JT chat … 3/4

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_80?Page=2

I hate to say it, but it looks pretty bleak for the Rams staying in town. Does it even make sense for them to stay this coming season with the obvious disdain management has for the fans?
by jim 4:16 PM

Jim, when you go to the game do you root for the team or the owner? That’s how I’d approach it.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

What are your thoughts about the future of Steven Jackson in the NFL? Does he still have a chance to play for a contender?
by Garrett 4:16 PM

It sure looks like he’s at the end of line. I guess he could get one more chance. But the odds are against him.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

Not sure what to make of the Carson project. Seems like just an ok location, but the plan of Raiders/Chargers together has a lot of positives. From the beginning it looked like a leverage play for both of them, but with Goldman getting involved in a public way makes it look more realistic. Your thoughts?
by RamsFan62 4:17 PM

The Goldman involvement did catch my eye. Let’s see if there are more advancements along the way as the weeks and months go by, and if Oakland and San Diego respond in any meaningful way.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

Any chance the Rams get a good Center and Guard in FA? Doesn’t seem to me that we can afford any more “projects” on the O-Line.
by Tom 4:19 PM

The Rams’ overall track record hasn’t been good when it comes to high-priced free agent linemen, and that goes all the way back to Jacob Bell and Jason Brown. Myself, I’d like to see them sign one veteran free agent, a younger player (preferably entering second contract) that doesn’t have an injury history – or not much of one anyway. Right now, the Rams still need cap room, but I’m sure there will be more cap-related moves between now and the start of free agency.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

Have the O0Line problems been personnel or coaching?
by Amp Lee 4:21 PM

I think more personnel/injury related. Paul Boudreau is a highly-regarded line coach.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

I know that you have given your odds on the Rams staying but I was hoping you would answer a couple of specific questions. What odds do you give on the new St. Louis stadium being green lighted? Furthermore, if a new stadium is a go in St. Louis, what odds do you then give on the Rams staying?
by Vern 4:24 PM

By green-lighting, I assume you mean having everything in place to go ahead with construction. That’s at 46-54 _ the same as my current odds on the team staying. As for odds on the team staying if they reach the ready stage, I’m gonna open at 55-45.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

In Peter King’s article he mentioned Rams and Chargers in LA, and Raiders in STL. How does that make sense, if a new stadium is built here why would the NFL not want the Rams to just stay instead of introducing a new team?
by Brad 4:26 PM

Because Stan Kroenke, who owns the Rams, wants to build a stadium in LA.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

With the staduim revision, it looks like we losing about 2K seats? Is the capacity of the stadium being set on the premise that we are not going to draw well?
by David 4:27 PM

I think 66,000-plus (in the dome) is too big for this market unless the team is highly successful, which as we all know isn’t a given. I like dropping it down a couple thousand in the proposed stadium _ from 64,000 to 62,000. Supposedly, more seats can be added if needed.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Jim if you were the rams would you look to draft the big DT Brown I think him and Donald together could be nice handful for other teams
by cw79 4:30 PM

I think the rams are pretty happy with Brockers as the other starting DT.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

Jim- I am curious that your odds are only 46-54 that the stadium is ready. Is that because of the required amount from SK? I would put odds of the plan and public financing coming together at 70-80%. It all makes too much sense for the region and the financial commitment is very little when you factor in tax revenue the Rams generate.
by RamsFan62 4:30 PM

My odds are largely a reflection of getting the financing in place. The entire financing plan, particularly the state/county/city piece, and the personal seat licenses.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

When do we hear about the number of compensatory picks for the Rams?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 4:31 PM

At the NFL owners meetings in late March. (Those meetings are scheduled for March 22-25 in Phoenix.)
by jthomas 4:32 PM

Do they have to make a move on wells and J long by the 10th to avoid any cap costs? Do you think they let them go? We could do a lot with 11 mil in savings!
by eman 4:32 PM

For Jake Long, $4 million of his base salary is guaranteed if he’s still on the roster by the fifth day of the league year (March 14). So if the Rams are releasing him, they obviously must do so by then or lose $4 million in guaranteed money. Wells is due a roster bonus of $1 million if he’s on the team on the third day of the league year (March 12).
by jthomas 4:37 PM

Wouldn’t it be wise to cut j long and use the savings to sign Barsdale
by Greg in Raleigh 4:37 PM

That’s one way to go.
by jthomas 4:37 PM

Hi Jim your take on Bradford 2015 Comeback Kid or another Rams bust.
by Ramster 4:38 PM

It’s all about staying healthy. If he stays healthy, I think he’ll be fine.
by jthomas 4:38 PM

JT, What do you think the Rams’ priorities are with free agency?
by Amp Lee 4:38 PM

I think it’s similar to last year. Their top priorities are re-signing their own free agents, not just the likes of Kenny Britt, Joe Barksdale, Lance Kendricks, and Shaun Hill, but also players that will be free agents after the 2015 season (a fairly long list which will include the likes of Michael Brockers, William Hayes, Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Eugene Sims, Brian Quick). I don’t think they’ll be very active in signing outside free agents. Maybe one or two outsiders at moderate to above-average prices.
by jthomas 4:41 PM

Do you think the Rams would have any interest in Andrre Johnson? Prolly not as a trade option but maybe if the Texans released him.
by bdefreitas20390 4:42 PM

Certainly not in a trade. Possibly as a free agent.
by jthomas 4:42 PM

The Rams played Washington and Fisher symbolicly danced a jig on the way the RG3 trade worked out. If the top 4 teams pass on Mariota, the Redskins sit at #5 and I assume are not inclined to work a trade with a divisional rival, the Eagles. If the Rams want Mariota they have to get above the Jets at #6. Would the Redskins even pick up the phone if the Rams called? Did that performance at the coin toss in Washington cost the Rams whatever small chance they had to go get Mariota in the draft?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 4:43 PM

I’m sure Washington would listen if the Rams called. I don’t think Washington would give the Rams any kind of discount though.
by jthomas 4:44 PM

Out of the top big name free agents who do you think rams make a run at thanks Jim
by cw79 4:44 PM

I’d like to see them make a run at a center or guard. Mike Iupati, Rodney Hudson, and Stefen Wisniewski come to mind.
by jthomas 4:45 PM

Do you expect Kendricks and McCloud to be Rams next season?
by Tom 4:45 PM

I assume you’re talking 2015. I’d say yes to McLeod and no on Kendricks.
by jthomas 4:46 PM

Jim, i think their are alot of options and they can go either way. I’m starting to think and it’s my gut feeling that the raiders are going to end up in stl. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
by Cody 4:46 PM

I’ll only go this far on that: I think Raiders are a more likely candidate than the Raiders.
by jthomas 4:47 PM

Love the work DP & Co. have done, but wondered what your thought of him talking about scenarios that might include Stan Kroenke not owning the Rams in his interview with Frank C.? While I would be all for that, it seemed a little risky to bring it up at this point.
by RamsFan62 4:47 PM

At this point, I wouldn’t rule out any of the “popular” scenarios.
by jthomas 4:48 PM

Do you think that by not renegotiating his contract Bradford is demonstrating that he himself is not confident he will comeback from his injuries….He may be thinking I’d better take the money now while I can. Nothing in history makes me think this, but ??
It would be a tremendous leadership act to help the team by renegotiating even if came with strings attached. If I’m Brdaford I’d say I’ll take a pay cut if you go out and sign both Iupapti and Weisnewski and draft Flowers or Scherff. Too much to ask ?
by mark 4:48 PM

No. I like what you’re saying. I think it would be a leadership act.
by jthomas 4:49 PM

Would the scenario ever arise where Kroenke would build the Inglewood stadium to lease to other NFL teams and keep the Rams in STL with the new Riverfront stadium? Seems like a win-win for Kroenke and a huge money machine
by STLRams4Life 4:49 PM

Maybe Kroenke thinks that way if the Rams’ stadium plan becomes a reality. He would have a lot of pressure on him by the league to take the StL deal, while still helping bring football back to LA by leasing his Inglewood stadium to someone else..
by jthomas 4:51 PM

Jim, have you heard anymore about contracts, ie Sam, J.Long, Wells, Kendricks, etc.
by 76hitter 4:51 PM

Bradford talks are status quo. Rams want to cut salary, Bradford agent insisting that they won’t take a pay cut. Quiet on Kendricks, although I wouldn’t be surprised if New England takes a run at him. (Josh McDaniels was Rams OC and a big proponent of drafting Kendricks back then.) Jake Long and Scott Wells have either guarantee or roster bonus clauses kicking in in mid-March that will force Rams to make a decision – pro or con – soon. Rams trying hard to re-sign Britt. Hill could get contract offer soon from team. Indications are that Barksdale’s looking for a big payday.
by jthomas 4:56 PM

if the Patriots cut Wilfolk do thing the Rams would be interested in a one year deal, if they think he can still play 15-20 snaps per game,
by stlfilmmaker 4:56 PM

Doubt it. At this stage, Wilfork probably will look to sign with a contender or retire.
by jthomas 4:57 PM

What do you think the Rams do with their first pick? A lot of mocks have WR.. Do we really draft another WR? Anything new on Wells/Long/Bradford? that would free up a lot of Cap Space don’t you think?
by Ryan 4:57 PM

I think OL, LB/edger-rusher, or WR could be possibilities.
by jthomas 4:58 PM

Jim, my dad & I are Rams fans from New Jersey. We come out to one game a season & we love St Louis. The people are extremely nice & wonderful, and we would hate it St Louis lost their home if they were to move to LA. But we also think that the Ed is outdated and the atmosphere is lacking. A stadium in the area they were planning to put it would be awesome & would make our STL weekend even greater. Even though we don’t have a say of where the Rams play next, whether LA or STL, we really hope that STL can have an NFL team . While we would continue to follow the Rams to LA if they did move, we still have respect for STL & know the Ed was home to Super Bowl champs. We both hope that the Rams can stay in STL. Thanks!
by Garrett 4:58 PM

Thanks for your input.
by jthomas 4:59 PM

JT, Barring something unexpected, Bradford will be the starting QB this coming season. How much rust will he have to knock off?
by Amp Lee 4:59 PM

About 1 1/2 years worth.
by jthomas 4:59 PM

Peter King is predicting raiders to stl your thoughts?
by Kevin 5:01 PM

I wouldn’t call what Peter wrote a prediction – just a possible scenario that he finds intriguing.
by jthomas 5:02 PM

Jim, thanks for the chat. I’m flying in this fall w/some friends for a game, and was wondering which one you think would be the most interesting match-up of the non-divisional games? Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Tampa Bay?
by Andy in Charlotte 5:02 PM

There will be lots of Bears and Steelers fans in the house when their respective teams are in town. May not be much of a home-team advantage. When it comes to Cleveland, you might see Johnny Manziel start. (But it could also be Josh McCown.) If I had to pick one, I’d say Chicago.
by jthomas 5:05 PM

That AEG report on LAX has to be the most self-serving report ever. #Dirtypool
by Bob Lowe 5:05 PM

Are you talking about the first AEG report, or today’s?
by jthomas 5:05 PM

Jim, am I the only one that feels like I’m being Chinese water tortured by seeing drawings of these lovely outdoor stadium pics…..knowing it likely will not happen?
by Tex 5:06 PM

There have been a lot of ’em over the years in LA and now in StL. One of them will come to fruition over the next few years.
by jthomas 5:06 PM

When Steven Jackson eventually retires, will he be inducted into the Rams ring or honor? Or possibly retire his jersey? He is the best post-GSOT St. Louis Ram. I also still don’t understand why Kurt Warner’s jersey hasn’t been retired. Doesn’t make sense to me.
by David 5:07 PM

Don’t think his number will be retired. Ring of honor certainly a possibility.
by jthomas 5:07 PM

Have you heard anything about the talks to renegotiate Bradford’s contract?
by Tom 5:07 PM

Neither side budging at this point.
by jthomas 5:08 PM

How do you think the rams will replace langford in the rotation, FA or draft? Thanks
by Paul 5:09 PM

It could be either. But since it’s a rotation guy, I don’t see it being a high draft pick or an expensive FA.
by jthomas 5:09 PM

Former Rampage season ticket/PSL owner. Did not get the survey… Looking more and more like Stan’s gonna leverage his Stockbridge land deal into purchasing the Broncos; selling locally. While I can’t quantify, it sure seems like Peacock & Co see it too with their recent burst of initiative. I’d say time to move your knowing needle up a few hairs! Signed Growing More Optimistic. Slightly.
by MJ 5:10 PM

Send me your e-mail if you would to jthomas@post-dispatch.com. As for the relocation odds, sorry, needle not moving this week.
by jthomas 5:11 PM

Dave Peacock said today on a radio show that the NFL may be more inclined to move owners between teams rather than move teams. So could Stan end of with either the Raiders or Chargers in LA, and we keep the Rams, but inherit a new owner? He also said nobody local has approached him about buying the Rams, although he has not doubt that there may be local folks with the mean and inclination to buy the team. What have you heard about rumors of new owneship locally?
by ZGare 5:12 PM

Again, all things are possible at this point. Many permutations. StL is still a ways away from looking for local owners, but I’ve heard there could be some possibilities.
by jthomas 5:14 PM

Were the TWA Dome’s seats finished Red when/due to the fact that Jim Orthwein still owned the Patriots while the 314 was mounting its expansion bid. Always been my theory. In a way, quite the irony of sorts…
by MJ 5:14 PM

I don’t know why they ordered red seats but don’t think it was Orthwein/Patriots released. And remember, the St. Louis Stallions _ the expansion team that never was _ was supposed to have purple and gold colored uniforms.
by jthomas 5:17 PM

JT, If the O-line issues are personnel-related, what is Snead doing to ensure we draft/sign better players?
by Amp Lee 5:17 PM

I can’t tell you anything specific here, but they obviously need to get more bang for their buck in free agency.
by jthomas 5:17 PM

So could you say the same for the rams wr group? Personnel vs. Coaching staff. I think the rams are terrible at developing offensive players, theres no way you can strike out so many times on recievers
by charles 5:18 PM

To a large degree, I think the players at WR improved last season.
by jthomas 5:18 PM

Bold prediction time. Bradford stays healthy and Rams make the playoffs. Thoughts?
by Tex 5:20 PM

Bradford stays healthy and Rams are serious contenders to make playoffs.
by jthomas 5:20 PM

If after negotiating a reduction with Long, you could have Long or Barksdale at right tackle at the same cost, who would you want?
by shedrow 5:20 PM

I think I’d go for youth and health, and take Barksdale.
by jthomas 5:21 PM

I know its been mentioned a couple times but have you heard chatter about Kroenke possibly gearing up to sell the Rams? Also, do you know of a St. Louis based group that is interested in buying?
by Bill 5:21 PM

Heard the chatter, don’t know of any specific St. Louis-based group.
by jthomas 5:22 PM

Would resigning Britt eliminate the urge to go WR at #10
by Greg in Raleigh 5:22 PM

I don’t know if I’d say eliminate, but it would certainly lessen that need.
by jthomas 5:23 PM

Follow up question. Does it behoove Kroenke to officially announce his desire to move? It seems to me that he runs the risk of losing out on L.A. if St. Louis comes up with a real plan to build the new stadium. I just see a serious can of worms being opened if the NFL allows him to move if St. Louis has a real stadium plan. It’s hard to imagine this headline: St. Louis ready to go on new Stadium but Kroenke and NFL decide to move to L.A. I don’t see how Kroenke can win this chess match. Imagine the lawsuits, etc.
by Vern 5:25 PM

Yeah, it’s hard to imagine the NFL turning its back on a city that will have shown a willingness to build 2 new stadiums in less than 25 years. I think Atlanta’s the only city that will come close to that timetable.
by jthomas 5:26 PM

Is it at all realistic to think that a local ownership group could approach the parties that own 53% of the Raiders and attempt to buy their share of the team? Thereby bypassing Mark Davis altogether. The NFL doesn’t seem to think much of the Davis family and might help facilitate this outcome. Thoughts?
by Thad 5:26 PM

I know this is kind of a high-rent version of fantasy football. Namely, fantasy franchises, but your proposal seems pretty far out there. But you know what, this thing appears so open-ended at this point, I’m not going to discourage you.
by jthomas 5:29 PM

Logical thinking states that if OAK + SD are not doing anything to solve their stadium issues then Raiders/Chargers jump the Rams in line to LA because STL is working to solve that and it seems to be heading in that direction. Correct? if so, why are you still at 46-54? Doubt that financing will come together or NFL will uphold bylaws?
by stlrams4ever 5:29 PM

It’s all about the financing.
by jthomas 5:29 PM

never put this together until i just read the article about the LA flight coming into the airport and how close they would be coming in over the stadium. I beleive the only other option of incoming flights to land would be coming in from the pacific. with all this in play does the airport authority come into play for safety etc.
by Bob Hruby 5:30 PM

I think there have been a couple of past studies showing that Ingelwood could meet FAA requirements. But keep in mind, those are minimum requirements. And there sure will be a lot of planes in the area. All it would take is just one accident. . . .
by jthomas 5:32 PM

what is the chance of either you or bernie interviewing Stan to find out what his plans are
by bob 5:34 PM

I’m working at home today because I had a doctor’s appointment near my house (which led to our delayed start. Sorry about that.) Looking out onto my back porch, I think I’d have to see a pig fly by during the last few questions I take today to have any kind of confidence that such an interview would take place.
by jthomas 5:36 PM

It’s tough to think of too many FA’s the Rams have signed in the past 10 years who have not been complete busts. There have been a few guys, look Cook and Langford, who were okay for a while, but not worth the money. Is this a league wide thing. that most FA’s are overpaid and don’t work out?
by Plutarch 5:36 PM

I think to a degree, it’s a league-wide problem. Teams are doing a better job of keeping their top players these days in free agency. And when there is a name or two you like that reaches the open market, you invariably have to overpay for those guys.
by jthomas 5:37 PM

Do you think wells and or long stays?
by eman 5:38 PM

I believe at least one will be gone.
by jthomas 5:38 PM

If the Rams lose Lance Kendricks, do you think they would have to get a TE in free agency or the draft, or would they be ok with Cook, Harkey, Bayer, etc? I like Kendricks but think we’re in decent shape at TE. Thanks for the chats!
by MarkBlackGold 5:38 PM

I don’t think they’d be terrible with Cook, Harkey, and Bayer.
by jthomas 5:39 PM

i know the famous mock drat doesnt mean nothing but i read in a lot of them the rams must draft CB …. you think this posotion is a area to need to cover …. #mexicanfan
by alex 5:39 PM

Well, they have their top 5 CBs all coming back, so I think they’re OK there. (Although Jenkins and Johnson are free agents after 2015.)
by jthomas 5:40 PM

Any possibility that the NFL would force Kroenke to sell the Rams. It seems that Kroenke’s actions (little or no effort to meet with StL & MO officials & obvious attempt to infuriate an existing loyal fan base) are very inconsistent with NFL policy and are more egregious than Donald Sterling’s private comments.
by Rammadammado 5:40 PM

I don’t think Kroenke is going to sell the Rams unless he sees it as beneficial. For example, he buys the Broncos, which gives him an elite franchise and solves the cross-ownership problem.
by jthomas 5:41 PM

If Britt and Barksdale both leave, what is our priority in round 1 of the draft? And, if Mariotta slips to #10, then what?
by Tom R 5:42 PM

Great question. I take Mariotta at No. 10 over any other scenario. (But don’t think he’ll be there.) Without Britt, obviously you look long and hard at Cooper and White if one of them is there at 10. But if Barksdale’s gone, then you’re looking for a guard and a tackle.
by jthomas 5:44 PM

If this stadium deal gets done how much recognition, nationally and locally, does Dave Peacock get? Toast of the town? I would love to buy him a drink
by stlrams4ever 5:45 PM

Funny. I think you’d have to stand in line a while to get that done.
by jthomas 5:45 PM

Jim—Any rumblings of the Rams adding a MLB to challenge JL? He’s been below average for waaaay too long now. Slow afoot and gets pushed back more times than not.
by Mad Martz 5:45 PM

I don’t know if it specifically relates to Laurinaitis, but I do think the rams want to upgrade the LB group.
by jthomas 5:46 PM

Jacksonville and Oakload have boatloads of cap $$$ they have to spend to meet the mandatory NFLPA minimum for the team. They are apt to overpay. Is it best to do whatever the Rams might try to do early in FA? Get in and get out before the prices go up?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 5:46 PM

The prices almost never go up. The high-priced talent usually goes very quickly in the feeding-frenzy period of free agency. Then as the shelves start to clear out, prices drop as you get to the second-tier, and third-tier players.
by jthomas 5:48 PM

Jim, this is Tim Wood in Ches. Va. You know that you are one of the Post Dispatch Writers who I think knows what’s going on with the Rams, along with Jeff Gordon. Jim, do you really think Stan will put in almost a Quarter billion $$$ into a stadium in St. Louis, that he does not own, and does not get the revenue from parking, concessions, and advertisement, and the Rams would be still worth the amount of money in St. Louis as they are now? If St. Louis builds that beautiful stadium, it will not be for the Rams in my opinion, but I still hope St. Louis can get the expansion team, they were supposed to get . I do not think they would support a team in an even worse situation than the Rams, such as the Raiders.
by Rhonda Wood 5:48 PM

A couple of points here. 1.) A new stadium will increase the value of the Rams. 2.) What’s a quarter of a billion compared to the several billion it will take not only to build a new stadium but pay the relocation fee?
by jthomas 5:50 PM

Was Weinke just trying to boost Sam’s spirits by comparing Luck to him or do you see it too?
by willeyeam 5:50 PM

I expected something positive from Weinke on Bradford _ or why take the job? I was surprised he came out so strong on Bradford. wasn’t expecting that. Remember, he was talking about Bradford and Luck as prospects coming out, not talking into account what they’ve done as pros.
by jthomas 5:52 PM