Rams signings as free agency starts

canadaram wrote:

Ian Rapoport@RapSheet

Former #Jaguars CB Darious Williams is finalizing a deal to play for the #Rams, sources say, the place where he won a Super Bowl. It’s expected to be a three-year.

from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/12/24098238/new-rams-tight-end-colby-parkinson-could-be-a-monster-in-this-offense

Parkinson offers a giant 6-foot-7 frame he uses to pluck footballs out of the air at their highest point and box out defenders as if he was a power forward in the NBA. What the Rams need that they will be missing with Higbee out early on is an inline tight end who can block but also be counted on in big spots to haul in the big throw. Allen can do that from time to time but Parkinson with four years of experience is built for it. What is the best thing about his game is the fact he seemingly runs by tacklers, he’s really good with the ball in his hands in space. Yards after the catch is a premium for most tight ends who normally go down on first contact but Parkinson isn’t one of those guys and he’s going to offer the ability to threaten any defense in the red zone.

#Rams Jonah Jackson three years, $51M, $34M gtd, $4.25M signing bonus, salaries $8M (ghtd), $9M (gtd for inj at signing, skill, cap if on roster 3rd day 2025, $8M; $4.25M roster bonus 3rd day 2025, $8.5M roster bonus 3rd day 2025 gtd for inj at signing, skill cap if on roster 3rd…

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2024

Darious Williams expected to rejoin Rams, bring secondary help with 3-year deal

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://theathletic.com/5336008/2024/03/12/rams-darious-williams-free-agency/?source=emp_shared_article

The Rams and cornerback Darious Williams are expected to reunite on a three-year deal, two league sources confirmed Tuesday morning.

Williams, 30, played for the Rams from 2018-2021 and was a starter on their Super Bowl-winning team. He also helped install the first version of their current defense as a starter alongside Jalen Ramsey in 2020. Williams most recently played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2022-23, and last season had four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 19 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and 53 tackles. He was a cap and scheme cut in Jacksonville in early March.

The deal cannot be official until the start of the new league year on March 13.

The financial terms of the deal are still being finalized, but a source familiar with the process believed Williams would meet around the market value for some cornerbacks who agreed to deals Monday, in the $8 million to $12 million annual range.

The Rams have very little depth at cornerback without Williams, as previous starter Ahkello Witherspoon is currently testing free agency (the Rams have discussed his options with his representation). They will also have a new defensive coordinator in 2024 in Chris Shula, who has been a defensive position coach with the team since 2017. Shula’s familiarity with Williams as a player and locker room presence is an added fit.

How he fits: Williams excelled in the Rams’ zone-heavy defensive scheme, particularly when they played more match-zone concepts in 2020-21 (they had the personnel to do this). He can start on the outside or play their coverage-rangy “star” position, should Shula choose to deploy it. Williams is coverage versatile and has a knack for making plays on the ball but particularly shines in a match zone.

2024 impact: Williams joins a room of young drafted players who have had good moments, but have not demonstrated consistency. Derion Kendrick had a tumultuous 2023 season at outside cornerback and Cobie Durant has dealt with soft-tissue injuries at various points when playing inside and outside. Tre Tomlinson, who will begin his second NFL season in 2024, didn’t get much playing time and had some penalty issues. No cornerback (Williams included) currently projected into a starting or rotational role with the Rams is over six feet tall.

Cap update: The terms of this deal are still being finalized, so specifics on salary cap aren’t yet available. In general, the Rams entered Tuesday with between $6 million and $12 million in space and had yet to open up offensive lineman Joe Noteboom’s contract (they can save $5 million with a cut, but would incur $15 million in dead money, or they can open up $9.25 million with a restructure and keep Noteboom as depth). I would estimate somewhere around $10 million in remaining space, inclusive to the result of Noteboom’s choice.

Outlook: Williams is a savvy player with plenty of game left, and was one of the league’s best zone cornerbacks last year (although he is scheme-versatile). In a familiar scheme — one he actually helped install, back in 2020 — he should pick up right where he left off. The Rams still need to add cornerbacks with a little more length whether it is via the draft or in the later rounds of free agency.

Rams first wave of free agency: Takeaways, plus some behind-the-scenes on how it unfolded

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://theathletic.com/5336790/2024/03/14/la-rams-free-agency-takeaways/

The initial wave of free agency is winding down, but anyone who follows the Los Angeles Rams knows that they’re never closed for business until the trade deadline.

With this first wave came a few new external additions, extensions and one-year tenders for some in-house players and lots of market watching, inquiries and buzz.

I’ve got a sentence-long takeaway (well, maybe two or three as I’m not known for being succinct) on each of the additions/extensions/salary moves, plus some insight and background on how some moves happened and what could happen next:

Add: LG Jonah Jackson (three years, $51 million with $34 million guaranteed)

Rams head coach Sean McVay finally has his run game back to pushing people around, and quarterback Matthew Stafford saw a boost in protection in 2023 from investments made in the offensive line. Signing Jackson continues that investment, and will signal a likely move to center for second-year lineman Steve Avila (who played the position at a high level while at TCU). Team sources say that as of now, Avila moving to center is the plan.

The Rams kept an eye on the center market into Monday morning and understood previous starter Coleman Shelton to have a market at that time, though it may not be within the initial days of free agency. With Jackson available and ready to sign and a natural move for Avila possible, they didn’t want to wait on Shelton (who they previously talked publicly about wanting to bring back).

Extend: RG Kevin Dotson (three years, $48 million with $32 million guaranteed)

Between Dotson, Avila and Jackson, the Rams have their interior anchor locked in for the next three years on about $35 million per year, combined. Investing here makes drafting the right running backs (in the right rounds) more important to manage cost. Currently, lead rusher Kyren Williams — a breakout star in 2023 — is on a cost-controlled fifth-round draft pick contract for the next two seasons.

Add: CB Darious Williams (three years, $22.5 million and up to $30 million*)

Williams particularly excels in match-zone structures which Rams fans will remember from his previous time with the team. Paying a 30-year-old cornerback a multiyear deal is a risk, although Williams had a career year in 2023. The Rams still have a need here (and a need for some length). New defensive coordinator Chris Shula and secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant likely were strong voices in bringing back Williams as both previously coached him.

Add: TE Colby Parkinson (three years, up to $22.5 million*)

Many wondered about the status of veteran tight end Tyler Higbee upon seeing this signing; Higbee is recovering from surgery to repair an ACL and MCL tear after a low hit by Detroit safety Kerby Joseph injured Higbee in the wild-card round. Higbee isn’t likely to be released in 2024, because he just signed a contract extension and the Rams would incur $11 million in dead money if he is cut in 2024. In 2025, cap savings versus dead money in the case of a release are almost even. So, why did the Rams sign Parkinson? First, he’s only 25. To me, the Rams did not just sign him for 2024, but for life after Higbee. Second, he has a strong reputation for his work as a blocker and is still exploring his potential as a pass-catcher. They’re likely to supplement the starter with a TE2 role acquired via later-round draft picks (Proof: It is largely what they have done the last several years).

Tendered: LT Alaric Jackson (second-round, one year, $4.8 million)

I reported last week that the Rams would tender Jackson ahead of the new league year, but at that time they had not decided which level. A second-round tender gives Jackson the option to negotiate with teams if he wants to, and a team can draw up an offer sheet. The Rams can either match such an offer or receive a second-round pick for Jackson from that team. Jackson’s signing deadline is April 19.

Extended: WR Demarcus Robinson (one year, up to $5 million)

About halfway through last season, a few members of the Rams’ coaching staff were watching practice cut-ups and paused to wonder why they didn’t see more Robinson in the passing game. McVay got Robinson involved after the bye week and he became one of Stafford’s favorite targets. Robinson is the likely No. 3 receiver but the Rams won’t stop there at the position with No. 4 receiver Tutu Atwell entering a contract year.

Tendered: DL/OLB Michael Hoecht (right of first refusal, one year, $3 million)

This move came as a bit of a plot twist by the Rams late Wednesday morning. Hoecht was not initially expected to be tendered. The Rams knew they needed depth at edge/defensive line (Hoecht can play either). While $3 million for a depth player seems high, Hoecht will likely get rotational snaps and return to core special teams play (where the Rams need serious improvement). According to Over the Cap, that money (should Hoecht accept the tender) is not guaranteed in the case of a release so there’s no real financial risk here.

Edge is still a position the Rams have been, and are looking to upgrade. Whether or not they retained Hoecht has no influence on that nor was it the result of that need. More on this in a moment.

Tendered: RB Ronnie Rivers (exclusive rights, one year)

Rivers is currently the Rams’ No. 2 running back and a solid complement to Kyren Williams. The Rams have perennially drafted here and also brought in veteran minimum free agents as OTAs and training camp begin.

What about …

• Edge?

A few things are true at the same time here: Trying to retain Dotson and continuing to invest in their offensive line was a significant priority, and team brass knew that in the case of deals done for either Dotson and Shelton — or a variation that started to quickly manifest, in this case, Dotson and Jonah Jackson — it wouldn’t be financially prudent to compete at the top of the edge market.

They also did due diligence on that market, though I was not under the impression, after making some calls late last week, that they would compete at the top for players like Danielle Hunter, Brian Burns or Jonathan Greenard. That’s not to say they didn’t like the players — they once tried to trade for Burns, and two years ago inquired into Hunter, although back then he was 27. Just take a look at their defensive roster, in tandem with the investments they’ve made on offense: The Rams have paid their quarterback, a receiver and three of five offensive linemen … and Aaron Donald, who is by far the only expense (and one of two second- or third-contract veterans) on defense. Staying cheap there comes with the rest of their current fiscal structure. That doesn’t mean they don’t need a second starting pass rusher.

If a “bridge” type of edge player were within their means (on paper Greenard could have been a good example of this but they felt they probably would be priced out) that could take them into the other side of the Donald era, they could likely have tried to compete there. However, they would not also have been able to pay both guards. This is an offensive-minded team, with an offensive-minded head coach and a quarterback playing at an elite level when protected.

What I could have seen happening (and could still see it) is waiting out the market for an older edge player who can plug in and start opposite second-year edge Byron Young. This market’s embodiment of that player was Andrew Van Ginkel, in whom the Rams were interested but wanted to see if his market would drop a little bit. It didn’t drop enough, and Van Ginkel agreed to a two-year deal with the Vikings that reportedly is up to $20 million with $14 million guaranteed.

I’ll make one thing clear: As long as edge rusher is a need, the Rams will be assessing a range of options. I long ago learned that they aren’t closed for business until the trade deadline.

Whether that means a trade, picking up a cut player on the cheap, waiting out the first and second waves of free agency, utilizing premium draft picks or a mixture of any of the above, they need to invest here and they know it.

• Backup quarterback?

This is a need. The factors here are cost, who is cut and when, whether they can adequately run a scout team; and whether they fit McVay’s system. One lesson many in the building say they have learned from last year’s … situation … and, um, the year before that … was the importance of having a backup who could win at least a game or two and run the offense. But money is still a factor, inclusive of what is left on any contract (in the case of a trade). If you’re wondering aloud on social media, “Would the Rams ever sign (insert backup quarterback or pushed-out former starter)?” the answer has to always be prefaced with, “What would it cost?”

• The Rams haven’t released tackle/guard Joe Noteboom, which means he will have accepted a restructure to stay. If he had been released or will be in the coming days, it means they couldn’t restructure him. To the best of my knowledge, those were the two options on the table entering the new league year.

Once the terms of his restructure are known and other contracts are formally filed, we can get a better assessment of the Rams’ remaining cap space for 2024.

• Kicker?

From Experts hand out grades for Rams’ top free-agent signings: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/free-agency-grades-rams-signings-experts/?taid=65f3069337454400011af439&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

OL Jonah Jackson

The Athletic: A

ESPN: A

PFF: C for fit/need, C- for value

Bleacher Report: B

CBS Sports: C

SB Nation: B+

For the most part, the Rams received high marks for the signing of Jackson. He’s a road-grading guard who excels in the running game, which makes him a natural fit alongside two other massive interior linemen, Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson.

Jackson will take over at left guard, thus moving Avila to center, giving the Rams one of the best trio of interior linemen in the NFL.

Here’s what ESPN’s Matt Miller said about the signing after grading it an A.

The Rams are doubling down on the interior of the offensive line after they re-signed Kevin Dotson to a contract extension last week. Now the Rams have one of the NFL’s best and highest-paid guard duos.

TE Colby Parkinson

PFF: B+ for fit/need, B for value

Bleacher Report: C+

Only PFF and Bleacher Report graded the Rams’ signing of Parkinson and PFF was higher on the move. PFF called it a “big-time deal” for Parkinson, who’s excelled as an in-line blocker and an improving receiver at the tight end position.

This is a big-time deal for Parkinson, but he’s coming off a great year as a stout in-line blocker who has improved as a pass catcher over time. Tight end Tyler Higbee could miss a lot of time in 2024 with a torn ACL suffered late in 2023, so the Rams needed to make a bigger move in smaller free agent and draft classes at the tight end position.

G Kevin Dotson

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN: B

PFF: A for fit/need, B for value

It’s hard not to like this deal for the Rams. Dotson was one of the better guards in football last season and he now returns on a three-year, $48 million extension with the Rams. PFF thinks highly of the signing for Los Angeles, giving it an A grade for fit and need, and a B for value.

A trade to the Los Angeles Rams and a move back to his natural spot at right guard proved to be a slam-dunk success for all parties involved. Dotson took a minor pay cut off his proven performance escalator salary for 2023 and now signs a top-of-market deal at guard just 12 months later.

You know what we all forgot to notice? Or at least haven’t mentioned. Jackson was in Detroit with Stafford for a year (2020). Jackson played as a rookie with MS at qb. So Jackson’s career includes playing with Stafford in 2020, playing with Goff 2021-2023, and then reuniting with Stafford in 2024. And along with that, also worth reiterating, he has experience playing on a great OL in 2023. But of course when he played as a rookie in 2020, it wasn’t a great line yet (Detroit drafted Sewell in 2021 though they already had Ragnow). So this is not a guy who’s spoiled…he helped build the great OL Detroit has now.

Another worth-it-to-mention: last year Jackson played against Donald in a playoff game.

On top of it? He has a bitter playoff loss to SF under his belt, so he’s mentally set up to seek some reckoning with his new division foe.

…