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znModeratorCROMWELL21
4th round pick in 2016. Played eight games last year. Rams had to apply for and were granted an exemption to sign him since he played in too many games.
September 5, 2018 at 2:04 am in reply to: What delayed humans from crossing the Bering Straight into North America #90426znModeratorInteresting theory, but Occam’s Razor suggests that it was the lack of reliable public transportation.
Yeah that’s valid.
I mean the USA still has issues with public transportation, and if you think about, how many people are crossing the Bering Straight even today?
znModeratorLindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
The Rams reached an injury settlement with DE/OLB Ryan Davis, who was placed on IR, so he’s no longer w/team.znModeratorJ.B. Long@JB_Long
Have a sneaky suspicion NFC West is going to be a much tougher grind than pundits have led us to believe.September 5, 2018 at 12:52 am in reply to: setting up the Raiders game, w/ PFF, & also what Raiders fans are saying #90422znModeratorJon Gruden once said Jared Goff “is smart and will shred you.” Will Goff prove him correct in a few days? https://t.co/CuEDQshI1N
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 4, 2018
znModeratorBoehm is a “reanimated castoff” type. Like Barskdale was. Good they needed one of those.
znModeratorNOT THAT GREAT NEWS
They like Samson outside but understand he still needs to develop his pass rush skills.
GREAT NEWS
Being on the same page and being able to communicate in a way that enables everyone to do their jobs at the highest level is very important. That is happening. From the front office to the coaching staff to the players
Noteboom has a chance to be special
znModeratorRams Q&A: Vinny Bonsignore on backup QB plans, TE hopes and roster blueprints
Anthony Z.
How do you think our LBs will do this year? Who will step up their game?Vincent Bonsignore
@Anthony Z. Really good question. The Rams believe they have a more sound ILB group. They like Samson outside but understand he still needs to develop his pass rush skills. But in one-on-one matchups, he should be fine. The other side will be by committeeAdam H.
How did this go from one of the worst run organizations (ex. Tavon Austin’s contract) to one of the seemingly best run in just a couple of years? It’s still the same management. It can’t all be the new coaching staff, right? BTW… really enjoying your articles! Looking forward to reading more.Vincent Bonsignore
@Adam H. There were really good people in place behind the scenes for awhile. And I truly believe the leadership in place from the coaching staff was simply not very good. In fact it was bad. The synergy of McVay and his staff with Les Snead and his crew is very, very good. I’ve been around pro sports a long long time. And it is not a cliché to point that out as critical to the success of a franchise. Being on the same page and being able to communicate in a way that enables everyone to do their jobs at the highest level is very important. That is happening. From the front office to the coaching staff to the playersJeremy B.
Vinny, I have a feeling I am overlooking the Raiders this week. It just seems the Rams’ roster is more talented at nearly every position. Is there any scenario where you see the game being closer than expected on Monday? Are there any troublesome match ups you will be paying close attention to?Vincent Bonsignore
@Jeremy B. First games are always dicey. But I think the combination of the Rams having a decided talent advantage and, frankly, champing at the bit to finally get on the field and put it all on display will make for a rather easy win. Not overlooking the Raiders at all. Just think the Rams are betterChris M.
Do you think that having rested the starters this preseason will affect how they play for the first few games? Or did the joint practices serve that role and let them get their time in?Patrick T.
Uniforms. I know unis are still being designed, but have they settled on a color scheme? Royal and canary yellow, maybe?Vincent Bonsignore
@Chris M. I mean I guess it might be a factor for a series or two, but anything more than that I’m not buying it.Vincent Bonsignore
@Patrick T. Last time I asked – during training camp – they had not settled on anythingDylan L.
Nick Saban made the news recently in a not-so-great way for how he addressed a media member. How have your interactions with McVay been?Vincent Bonsignore
@Dylan L. One of the best I’ve ever dealt with. He’s special on so many levels. I think he’s one of the greats in the making if he sticks with it. And I’ve told him that. You have to understand I’ve covered or worked with Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Pete Carroll, There’s a common thread among the greats. They stand out. And he stands out big time. I think Saban is a tremendous coach, obviously. Just not sure he works in the NFLDylan L.
We’re you surprise Ejuan Price was cut and not even added to the PS?Vincent Bonsignore
@Dylan L. Cut? No. Practice squad? A little bitDylan L.
What’s the plan at DC after Wade leaves? I’m sure Barry is next in line but Aubrey Pleasant looks like a star.Vincent Bonsignore
@Dylan L. I think you’re onto something with those two. But Rams hope Wade is here for awhile longerDylan L.
Who deserves the credit (and blame) for contract negotiations? Donald and Havenstein look like great deals but Tavon Austin and Ogletree’s were awful. Was someone different handling those?Vincent Bonsignore
@Dylan L. I only look at deals as “awful” when they cripple you or are so bad you can’t easily get out of them. Neither one of those deals fall into that category. The Rams were always banking on Tavon finally putting it all together. That didn’t happen. But as you see, it really didn’t affect them one way or another. Alec was probably miscast in his position in the 3-4. But again, not sure it hurt them in any wayTony S.
Willing to venture a guess on the Rams record for this year? Perhaps a Y/N on reaching post-season?Vincent Bonsignore
@Tony S. 11 to 12 winsTony S.
Although way early, any idea on who they will look to draft next year? I imagine it is another year focused on defense.Vincent Bonsignore
@Tony S. With Joyner situation up in the air, I can see safety. OLB.Drew G.
Do you think the Rams will trade for a better backup QB?Vincent Bonsignore
@Drew G. I’m not ruling anything out. Including whether to keep one or two backups. Still some decisions loomingMatt M.
With Jackie Robinson Day becoming such a big thing in MLB, have the Rams ever thought of doing something to honor Kenny Washington, especially while they still are playing in the Coliseum?Vincent Bonsignore
@Matt M. Good question. I’ll askRené O.
Hello Vinny,
do you think we are thin on the LB Position?
We have 9 “LB’s” on the active roster. Is it a weakness?Vincent Bonsignore
@René O. That’s really a TBA. The Rams like the group and feel that, playing alongside a very good to dominant supporting cast, it will help the transition process of three first-time starters.Dylan L.
What are your inial impressions working for The Athletic? Has it had any immediate impacts on your career or day to day life around the team?Vincent Bonsignore
@Dylan L. Loving every second of it. And I love the freedom to figure things out – what works best, what do readers really want, and make whatever adjustments accordingly. While never losing sight of the fact I’m really here to serve you guys with news, analysis, commentary and whatever you guys deem as worthy while staying connected to your teamDylan L.
Good to hear. You deserve praise as well and I appreciate you answering my questions. I decided to subscribe once you joined on, you’ve always been my favorite Rams reporter.Vincent Bonsignore
But I’m always going to keep it straight. You may not always agree, but it will be from the heart, always.Chris R.
Any Ram moves coming to upgrade QB2?Vincent Bonsignore
@Chris R. They will roll with Mannion as the two for now. But I would not rule out them bringing in a better No. 3 who can either push Mannion or be the guy who takes over as No. 2 next yearVincent Bonsignore
@Chris R. One thing regarding QB’s. In the Rams building they believe if it comes to needing to use a backup, the combination of Sean McVay scheming to put the backup in good position to succeed and the surrounding talent around the backup will be sufficient to remain competitiveVincent Bonsignore
@Chris R. And one other thing, I’ve been told it could be a “by committee” type situation where they decide that particular week which skill set is best to execute that week’s game plan.Tony S.
What is McVay doing to combat the fact that every other team now has tape to study on his different schemes?Vincent Bonsignore
@Tony S. He’s a mad scientist. He’s cooked/cooking up new stuff. (by the way, not long after the college football playoffs he told me he was super impressed with Lincoln Riley and Oklahoma’s offense. Sean is not too proud to say he’ll take a little bit from this and that.) Just sayin’Andy H.
Based on the long term contacts given out this off-season, what current players on the roster (ex-Goff) have they held a place for in terms of future cap space?Vincent Bonsignore
@Andy H. Goff and Peters are at the very top of that list. But obviously they want Saffold and Brown and Suh and Joyner longer term too. But that could be difficult getting everyone in the foldBrandon M.
How long until these new contracts bite us or are we good for a while? And, going to a MNF party with loser Raiders fans, should I be concerned?Vincent Bonsignore
@Brandon M. A lot of that depends on how well they draft/develop. As long as they have good young players ready to fill roles of guys they may have to move on from to keep the foundation pieces in place, it might not bite them at all. Letting some guys walk is a fact of life in the NFL. The question is whether their are options in the pipeline.Michael P.
Hey Vinny, Do you think our Rams will duplicate the average of last year’s offensive?Vincent Bonsignore
@Michael P. I think the Rams offense will be more efficient. Whether that means more points, hard to say. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but I just think they’ll be more well rounded and better in the Red Zone. That might not mean they’ll score as many points.Casey M.
What do you expect the roles of Higbee and Everett to be? Will Everett have a chance to become the bon-a-fide number one TE, or will we see a lot of two TE sets that ultimately decrease Everett’s ability to grab the brass ring as starter?Vincent Bonsignore
@Casey M. I saw a lot of two TE sets in practice, but at the same time, those three WR’s are pretty darned good so taking one off the field just to force a different personnel grouping…it’s more nuanced than that. But, if Higbee and Everett prove they deserve more time in 12-personnel, you’ll see thatTalfourd K.
I watched the Rams preseason win and by far my biggest takeaway was the apparent depth of talent on their defense. (Hard not to like Kelly and Hodge on O, of course.) What have you seen day to day from this group? Thanks for the great Q&A today, by the way. It’s awfully nice to not have to worry about A. Donald for a long, long time.Vincent Bonsignore
@Talfourd K. While I don’t think the #Rams added any superstar players in this draft – although Noteboom has a chance to be special and Allen can be a long-time starter – I think they added current and future role players in Kiser and Lawler and Franklin-Myers. They all add a valuable particular skill or dimension.Joshua G.
What can we expect out of the Rams use of Brandin Cooks this year? Is a Sammy Watkins performance from last year considered good enough for Cooks? Also has Woods’ role for this year changed much due to that personnel change?Vincent Bonsignore
@Joshua G. Brandin is a guy who, no matter where he’s been and no matter who plays around him, when he’s on the field he produces. I don’t expect that to change. I think 70 or so catches and close to 1000 yards, if not more.Andy H.
Chances to resigning Suh if he plays pro bowl calibur?Vincent Bonsignore
@Andy H. There’s a lot that will go into that. I could see that coming down to who to keep longer term: Suh or Joyner. Might not be able to keep both.Anthony D.
With all the signings where does that leave Saffold, who is a free agent after this year?Vincent Bonsignore
@Anthony D. He’s indicated a willingness to work with Rams on a deal that helps both sides. He’s definitely someone that want to keep. Important player on the OLForrest B.
Is Greg Zuelin fully healthy?Vincent Bonsignore
@Forrest B. He is, yesTalfourd K.
Further to comment about future cap space, it certainly appears like Rams are going to a model of locking down their young stars through their prime. I have to think drafting 11 players this past year and getting the 3 compensatory picks next year is a sign that they then will fill the rest of the roster with draftees on rookie contracts. Any thoughts or discussion on this point?Vincent Bonsignore
@Talfourd K. You’re a smart man. If you look at the Rams draft, they essentially drafted the replacements for Whitworth and Sullivan a year early and will let them essentially red shirt this year while developing. That will be a big part of the plan at other positions as wellVincent Bonsignore
Also, there are some young players on the roster the Rams like a lot moving forward: guys like Reynolds, Everett, J. Kelly, Kiser, Troy Hill, countess — good players that, out of circumstance, haven’t bubbled higher yet but the Rams have an abundance of confidence.Talfourd K.
Maybe I’m just being a fan, but it doesn’t seem like most of the media has focused on fact that these extensions are to unusually young players and go out a really long time. These extensions have high dollar tags as of August 2018 but I have to think they will be relative bargains in, say, 2020-2022, and the players all fit the scheme. I worry about future holdouts in case the market passes these players by, but not about guarantees. I can see Rams letting a starting FA or two walk ever year for comp picks but I’ll bet we’ve seen the end of FA signings by the Rams for the foreseeable future. It’s exciting, but Rams will be counting on a lot of draftees to play and fill holes over next 5 years. You touch on this above, but do you think the front office and coaches really are working together in a way that gives the Rams a chance to really do better in the draft (for them) than other teams?Vincent Bonsignore
@Talfourd K. Everytime I talk to Les Snead after his draft class (this one and last year’s), he mentions – without prompting – how easy it’s been working with Sean McVay and his staff in terms of identifying skill sets they need at their positions. Not trying to out words in or out of Les’ mouth, but I don’t remember him ever saying that about the previous staff. At least to me. I’m not trying to start anything, just pointing it out. So yes, I firmly believe there is great synergyVincent Bonsignore
To go one step further, having watched the previous coaching staff and this one, I can say unequivocally the amount of teaching is much more pronounced with this staff. And that’s not just me observing day in and day out – the players rave about the teaching and instruction. It’s not cliched. It’s earnestVincent Bonsignore
So you have a staff that articulates what they need, and then has the ability to teach and develop those players. You can’t put a price tag on that kind of commodity.Thomas D.
Given McVay’s statement that the team will play more formations, beyond 11 personnel, tightends are likely to see more playing time. Do you think our tightends are worthy of more time? Can any of them run block now?Vincent Bonsignore
@Thomas D. The blocking part is solid. I really like Everett. Disappointing he got hurt in camp but he should be ready to go Monday. He’s a big, fast, athletic player. Would not be surprised at all if he breaks out.Daniel R.
What games do you think could get flexed into primetime this year? There’s something exciting about your team playing on Sunday night.Vincent Bonsignore
@Daniel R. Just guessing, but maybe the Rams at Saints Nov. 4?Chris M.
Hey Vinny, what do you expect out of our tight ends this year? Much was said of how much McVay loves to use tight ends when he first took the job but I don’t think we saw much of that last yearVincent Bonsignore
@Chris M. Still a learning curve there. Everett has serious potential. Keep waiting on Tyler to take that next step, but maybe that doesn’t happen. And they still really like Hemingway. They kept him on practice squad thinking his camp struggles were related to the injury last year. Keeping him in fold gives them more time to monitor him. Would not surprise me if he gets called up to the varsity at somepointSeptember 3, 2018 at 8:31 pm in reply to: Preseason Rankings & what the expectations are, etc. #90383znModeratorfrom https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/03/khalil-mack-trade-super-bowl-prediction-peter-king/
Peter King
The Rams, defending NFC West champs, are darlings. That chortled-at peach-fuzzy coach, Sean McVay, is the reigning coach of the year. Todd Gurley and Aaron Donald are returning offensive and defensive players of the year. That disastrous quarterback, Jared Goff, had a 100.5 rating, fifth in the league and higher than a few great QBs—Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Ryan, Rivers and Wilson.
And now I’m going all-in on a franchise that last won a playoff game in January 2005, when “Meet the Fockers” was the top movie at the box office.
I’m picking the Rams because they’ve done a good job playing down their worst-to-first offense last year, realizing if they were really the Warriors of the NFL they wouldn’t have stunk it up in the playoffs against Atlanta. They added the kind of versatile and durable deep threat that Sammy Watkins wasn’t in Brandin Cooks, who can play all over the offensive formation.
McVay told me in camp he realizes he has to stay progressive to remain ahead of the defenses that have spent an offseason studying his play-calling, his tempo, even his cadences. Early one morning, in his tape den on the campus of UC-Irvine, McVay told me what he’d spent the last few months working on.
“The basic thing for us is: What are we doing offensively in order to try and conflict defenses? Whether it’s their matchup responsibilities, or being able to learn our cadence, learn our formations and motion and tempo. We have to use those as weapons to apply pressure to the defense. Our offense is totally different now from this time a year ago. I think it’s all about adjusting and adapting to our players.”
Why would McVay want to make his offense “totally different” from the best offense in the game last fall? “I would say that in terms of some of the core ways of we run the football—some of the personnel groupings that we operate out of might be different. But the way we’ll do it, whether it be formationally, whether it be tempo-driven, at the line, in the huddle … In the span of a year, our players’ ability to process has enabled us to have a little bit more versatility.”
The Rams got better on defense too, if a pair of incendiary corners can stay on the field. They added cover corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, who need the kind of gentle but smart hand of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to make them each 16-game factors. The Aaron Donald signing was vital, not just for Donald’s peace of mind, but to know this great player is the center of a strong defense for the next seven years.
Of course, the continuing development of Jared Goff is vital. I trust McVay here. How can you not?
The NFC Playoff Picture
Division winners: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Minnesota, Los Angeles.
Wild-card teams: Atlanta, Green Bay.
Seeds: 1. Philadelphia, 2. Rams, 3. Minnesota, 4. New Orleans, 5. Green Bay, 6. Atlanta
NFC title game: Los Angeles 26, Philadelphia 24.
September 3, 2018 at 8:03 pm in reply to: Preseason Rankings & what the expectations are, etc. #90382znModeratorWildflecken
Rams Outlook As We Approach Week One…
1.) Some may not like the fact the first team offense did not see any action all preseason, but the manner in which McVay and his staff did devote the playing time for the preseason contests led to some important depth roles seeing plenty of live snaps which gave the coaching staff and players competing for spots every opportunity to earn their roles. Don’t believe any of the players released can complain they did not get a fair shot to rise on the depth chart.
2.) Expounding on the topic above, the snaps the first year players received in camp and the preseason contests were invaluable for the 2018 season. Many played above the level that was anticipated when drafted. The play of Noteboom was especially impressive. As was the play of Lawler, Kiser, JFM, and Kelly. Think all four of those talents played as if they were day 2 talents in the draft.
3) Very anxious to get a look at the 2018 first team offense. The 2017 offense was the beneficiary of being able to catch defenses without a lot of tape to develop their game day plans and schemes. The design of the offense was also heavily influenced by returning talent from the prior regime, as well as Lafluer as the OC and Olsen as the qb coach. The one package the offense executed well under the prior regime, jet sweeps and wr screens, became a weekly staple. The addition of Cooks gives them a talent in these packages who was more productive than any talent Rams had in 17 to execute them.
Now that we are entering the second season of the McVay era, with McVay adding talent since his arrival that fits his vision for this offense I am very anxious to see the new packages which were influenced by Kromer on the ground and Shane Waldron in the air packages. Assume the misdirection, sweeps and screens remain a staple. You simply do not add a talent like Cooks then remove one of the strengths of his addition.
4.) With the defense Snead and Company has assembled for Wade, to the NFL I say let them play or put them in dresses and change the entertainment focus to a miss universe contest. Seriously though, this defense has been assembled in a fashion that is both built to defend against the NFL game that is currently being played through the air, but has a yesteryear tenacity with talent that can get after a qb and get into the backfield to blow up runs before they develop. If they do find a seam, we have some new hitters in Kiser, Wilson and some improved returners like Hagar to lay some wood. And lets not forget the tad undersized but extreme thumper that is Mark Barron.
Staying on the Barron theme, he could be a huge beneficiary if Wade decides to give him the freedom to green dog all season. Barron has the veteran savvy and Wade allowing this would not shock me. With the front four opposing offenses have to concern themselves with that includes two talents inside that require extra attention, Barron could end the day early for all 16 qb’s Rams face in 2018.
5.) The rb depth canned be summed up in one word, impressive. McVay has options to keep Gurley fresh for the November/December portion of the schedule when pounding the rock becomes imperative.
Would love to see a Malcolm Brown/Kelly duo develop into a Rocky Bleier role early in the season, closing out 3 score leads in quarter 4, keeping Gurley’s legs fresh so Rams can ride Gurley from November on all the way to the Super Bowl!
6.) Rams went heavy at Safety both on active roster and PS. Certain Bones tagged a couple talents at key contributors on teams as he seeks to replace the speed needed now that players are prohibited from getting a running start. But with Joyner playing on tag and the Rams resigning the talent they have this offseason, think the preparation for his departure has begun.
I have an appreciation of the play, hard work and effort of the undersized Joyner, hard not to root for a player of his physical stature who plays much larger on game day. However never got the feel Joyner is the prototypical talent Wade seeks at the Safety position. If someone steps up and gains Wade’s trust on the backend during this season, I would not be shocked if the phasing out does not occur during the 2018 season. One look at the offseason focus of the defense tells us Wade is seeking to improve upon the no fly zone he had in his Denver defense.
7.) The Rams have also added 2 TE’s to the practice squad in Coble and Hemingway. McVay is being extremely patient with Hemingway’s recovery, hoping he regains the explosiveness McVay saw briefly last camp. If Hemingway does regain that explosiveness look for him to be added to the active roster shortly thereafter. At 246lbs, think McVay would love to add what he could offer in the short yardage packages and sealing the edge assignments in three TE look.
Think Coble played himself into a position on the PS during camp and the preseason contests. McVay is a huge believer in his ” we improve daily” philosophy and Coble simply showed too much improvement to abandon his development. In fact one has to wonder how tough a decision it was to decide between Mundt and Coble for the third TE on the active roster?
TE is a position I will be watching closely early in the season. Mundt was pleasant surprise when aligned as the Joker in the preseason, but at only 233, not a lot of beef to serve as the inline and H positions. The number of pass attempts thrown the 3rd TE’s way during the 2017 season could be counted on one hand. Anxious to see who McVay/Kromer has targeted to serve blocking specialist from the position in 2018. Could we actually see the 6 olineman packages McVay was known to use during his tenure in Washington?
8.) During his college career Jared Goff improved each and every season. In 2017 there was a lot of national hoopla made over McVay calling the plays for Goff from the sidelines. In season two under McVay I expect Goff to have developed a full understanding of the McVay offensive concepts resulting in increased precision.
Often these improvements cannot be visualized by the naked eye, but reduction of fractional seconds in play execution can be large on game day. The opponents best pass rusher cannot disrupt, the second/ third reads recognized more rapidly, the spots on the field where the ball needs to be delivered become second nature, the game slows allowing for recognition of previously unseen opportunities (back shoulder throws etc..)
In order for the Rams all in philosophy of the front office for the 2018 season to be a success, we need for Goff to take these steps forward, with his amount of growth equaling the growth he displayed each season during his college career.
One of the areas I will be watching early in the season is Goff’s growth when is called upon to roll left. A new wrinkle in his 2017 play as I believe I can state factually Goff was never called upon to execute a roll left during his short tenure under Fisher (at least not in live gameday action). Goff showed improvement in this area as the 2017 season progressed, but now has had a full offseason to improve his footwork on this design. The roll left is an important part of McVay’s dual TE packages.
9.) My apologies for the length of this thread but I simply cannot end this thread without giving credit to the entire Rams Front Office responsible for the Football Operations. Les Snead and company are hot at the moment and longtime fans of the organization should relish the work being done not only in the scouting and selection of talent from the college ranks but also on the professional side, scouting the talent to be free agents or made available via trade etc..
The just concluded draft was especially impressive. The talent the Rams were able to add to the roster without having a day one selection could be the most important of all drafts towards the assembling of a dynasty. Very important pieces in completing a roster filled with star talent and star level cap hits.
GO RAMS!!
September 3, 2018 at 7:01 pm in reply to: On Mack, Donald and the Value of a Franchise Defensive Player: By Albert Breer #90381znModeratorWell, not enough ready cash to cover the kinds of bonuses and guarantees a K.Mack would require.
The cap being of course different. League revenue covers the cap. It’s upfront cash that Davis couldn’t handle and SK (with Donald) could.
September 3, 2018 at 5:11 pm in reply to: On Mack, Donald and the Value of a Franchise Defensive Player: By Albert Breer #90379znModeratorWell i thot the writer should have explained why the Raiders didnt have cap room to make a Mack deal. Why was their cap so tied-up.
w
vIt’s not cap room. They have the cap space. The extension would be on the cap in 2019 and the Raiders have enough cap space next year to sign 2 K.Macks.
It’s paying out bonuses and guaranteed money. According to league rules, any future guaranteed money means a team has to put an equivalent amount in escrow when the player signs. Combine that with the bonus, which has to be given to the player all at once in cash even though it counts differently against the cap.
Cash-rich SK can afford that. Cash poor Davis can’t.
…
September 3, 2018 at 1:55 pm in reply to: On Mack, Donald and the Value of a Franchise Defensive Player: By Albert Breer #90377znModeratorThat’s the best article on all this and what happened.
September 3, 2018 at 1:28 pm in reply to: top 10 in guaranteed money, 8 qbs & 2 "best defenders" #90376znModeratorThis is just one one way of putting the key issue:
. https://deadspin.com/why-only-the-nfl-doesnt-guarantee-contracts-1797020799
One other factor that keeps owners from doling out guarantees is an arcane CBA rule mandating that any fully guaranteed money be placed into escrow at the time of signing. This means that even if the guarantees are paid to the player over the course of one, two, or even three years, ownership still must place all of that guaranteed money into a separate bank account.
This has come up before because some consider it an arcane rule which limits guaranteed contracts in the NFL, and there’s noise that the rule will be challenged when the new CBA gets negotiated. So it gets discussed.
This is the rule itself.
Section 9. Funding of Deferred and Guaranteed Contracts: The NFL may require that by a prescribed date certain, each Club must deposit into a segregated account the present value, calculated using the Discount Rate, less $2,000,000, of deferred and guaranteed compensation owed by that Club with respect to Club funding of Player Contracts involving deferred or guaranteed compensation; provided, however, that with respect to guaranteed contracts, the amount of unpaid compensation for past or future services to be included in the funding calculation shall not exceed seventy-five (75%) percent of the total amount of the contract compensation. The present value of any future years’ salary payable to a player pursuant to an injury guarantee provision in his NFL Player Contract(s), shall not be considered owed by a Club under this Section until after the Club has acknowledged that the player’s injury qualifies him to receive the future payments.
What I missed was the 75% but it doesn’t apply in this case. Since the total contract (which starts in 2019) is 135 M, 75% of that is 101 M, so that the 85 M in combined guarantees and bonus money (87 M -2 M) is less that 75%, so again that doesn’t apply.
That;s hefty on -hand cash of the kind SK could come up with and Davis couldn’t. And that was one of the key points that was being made.
. In fact if you total the guarantees for recent Rams contracts, it’s a lot.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-rams-donald-plaschke-20180831-story.html
Not only do the Rams now have the highest-paid defensive player in history, they also have the highest-paid running back in Todd Gurley. When you throw in the signings of receiver Brandin Cooks and tackle Rob Havenstein, Kroenke agreed to pay $198.7 million in guaranteed contracts that could wind up being a $306-million payout.znModeratorAlex Kelly@atkelly19
The Rams have moved from -3 to -4.5 for their week one matchup with the Raiders.—
Tom Pelissero@TomPelissero
Gruden: “We’re going to be second-guessed until the cows come home on this. I understand that.” Says the Aaron Donald contract set the stage for Mack’s “astronomical” $90M in guarantees. “That was something we could not do.”Michael Gehlken@GehlkenNFL
Reggie McKenzie said “more than half the league” inquired to trade DE Khalil Mack. Club narrowed suitors to teams who Raiders believed had chance to present high first-round pick in 2019..
znModeratorYes but then the question is, why do they see TRUMP as the lesser evil.
Because from any objective measure I can think of that accounts for working people (all classes including middle) and their interests, he is NOT the lesser evil.
He is the WORST of the evils.
He only ISN’T if you think the problem is people of color, immigration, and so on.
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September 2, 2018 at 6:54 pm in reply to: Preseason Rankings & what the expectations are, etc. #90347znModeratorfrom Mike Clay’s 2018 NFL projections: Sleepers, unit grades, Super Bowl pick, more
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Best defensive units by position
Los Angeles Rams interior line. With Aaron Donald now under contract, this one isn’t debatable. Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers form arguably the league’s best trio up front.
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Los Angeles Rams cornerbacks. Aqib Talib helped Denver to the top spot in this category one season ago and finds himself here again, this time with Marcus Peters, appropriately named slot man Nickell Robey-Coleman and fourth corner Sam Shields.
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My preseason Power Rankings
(* indicates projected playoff team)
1. New Orleans Saints.* Quarterback? Check. Offensive line? Check. Offensive playmakers? Check. Loaded secondary? Check. Impact additions at linebacker and edge? You guessed it … Check. The Saints are either solid or outstanding across the board and are positioned for a Super Bowl run.
2. Philadelphia Eagles.* The Eagles have the league’s best team on paper, but it can’t be ignored that injuries (Carson Wentz, Alshon Jeffery, Tim Jernigan, Paul Worrilow) and off-field issues (Michael Bennett, Nigel Bradham) are already piling up. Repeating as Super Bowl champion is not easy.
3. New England Patriots.* Wide receiver, linebacker and corner are noticeable weak spots, but the roster is solid or better everywhere else. With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick around, an eighth consecutive trip to the AFC Championship Game seems probable.
4. Los Angeles Rams.* The additions of Suh, Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib supply DC Wade Phillips with one of the league’s most talented defenses. Coach Sean McVay now has speedster Brandin Cooks in his arsenal in what is a very talented offense.
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znModeratorPaul Gutierrez@PGutierrezESPN
Reggie McKenzie said he had hoped to get Khalil Mack back in the building to “work through it and see what would happen” and knew the franchise tag was available a year down the road. “It just wasn’t meshing with the two proposals,” McKenzie said.Joe Banner@JoeBanner13
His reference to the tag is the root of the problem. That’s not how you treat a superstar player. Should’ve just done a fair market contractznModeratorAaron Donald's record-breaking deal hammers home this point: Holdouts work if you’re good enough https://t.co/9Wa4aJCQOk
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) September 2, 2018
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znModeratorRich Hammond@Rich_Hammond
Rams’ initial practice-squad signings are familiar: Hatfield, Hemingway, Hodge, Kolone, Krueger-Coble, Steven Mitchell, Steven Parker, Luis Perez, Ramon Richards. One golden ticket left.3 DBs (Parker, Hatfield, Richards)
1 OL (Kolone, OG)
2 TEs (Hemingway, Krueger-Coble)
1 QB (Perez)
2 WRs (Hodge, Mitchell)znModeratorRams’ initial practice-squad signings are familiar: Hatfield, Hemingway, Hodge, Kolone, Krueger-Coble, Steven Mitchell, Steven Parker, Luis Perez, Ramon Richards. One golden ticket left.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 2, 2018
znModeratorJoe Curley@vcsjoecurley
After holding the NFL’s youngest roster for four straight seasons, the Rams were second last year. Now they’re fourth youngest. Chargers are 14th. Raiders are oldest.==
Peter Schrager@PSchrags
The @RamsNFL have the reigning Offensive Player Of the Year under contract for next 6 years, the reigning Defensive Player Of the Year under contract for next 7 years, and the reigning Coach of the Year under contract for next 4 years.==
Shortest punt return TD in football history?pic.twitter.com/A00AdSL9G6
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 2, 2018
znModeratorSteve Wyche@wyche89
This is the cruelest part of the cruel NFL roster cut process. Guys think they have made the team only to get cut for someone who became availableznModeratorRams Wire@TheRamsWire
Rams are 23rd in waiver orderznModeratorDowntown Rams@DowntownRams
#Rams have signed WR KhaDarel Hodge to the practice squadznModeratorFor anyone wondering about the Aaron Donald/Rams contract exemption…yes, he can play. Donald is exempt from counting against the 53-man roster for two weeks, so basically they can have an extra player. League permission must be granted. The Rams also did this last year.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 2, 2018
znModeratorThe @Raiders have some major trust issues in their locker room 👀 pic.twitter.com/Kw2f1aRUOf
— Terrell Davis (@Terrell_Davis) September 2, 2018
znModeratorCROMWELL21
Practice Squad signing
WR Steven Mitchell JR.
znModeratorCROMWELL21
Rams awarded no waiver claims.
Neary claimed by Browns.
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