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Good work with posting all the reports and stuff, zn.
Tx, to all. I will mention Isiah too, for his live camp reports.
AgamemnonJared Goff improves on Day Four of Rams training camp
Los Angeles Times
Published on Aug 2, 2016Rookie quarterback Jared Goff had his most impressive day as a Ram at Day Four of training camp.
Sam Farmer, Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry recap the workout.
AgamemnonWasn't out of work very long. https://t.co/sI8XWNxiYQ
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) August 4, 2016
Nick Foles has agreed to terms to join the Chiefs, source says. Reunion with Andy Reid.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 4, 2016
AgamemnonAt Day 4 of #Rams training camp, Rich Hammond and Ryan Kartje talk about the offense’s resurgent day, a couple of standout young receivers, and the position battles in the defensive backfield, while Ryan tries to not drop the selfie stick
Click link for Video.
AgamemnonThe Assistant Exec Director of NFLPA talks CBA issues, guaranteed contract, & more on today’s show.
Andrew & Ross discuss minority hirings in the NFL, Tom Brady, & the Von Miller contract.
Agamemnonhttps://www.facebook.com/ocrrams/videos/vb.215161288828361/313530382324784/?type=2&theater
Rams training camp Day 1Live from the Rams’ first training camp practice at UC Irvine, Ryan Kartje and Jack Wang talk about rookie quarterback Jared Goff, as well as the status of tailback Tre Mason, safety T.J. McDonald, and right tackle Rob Havenstein.
Agamemnonhttp://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000677136/article/rams-cut-quarterback-nick-foles-after-release-request
Rams cut quarterback Nick Foles after release request
By Kevin Patra
Around the NFL writer
Published: July 27, 2016 at 03:40 p.m.
Updated: July 28, 2016 at 11:50 a.m.A day before veterans were set to report for training camp, the Los Angeles Rams rid themselves of disgruntled quarterback Nick Foles.
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The team announced Wednesday that it has released Foles. NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
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“We have been in contact with Nick and his representation throughout the offseason and we feel that this is the best decision for all parties involved,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement released by the team. “We appreciate the contributions that Nick has made to our organization in his time as a Ram and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
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We’ve known for weeks that Foles was leaving L.A., the only question was whether the Rams could get any compensation in return. Foles skipped offseason workouts after the team selected Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick, NFL Media’s Steve Wyche reported in June. Fisher said at the time he was fine with Foles staying away from the team — a crystal clear indication his days with the Rams were over.Garafolo also reported that the quarterback agreed to reduce the guarantee in his base salary from $1.75 million to $1 million in exchange for his release, per a source who viewed the changes to Foles’ contract this week.
With Goff in town as the face of the new L.A. Rams, there was no room for Foles. Quarterbacks Case Keenum and Sean Mannion remain on the roster.
The Rams reportedly attempted to trade Foles, to no avail.
Foles asked for his release from the team and the Rams acquiesced to the request, Garafolo reported. Foles immediately becomes a free agent. Los Angeles paid Foles a $6 million roster bonus in March.
The Rams acquired Foles from the Philadelphia Eagles in the Sam Bradford deal — which also netted L.A. a second-round pick they used to acquire the No. 1 pick and select Goff. Rams general manger Les Snead admitted earlier this offseason he knew the trade for Foles might not work out.
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After a Pro Bowl 2013 campaign that saw Foles throw for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 10 starts, the quarterback’s magic ran out, quickly. After being dumped by Chip Kelly for an injury-prone Bradford, Foles was among the most dreadful quarterbacks in the NFL last season. He completed just 56.4 percent of his throws, threw 10 interceptions, struggled to read defenses, made mind-numbingly terrible decisions and was annoyingly obnoxious to watch on the field. It got so bad last season, Fisher benched Foles for journeyman Case Keenum.
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Given his size and starting experience, Foles will land on a roster. In a league with a devastating dearth of quarterbacks, even Foles’ terrible game tape won’t stop him from finding work.
AgamemnonIt is probably your browser trying to protecting you. It should give a choice whether to visit the site or not.
AgamemnonThe Rams were guaranteeing his entire salary of $1.75 million. So, something less than that. I guess the minimum for him, $760,000. But now they have to decide when to take the rest of his signing bonus, $1 million for 2017, this year or next. They probably save ~$1 million.
Agamemnonhttp://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000677136/article/rams-release-quarterback-nick-foles
Rams cut quarterback Nick Foles after release request
By Kevin Patra
Around the NFL writer
Published: July 27, 2016 at 03:40 p.m.
Updated: July 27, 2016 at 04:22 p.m.A day before veterans were set to report for training camp, the Los Angeles Rams rid themselves of disgruntled quarterback Nick Foles.
The team announced Wednesday that it has released Foles. NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
“We have been in contact with Nick and his representation throughout the offseason and we feel that this is the best decision for all parties involved,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement released by the team. “We appreciate the contributions that Nick has made to our organization in his time as a Ram and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
We’ve known for weeks that Foles was leaving L.A., the only question was whether the Rams could get any compensation in return. Foles skipped offseason workouts after the team selected Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick, NFL Media’s Steve Wyche reported in June. Fisher said at the time he was fine with Foles staying away from the team — a crystal clear indication his days with the Rams were over.
With Goff in town as the face of the new L.A. Rams, there was no room for Foles. Quarterbacks Case Keenum and Sean Mannion remain on the roster.
The Rams reportedly attempted to trade Foles, to no avail.
Foles asked for his release from the team and the Rams acquiesced to the request, Garafolo reported. Foles immediately becomes a free agent. Los Angeles paid Foles a $6 million roster bonus in March.
The Rams acquired Foles from the Philadelphia Eagles in the Sam Bradford deal — which also netted L.A. a second-round pick they used to acquire the No. 1 pick and select Goff. Rams general manger Les Snead admitted earlier this offseason he knew the trade for Foles might not work out.
After a Pro Bowl 2013 campaign that saw Foles throw for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 10 starts, the quarterback’s magic ran out, quickly. After being dumped by Chip Kelly for an injury-prone Bradford, Foles was among the most dreadful quarterbacks in the NFL last season. He completed just 56.4 percent of his throws, threw 10 interceptions, struggled to read defenses, made mind-numbingly terrible decisions and was annoyingly obnoxious to watch on the field. It got so bad last season, Fisher benched Foles for journeyman Case Keenum.
Given his size and starting experience, Foles will land on a roster. In a league with a devastating dearth of quarterbacks, even Foles’ terrible game tape won’t stop him from finding work.
AgamemnonHere is the LA #Rams open practice schedule and autograph signing opportunities for the month of August. 🐏 pic.twitter.com/ftd0z8LpVh
— Inside SoCal Sports (@InsideSoCalSpts) July 26, 2016
AgamemnonICYMI, @Rich_Hammond and I talked about the Rams rookies' arrival at UC Irvine for training camp earlier today. 📹 https://t.co/CadSShX3j2
— Jack Wang (@thejackwang) July 27, 2016
Check out the FaceBook link. Video
https://www.facebook.com/ocrrams/videos/311664585844697/
Rams rookies arrive at training camp in UC IrvineRich Hammond and Jack Wang talk about the arrival of Rams’ rookies at UC Irvine, as well as the status of running back Tre Mason and safety T.J. McDonald. Agamemnon
Rams w/o Foles
top = 12 for 57.0% => 4.8%
mid = 18 for 28.7% => 1.6%
bot = 23 for 10.3% => 0.4%
cap = 4.0%Denver
top = 12 for 60.3% => 5.3%
mid = 12 for 19.0% => 1.6%
bot = 29 for 17.0% => 0.6%
cap = 3.7%Denver is about maxed out. They are close to the Seattle model. They have put a lot into their top players. The thing about Miller is the large amount of guaranteed money. If he, for some reason, can’t perform up to contract, they will be hurt. imo
Like zn said, they are not paying a lot for the QB position.
AgamemnonAndrew & Ross discuss Miko Grimes and the importance of the Franchise Tag.
Brandt says,The tag usually give the team the leverage in negotiations, cause the player isn’t really a FA. It does tend to set the top of the market, cause teams can use it to keep a player.”
AgamemnonFormer Eagles & Browns President Joe Banner talks about guaranteed contracts and franchise tag…
Trumaine Johnson is one of two guys that have been tagged but on the open market the average of the contract would be less than the franchise tag money. This is sort of a first, according to Banner.
He also talks about the benefits of signing good young players early, trading guaranteed money for a lower average contract number.
AgamemnonI break it down this way. Processing stuff is what you see in the defense before the snap and then what you see downfield as the play develops. That has more to do with reacting to coverage(s).
Pocket presence is the ability to sense impending pressure and respond to it effectively, like moving away from that pressure.
IMO you can actually have one thing and not the other.
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If you don’t have time, then you might not be able to use the other. If you don’t have the other, time might not make a difference.
Agamemnon<
Yeah I didn’t mention that and should have. But I thought he said his biggest strength, what really sets him apart, is how fast he processes stuff.I thought he put that as part of pocket presence. No big deal. Not a big distinction. imo
AgamemnonHe says: Goff’s biggest strength is how quickly and decisively he processes things. Combo of pre-snap reads, post-snap reads, and a knack for finding the play that is the least path of resistance. Plus great anticipation, pin-point accuracy, and pretty good arm.
I thought it was pocket presence. Start earlier in the podcast.
AgamemnonDo you have any potato salad tips?
w
vNo tips, except, I like Hot German Potato Salad. Made is this style.
Make a potato salad that can be served hot or cold. Its signature ingredients are bacon, vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/hot-german-potato-salad/39665c22-834a-4d6b-9d9e-218b1e423365 AgamemnonLos Angeles Rams Rookies Forecast
By Charlie Campbell – @draftcampbell
Solid Starter
image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/ramsb_logo.gif
Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina – Round 4image: http://walterfootball.com/college/SouthCarolina_logo.gif
The Rams traded away their second-day picks to move up from No. 15 to No. 1 overall, so the team was very fortunate to land Cooper in Round 4. All projections had Cooper being a second-day pick, so it was surprising to see him slip to the fourth frame. Los Angeles was fortunate to land him there, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he develops into a solid starter before the end of his rookie contract.
The Rams are in serious need at wide receiver. They have used a lot of picks on the position in recent years, but have yet to get results. Brian Quick hasn’t panned out, and Tavon Austin is just a role player. Kenny Britt also is aging and not as effective as he once was. Thus, Los Angeles is in need of some receivers to emerge as talent for Jared Goff.
Cooper (5-11, 203) is a quick receiver and very dangerous with the ball in his hands. He could be limited to the slot in the NFL, so in the short term, he might only be Austin’s backup. The Rams have been trying to make the Austin pick work out, but over his three seasons, he has been a serious disappointment as a top-10 pick. Thus, it wouldn’t surprise me if Cooper replaces him as a starter for Los Angeles in a year or two.
Most Likely To Bust
image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/ramsb_logo.gif
Jared Goff, QB, California – Round 1image: http://walterfootball.com/college/California_logo.gif
I know numerous scouts and directors from around the NFL that just don’t buy Jared Goff as a No. 1-overall talent. One scouting director of a team that recently landed a young franchise quarterback told me that they felt that Jared Goff was “fool’s gold” as a prospect. He can look good, but isn’t a genuine franchise quarterback. I think there are a few problems that could lead to Goff being a bust. You could make the argument that the last No. 1-overall pick to be a bust was the Rams’ selection of Sam Bradford, and I think Goff could be the next highly drafted quarterback who is a bust in the NFL.
The Rams have some roster issues and will lack draft picks to help build around Goff because of how expensive it was to trade up for him. The offensive line is built to run block and had issues in pass protection last year. Left tackle Greg Robinson, the second-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has been a huge disappointment with a lot of poor play and has hurt his team with a massive amount of holding penalties last season. Goff (6-4, 215) is a small-framed quarterback, and I’m not sure he can take the pounding that the Seahawks, Cardinals and 49ers are going to put on him over their six division matchups per year. A number of sources also feel that Goff’s arm strength is barely above average and his physical skill set is not special for the NFL.
At California, Goff’s numbers were inflated by a gimmick college offense that won’t translate to the NFL. He had receivers running wide open and a lot of instant throws to the flat. The Rams also don’t have much talent at wide receiver, so Goff won’t have a true No. 1 wideout to work with. Transitioning to a pro-style offense with pedestrian receivers could make for a rough rookie year for Goff.
On top of all of that, the Rams are going through the relocation to Los Angeles with practices and training camp at a variety of places. The transition for the franchise is going to be a hinderance and distraction throughout 2016.
The one thing that Goff has going for him is Todd Gurley. Gurley was phenomenal as a rookie, and as soon as this season, he could be among the very best running backs in the NFL. Still, defenses will be selling out to stop Gurley and daring Goff to beat them. I think Goff could be in store for a rough rookie year that gets his career started off on the wrong foot and leads to him eventually being a bust. I think there is serious potential that Goff will be the next No. 1-overall pick to be a huge bust.
Potential Boom Pick
image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/ramsb_logo.gif
Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Miss – Round 6image: http://walterfootball.com/college/SouthernMiss_logo.gif
It is very rare that I choose a late-round selection for a potential boom pick, but I have a feeling that Thomas could be a late-round gem like Marques Colston. Thomas was a sleeper receiver who a lot of teams really liked. With his skill set, I wouldn’t be surprised if he quickly ascends the Rams’ depth chart and is earning significant playing time quickly in the NFL.
Another reason why I think Thomas could be a boom pick is because the Rams are in serious need at wide receiver. They have invested a number of picks on the position, but have yet to get results – as noted above. Brian Quick hasn’t panned out, and Tavon Austin is just a role player. Kenny Britt also is aging and not as effective as he once was. Thus, Los Angeles is in need of some receivers to emerge as talent for Jared Goff.
Thomas had great tape from his senior year when he totaled 71 receptions for 1,391 yards with 14 touchdowns. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he has some size and showed some speed at the combine as well. I think if Thomas can learn the playbook, he could pass Quick and Britt quickly as he offers more play-making potential. It wouldn’t surprise me if Thomas ends up being a late-round steal and boom pick for Los Angeles.
Future Depth Player
image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/ramsb_logo.gif
Josh Forrest, LB, Kentucky – Round 6image: http://walterfootball.com/college/Kentucky_logo.gif
Forrest (6-3, 249) was a downhill thumper linebacker in the SEC last season. The 6-foot-3, 249-pounder showed more quickness and pass-coverage skills than one would think at the Senior Bowl. However, he is more of a backup linebacker because of being short on speed and athleticism for pass coverage in the NFL. Still, I think that Forrest could be a good role player as a backup and special teams contributor.
Walt’s 2016 NFL Draft Grades:
1. Jared Goff: C- Grade
I’ve already given the Rams a “D” for moving up to the No. 1 pick in my NFL Draft Trade Grades page, and part of this mark has to take the deal into account. Los Angeles was desperate for a quarterback, but didn’t need to panic like this. There will be better quarterback prospects next year – check my 2017 NFL Mock Draft – and 2018 as well, with Josh Rosen set to declare. Rosen and Deshaun Watson are superior prospects – at least at the moment – compared to Jared Goff, who might not even be the top signal-caller in this class.Goff is a rail-thin quarterback coming out of a goofy spread offense. He had a losing record in college, and his completion percentage wasn’t great. These are all red flags, and it’s baffling that the Rams are ignoring them. The Rams actually liked Carson Wentz more in between the Senior Bowl and Combine, so I don’t know what changed for them. Whatever it is, I don’t agree with it, and our contacts around the NFL feel the same way. For example, one successful offensive coach on a team that doesn’t need a quarterback was completely baffled by Los Angeles’ preference, indicating that Wentz was the easy pick of the two.
I think a C- grade is appropriate for the first-overall choice in the 2016 NFL Draft. This looks to be a bad pick, and the Rams surrendered way too much for it, but I can at least understand why they’re taking a quarterback at this selection.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
110. Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky: C- Grade
Wow. I did not think Tyler Higbee would be drafted. Higbee, in terms of a pure football player, would’ve been chosen in the second round if there were no other factors involved. However, the issue is that Higbee has both a knee injury and serious character issues. Higbee is a recidivist; he has gotten into trouble countless times, most recently being arrested for assault. He also fled from police. The Rams have taken chances on players with character concerns before, and it has worked out. Perhaps this will as well, but there were teams that didn’t have Higbee on their board, so why risk it this early with so few selections? I was tempted to give this a “Jerrah” (for Jerry Jones), but there’s a chance this could pan out.117. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina: B+ Grade
Pharoh Cooper was once considered a second-round prospect, but his stock sunk because of some horrible testing numbers at the Combine. He was a good football player at South Carolina, however, and at the very least, he’ll be a solid a return specialist. The Rams needed more weapons on offense, and this seems like a quality pick.177. Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State: B Grade
It makes sense for the Rams to draft a second tight end, just in case Tyler Higbee can’t stay out of trouble. Based on Higbee’s off-the-field issues, perhaps Los Angeles should’ve just selected Termarrick Hemingway. The South Carolina State product has a ton of upside, thanks to his great athleticism. He’s a project, but he could evolve into a solid weapon for Jared Goff.190. Josh Forrest, ILB, Kentucky: B Grade
Josh Forrest looks to be a viable backup and special-teamer in the NFL, which is something the Rams needed. Forrest was a solid player at Kentucky after switching positions (former receiver), but he tested extremely poorly at the Combine. There’s nothing wrong with taking someone who could be a capable reserve in the sixth round.206. Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Miss: A Grade
One team whose sources we trust told us that they were going to consider Mike Thomas as early as the fourth round. I suppose better players fell to them, but the fact remains that Thomas provides great value here toward the end of the sixth round. I like this pick a lot, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Thomas contributed sooner rather than later. His great route-running will help, as will the fact that Los Angeles doesn’t have the best receiving corps.2016 NFL Draft Team Grade: C- . Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/rookieforecast2016rams.php#K1UH3WjQchUrTBFo.99Slow day. Walter football isn’t that great. imo
AgamemnonRams sign DT Dominique Easley (1 year, $600,000): A+ Grade
When it was revealed that the Patriots cut Dominique Easley because of some locker room issues, it became quite obvious that Los Angeles was a very likely destination for him. The Rams, after all, have had success with troubled individuals, including one (Janoris Jenkins) who was also from Florida.This is an outstanding signing. Easley wasn’t cut for performance issues; on the contrary, he was extremely effective when healthy. If Jeff Fisher can get the most out of him like he did with Jenkins and other players with character concerns, Easley could be a big-time player for the Rams.
The one other thing to note is that health is also a problem for Easley, who has missed 10 games the past two seasons. However, there’s absolutely no risk with this deal. Los Angeles signed Easley to a 1-year contract worth $600,000, which includes no guaranteed money. If Easley becomes a problem or can’t stay healthy, the Rams can simply get rid of him with no penalty. Given that this deal contains no risk and happens to be all upside, I think this signing deserves an easy A+.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99———————————————–
Rams re-sign K Greg Zuerlein (1 year, $1.25 million): C+ Grade
Greg “the leg” Zuerlein has been a disappointment thus far. He has eclipsed an 80-percent conversion rate on his field goal tries just once in his career, when he pieced together a sterling 26-of-28 campaign in 2013. The negative numbers are somewhat misleading, however, as Zuerlein has missed a lot from 50-plus. For example, as a rookie, he was 23-of-31 overall, but six of those whiffs came from beyond 50, where he was 7-of-13. In 2014, Zuerlein was 24-of-30, but drilled 5-of-7 attempts from long distance.Zuerlein was awful last season, however. He was 20-of-30 (66.7%) and just 3-of-9 from deep. He also went only 5-of-8 in the 40-49 range, which is pretty underwhelming. When taking account that he played at least half of his games in a dome, it’s easy to see why the Rams would be displeased with him.
Having said that, Zuerlein is certainly worthy of another chance. He obviously has the leg power, so perhaps he’ll be able to improve upon his accuracy this offseason and put together a bounce-back 2016 campaign.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99—————————————————-
Rams acquire No. 1 overall pick, Nos. 113 and 177 from Titans for Nos. 15, 43, 45 and 76, and 2017 first- and third-rounders
Four years ago, the Rams dealt the No. 2 overall choice to the Redskins for a king’s ransom of draft picks, which Washington used to select Robert Griffin. That was deemed as a great trade at the time for the Redskins, who were desperate for a franchise quarterback. That move would look outstanding at first, as Griffin led the team to the playoffs as a rookie, but flamed out ever since. Because Washington surrendered so many draft choices, its depth was shot. The team finally recovered in 2016, though it needed the quarterback from the best squad in the division to go down in order to claim the NFC East.It’s funny to see that the Rams are on the other side of things. They’ve soared all the way from No. 15 to move in position to select a franchise quarterback. As I tweeted out, Charlie Campbell reported two months ago that the Rams love Carson Wentz, so that’s apparently whom they are going to take.
Let me clear here: I understand the importance of a franchise quarterback. For those who have been reading the site for a while, you know that I do. However, surrendering countless resources like this is a sketchy move to begin with, even if it’s for a highly rated prospect like Griffin was four years ago. Depth is extremely important, so with all of these picks gone – as well as several key free agents departing this offseason – the Rams won’t be very deep. Like the Ravens, they’ll be done after incurring a couple of key injuries.
Making matters worse, this is the wrong year to trade up for a signal-caller. It’s not like last year when there were two studs – Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota – atop the class. And it’s not like next year when Deshaun Watson will be available (click here for my 2017 NFL Mock Draft.) This class is very weak, and it’s headlined by two quarterbacks other teams have been lukewarm on. Neither Wentz nor Jared Goff is a slam-dunk franchise quarterback. In fact, it’s quite possible that both will flop. If so, the Rams will be horrible for a very long time.
I can’t give Los Angeles a Millen grade for this. At least it’s trying, and it’s adding some excitement, which is needed in Los Angeles, where people haven’t expressed enthusiasm for pro football in the past. However, I have to penalize them with a “D” grade. This is an awfully risky move that has a huge chance of backfiring.
As for the Titans, this is an unbelievable trade, worthy of an A+. They won’t be able to obtain a blue-chip prospect anymore, but as mentioned, this class wasn’t good to begin with. The 2017 draft will be loaded, however, so Tennessee will really be able to strengthen its roster with two potential top-10 selections. Having three second-rounders this year will be enormous for depth purposes.
At 15, I expect Tennessee to do what it was planning to do at No. 1 – target a tackle or a defensive back. Jack Conklin, Mackensie Alexander and Eli Apple are some of the names that will be under consideration. We’ll have a better idea once we talk to our sources in the coming days, so check back in our 2016 NFL Draft Rumors page.
Oh, and two things: First, I’ll be updating my 2016 NFL Mock Draft later today, and I’ll also be posting a winners and losers column for this trade.
Second, Would it kill the Rams not to conduct a trade so early? The five fans they have in Los Angeles were all asleep when the trade was announced at 6:15 a.m. locally. How are the Rams expected to build up excitement in their new city by making big moves when everyone is still in bed?
Grade for Rams – D
Grade for Titans – A+Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99
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Rams sign DE Quinton Coples (2 years, $6.5M; $750K guaranteed): B+ Grade
Quinton Coples is a talented, former first-round pick who has disappointed his entire career. I had concerns about his effort when he was coming out of North Carolina, and his lethargy has caused two teams to dump him thus far.Will the third team be the charm? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean this is a bad signing of any sort. The overall value of this contract is $6.5 million, but only $750,000 of it is guaranteed, so Los Angeles can cut him without any sort of consequence. Much like the Jared Cook signing from earlier today, this deal is all upside. If Coples pans out, the Rams will have incredible pass-rushing depth. If not, then it doesn’t really matter.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99
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Rams sign CB Coty Sensabaugh (3 years, $19 million): D Grade
I have some signings to catch up on, such as this one. I would’ve gotten to these earlier, but the contract details weren’t available at the time. Facebook friend Adam P. wrote the following before I saw the terms: “I’m starting to fear the Rams are going to receive a Millen for the Sensabaugh signing.”Well, this isn’t a Millen, but it’s a pretty poor grade. Sensabaugh struggled last year, so I’m not sure why the Rams felt as though they needed to pay him more than $6 million per season. Something along the lines of a 3-year, $9 million pact would’ve made so much more sense for a nickel who was poor in coverage this past season.
However, if you’re one of the five Ram fans out there, don’t be too discouraged. Sensabaugh has played well at times in the past, so there’s a chance he could be a somewhat decent player on his new team. A somewhat decent, overpaid player, but a possible OK contributor nonetheless. Then again, he could suck again like he did in 2015, which is why it’s so confusing as to why Los Angeles paid him so much.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99—————————————————–
Rams re-sign DE Eugene Sims (3 years, $10M; $3.5M guaranteed): C+ Grade
I had the Rams selecting two defensive ends in this past week’s 2016 NFL Mock Draft because Chris Long, William Hayes and Eugene Sims were all impending free agents. Well, things will definitely change in the next update, as Los Angeles has now managed to retain two of those players.I liked the Hayes re-signing, but this one is an overpay. Giving more than $3 million per season to a 30-year-old declining, mediocre bench player seems like a bit too much. It’s nice to have Sims back, but I think the Rams could have kept him (or signed someone similar) for a bit less.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99
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Rams re-sign C Tim Barnes (2 years, $5.5 million): C Grade
This could have been a lot worse. When general manager Les Snead told the media earlier in the offseason that he absolutely wanted Tim Barnes back, I thought he would hand him a huge contract. Well, he did, relatively.To say that Barnes struggled as the Rams’ starting center last year would be an understatement. He was poor in every facet, especially in terms of run blocking. Having him back as a backup is fine, but if Los Angeles uses him as a starter again, the team is going to be in big trouble. This is something in between starter and reserve money, so I’m not sure where the Rams are going with this, so I think I’ll settle on giving them a “C.”
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99—————————————————–
Rams re-sign WR Brian Quick (1 year, $3.75M; $1.5M guaranteed): B- Grade
This is the most non-terrible confusing move of the day, if that makes any sense. I figured neither party wanted anything to do with the other, yet the Rams and Brian Quick will be together once more in 2016.Quick has been poorly utilized by the Rams. He was on the field for only about 300 snaps in 2015, catching just 10 passes. Why would he want to return to a team that didn’t value him that much? And why would Los Angeles want him back when it didn’t appear to be interested in utilizing him much in the first place?
Quick has upside, so I’m going to mark this down as a B- just in case, but I just don’t understand the logic behind this move.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99————————————————–
Rams re-sign DE William Hayes (3 years, $17.5M; $10M guaranteed): B+ Grade
In a market in which Olivier Vernon earns $85 million over five seasons, this is an absolute steal. Granted, William Hayes isn’t as good, as he’s also about five years older than Vernon, but he’s still a talented player who was retained at a bargain.The Rams would’ve had a big hole at defensive end if Hayes departed. Besides the obvious, the reason they were so dominant up front even when Chris Long was hurt was Hayes’ great play. Hayes has never recorded double-digit sacks, but as with Vernon, that’s a misleading figure. He’s a very underrated player, so the Rams deserve a high mark for retaining him.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99
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Rams re-sign OLB Mark Barron (5 years, $45 million): D Grade
When the Rams said that retaining Mark Barron was a priority, I never thought that they would pay him $9 million per season. As it turns out, that’s exactly what they did in an absolutely stunning move.Mark Barron, the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, had been a failure his entire career, but finally played well last year when he was moved from safety to linebacker. Was the positional change the reason, or was it his desperate attempt to land a big contract? If it’s the latter, the Rams are in a lot of trouble. But even if it’s the former, Barron didn’t play well enough to warrant this sort of deal. He was solid, especially in run support, but he looked like he was worth maybe $4 million per year. Instead, he’s getting double!
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99———————————————-
Rams re-sign CB Trumaine Johnson (1 year, $13.952 million): B+ Grade
Both Los Angeles cornerbacks are talented, but I didn’t think either was overly deserving of the franchise tag. Trumaine Johnson was slapped with it, and he’ll consequently earn $13.952 million in 2016 if a long-term deal isn’t completed.That price is a bit steep for Johnson, but one thing needs to be considered: Los Angeles has about $45 million in cap space this spring, so it could definitely afford to dedicate a big chunk of salary to one player. Plus, the Rams had to ensure that they’d re-sign one of Johnson or Janoris Jenkins this offseason so that their defense could continue to be dominant.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php#b4CdO6I7Xucvh6TF.99Slow day. Walter football isn’t that great. imo
AgamemnonFrom the Black Hole, Barksdale got his contract.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-diego-chargers/joe-barksdale/
Joe Barksdale signed a 4 year, $23,500,000 contract with the San Diego Chargers, march 6.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jul/08/slauson-dunlap-fluker-franklin/
Telesco secured Barksdale, the line’s top performer in 2015, with a four-year contract in March. The $23.5-million deal guarantees $10.5 million to Barksdale, 27.
I would guess and say, he probably gained about $4 million in real money and the Rams got a better cheaper player in Havenstein. Everybody won. Of course we had to draft Havenstein, but that is what draft choices are for. We gained cap value by spending a draft choice.
Agamemnon
