting him removed?
by Andy 4:19 PM

Interesting. I would think he’s in for his role in bringing the Rams to St. Louis.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

Hello Jim, Hanks for your time and expertise. Still no over the Ram divorce. Can the Earth City facility be repurposed as a MLS practice facility?
by Still a NFL fan 4:20 PM

Hey, you don’t get over a 21-season marriage in a month and a half. As for the Earth City facility, I think the answer to that would be yes. I could be an additional carrot in trying to bring an MLS team here.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

If the Rams went to CL and JL and tried to keep them with lower, cap friendly contracts and the players turned them down, OK I understand the cuts. Seems like we cut them first without ever trying to renegotiate? Even a step or two slower, Rams bench isn’t that deep that they can easily replace them, even if they become more of a veteran back-up?
by Uncle Leo 4:22 PM

Well, that’s a good point. But I’m not aware that there were any talks about a pay cut.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

I have emailed the Missouri sports hall of fame several times now about removing StanK, and I agree with Andy. We need more people doing this. He has no business having his name associated (in a good way) with this state anymore.
by RJ 4:23 PM

Just curious, have you gotten any response to those e-mails?
by jthomas 4:24 PM

Columbia. We got rams 90% of the time (a few chiefs game instead on overlaps). I have my doubts about them showing them next year but we’ll see.
by user#10000000000000000000 4:24 PM

Gotcha. You may be in a tough spot then. I will try to do a story on that before the start of the 2016 season.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

Hey Jim, What are the odds that the Raiders eventually move to Las Vegas?
by Enos is a snot 4:25 PM

Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s hard for me to see the NFL with a team in the U.S. capital of sports betting.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

About my earlier question, the idea is that the available QB’s don’t sign with the teams they’re on
by RAM TOUGH 4:27 PM

Oh, OK. I think your question is moot, because as is often the case in free agency, the players stay put _ particularly when it comes to the QB position.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Jim, I’d rather see RG3 in LA than Bradford. Wouldn’t he fit the Rams offense better? No really good wide receivers…
by Hey Now 4:28 PM

Can’t see the Rams going down the Bradford road again.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Don’t you agree that with the Rams in LA, the team gets more national exposure? In St. Louis, they were barely in the NFL. That’s not a diss on SL, but it was true.
by mr 4:29 PM

No doubt. At least at first. But if the team doesn’t win there, they’ll fall off the radar just as they did in StL.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

Jim – I’ve emailed the Missouri HOF as well. No response either.
by McGarrett 4:30 PM

Maybe their computer system has crashed.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

Advice for Les Snead on FA: I don’t care what Coach says, no more Titans FA signings. AmIRight?
by Uncle Leo 4:31 PM

Doubt there are many (or any) Titans left who played for Fisher.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

I emailed the MO HOF as well and didn’t really expect a response, just pushing a cause.
by Ted 4:32 PM

Interesting. So several of you have checked into this.
by jthomas 4:32 PM

Any chance the rams could move saffold to C? They do need a vet starter on the OL, his cap number isnt terrible, would be able to move to another ol position if an injury occured. Thanks
by Paul 4:33 PM

Can’t see center.
by jthomas 4:33 PM

Hey Jim, thanks for all you do. I’m still really bummed about the Rams leaving. Hey quick question, are you covering the Chiefs or regional teams at all next season? My 10 year old really wants to go to a game next year. I once lived in KC and I’ve been to many Chiefs games and it’s a great place to see a game! I guess the Chiefs will be our team until St. Louis gets another NFL team. Just curious if we will get much on game coverage or news coverage?
by Chief fan former STLRamMan 4:33 PM

We’re still talking about what we’ll do for game coverage, but I know there will be at least some. Arrowhead Stadium is a great place to watch a game. The Sea of Red is a great venue.
by jthomas 4:34 PM

Hey Jim, while I understand Mr. greedy could take his time, obviously, at will. Are you surprised that the NFL would allow the face of football in LA to be snidely whiplash? Unless he gets some real football folks in the front office they are gonna be bad 3 years from now.
by Yeppers 4:35 PM

You make some good points. For know, Goodell and the NFL owners seem to be mesmerized by the prospect of that showcase stadium in the nation’s second-largest market.
by jthomas 4:35 PM

Jim – Do you think Jerry Jones will ever hire a GM? He hasn’t exactly produced stellar results in that role.
by McGarrett 4:36 PM

No one seems to care in Dallas. The Cowboys have been a .500 franchise for more than a decade.
by jthomas 4:37 PM

Is there any news on Foles? I haven’t really seen anyone talk about keeping him- and I confess I don’t really want to either- but there is still that extension money in the way.
by davem 4:37 PM

No news, but it’s still a little early. The combine usually gets things started on several fronts.
by jthomas 4:38 PM

Jim, is it any wonder why the fans of St. Louis players like JL and CL? I am so impressed and satisfied with their comments after getting cut last week. They sure did not feel the need to rip on anyone on the way out of town. Very class acts IMO
by Todd 4:39 PM

As I mentioned last week and others have alluded to, few have represented St. Louis as well on and off the field as Long and Laurinaitis.
by jthomas 4:40 PM

My ex lives in Dallas and I can for a fact say that EVERY Cowboys fans I talked to ABSOLUTELY HATES HATES HATES Jerry Jones with a passion. I am talkin StanK level hate.
by Jiffy Jeff 4:40 PM

Interesting, but they still keep coming out to the games, huh?
by jthomas 4:40 PM

I have heard the Kevin Demoff would speak out of both sides of his mouth on the city. Do you have any specific information on him being caught doing this?
by Mark 4:41 PM

I think Randy Karraker, Bernie Miklasz and others have done a thorough job of quantifying that.
by jthomas 4:42 PM

I’m an Original LA Rams fan from the mid 70’s through St. Louis and now back again.
I’m gonna go against the grain and just say I respect the SL fans for the football you’ve all suffered through for the last 12 years or so. I know what it’s like to lose your team and root for a team from a city you’ve never even been to. Just know the Rams are the Rams and as bad as they are, they’re a hard habit to break…Not to sound like a cheesy old love song!
by DJM34 4:43 PM

Thanks for your input, and I do remember that cheesy love song.
by jthomas 4:43 PM