The 2021 season has just ended, and from March 16, the 2022 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the off-season. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agent to extend? Which rookies to watch? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today are the defending champions, the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams won their bet. During the last offseason, the franchise did everything to put itself in a position to win, and it’s done. But the investments made to get there have consequences for the management of the months to come. Deprived of capital draft, beyond the salary cap, and with several holders at the end of the contract, we will have to find solutions to renew ourselves and remain competitive in a high division.
The Tauliers
1. Aaron Donald
2. Cooper Kupp
3. Matt Stafford
4.Jalen Ramsey
What else can we say about Aaron Donald? Already among the best defenders in history, the seven-time All Pro went for the championship title he lacked by achieving capital performances and decisive games. He has only missed 2 games in 8 years (none in the last four seasons), his influence and importance are invaluable.
He was already an excellent receiver, this season, Cooper Kupp has established himself as an absolute reference in his position. Super Bowl MVP, leader in yards, receptions and touchdowns, his connection with Matthew Stafford is a major factor in his team’s success. Capable of taking over any defence, Kupp also showed his leadership skills and was present at all important moments. Arrived last season with the pressure of having to take the last step for the Rams, Matthew Stafford responded. If he hasn’t always been perfect, the former Detroit quarterback has integrated perfectly and realized what he came to Los Angeles for, to win. Often cited as a very good quarterback handicapped by a weak team, Stafford tasted the joys of a winning franchise. At just 34 years old, he should lead the attack for a few more seasons.
If unlike the other leaders of the team, he did not particularly shine in the playoffs and the Super Bowl, Jalen Ramsey nevertheless once again had a huge season. All Pro for the 3rd time, he confirms season after season his top 3 status in his position, see more. He’s the cornerstone of the Rams’ backfield and a leader on and off the field.
Undesirables
– Andrew Withwoth (OT)
–Tyler Higbee (TE)
In reality, this is not to pretend that Andrew Withworth could be a drag on the Rams. Despite his 40 years, he remains a more than sure value in his position and has again responded throughout the season ensuring the protection of Stafford. But at his age, and crowned with a title rewarding a magnificent career, the veteran could put an end to his history in the NFL. With an impact on the payroll of 17.5 million, releasing him from his last year of contract would offer a huge breath of fresh air to Californian finances. At the front office then the task of finding him a potential successor.
Far from being obvious when we know his offensive contribution and his statistics, Tyler Higbee could however be included in the list of players from whom the Rams could part for financial reasons. If the franchise decides to cut it, it could save more than 5 million in 2022 (6.5 with a post June 1 cut). A significant sum when negotiating the returns of incumbents such as Von Miller or Odell Beckham to name a few. The workforce also has a potential replacement with Brycen Hopkins (4th round 2020) who we saw in particular during the Super Bowl and Jacob Harris (4th round 2021). Two younger and cheaper elements that could put Higbee’s future in jeopardy.
The summer man
The Sneads (GM)
He is the main architect of the title. Not hesitating to exchange draft rounds to bring in stars, Les Snead achieved his goals. But there is a flip side to this beautiful coin. Without a choice with the very end of the 3rd round (compensatory choice for the appointment of Brad Holmes as general manager of the Lions), the general manager should have a fine nose to select the future players of his team. He proved that he knew how to do it as with Jordan Fuller (6th round 2020) or David Edwards (5th round 2019), both essential starters in the workforce.
As if that weren’t enough, Snead must also deal with a workforce where many important incumbents are coming to the end of their leases, and a payroll that requires them above all to save money. How to solve this equation while remaining competitive and defending your title in 2022? This is the job of the general manager.
The main free agents
1. Von Miller (Edge)
2. Odell Beckham Jr. (WR)
3. Darious Williams (BC)
4. Austin Corbett (L)
5. Sebastian Joseph-Day (DT)
The others: Sony Michel (RB), Matt Gay (K), Brian Allen (C), Joseph Noteboom (OL), Coleman Shelton (C), Johnny Mundt (TE), Will Compton (LB), Troy Reeder (LB) , John Wolford (QB), Donte Deayon (BC)
Arrived during the season and artisans of the title, Von Miller and Odell Beckham are two at the end of the lease. Miller showed that he always remained efficient and decisive as shown by his 4 sacks in the playoffs, including 2 in the Super Bowl. If the former Bronco is looking for a last good contract to end his career, it may be difficult for Los Angeles to keep him. Back in shape, Odell Beckham has found some color after months of doubts in Cleveland. But once again heavily injured during the Super Bowl, the receiver will not return to the field before the end of the 2022 season, at best. Barring a minimum contract, the franchise has little interest in keeping him given the squad of targets that will include the return of Robert Woods and Tutu Atwell drafted in 2021 and largely absent for his rookie season due of injuries.
Former undrafted player and after 4 seasons in the NFL, Darious Williams has become a very reliable number 2. At 28, he should be looking for a contract worthy of his contribution. Something the Rams shouldn’t be able to offer him.
On the offensive line, two holders will be free on March 16. Given its finances, the team will necessarily have to make choices. Austin Corbett has settled in well and after a complicated start to his career at the Browns. Having become a reliable and solid holder, his return would ensure continuity on a 5 holder who should move widely. But it should enjoy an attractive rating on the market and keeping it will not be easy. Just like Brian Allen, a man in the shadows who became a starter in 2021 with some success. Never spared by injuries, Joseph Noteboom has never established himself as an indisputable player and the team should not force to retain him.
Indisputable holder for 3 seasons, Sebastian Joseph-Day missed the end of the season due to a pectoral injury. That shouldn’t stop him from being wooed and landing a contract the Rams shouldn’t be able to match.
Top 5 Needs
1. Offensive Tackle
2.Cornerback
3. Guard/ Center
4. Linebacker
5.Edge
The offensive line should be the heart of the franchise’s spring moves. Whether Andrew Withworth decides to re-enlist or retire, finding a replacement for him seems more than necessary and urgent. A traditional quarterback like Matt Stafford who likes to play in his pocket needs to be well protected on his blind side. Also inside the reinforcement would be welcome. In addition to the end of the contract of Corbett and Allen, which may have to be compensated, the interior of the line needs reinforcement to progress on the racing game. Only 25th in the field, despite a committee of attractive riders on paper, the squad must expand in talent and numbers to open the gaps.
If the team’s best linebacker in 2021 was rookie Ernest Jones, it’s for good reason. The position has been largely understaffed for the past few seasons. Little depth and relative talent, this second curtain is not at the level of the defensive line or the second curtain. If the means of reinforcement whether by the agents or the draft are not legion, the position will still have to be enriched by one or two players.
With the possible departure of Darious Williams, the team needs reinforcements at the cornerback position. If David Long has progressed, he remains above all a player for the slot, and we must find a number 2 to put the opposite of Jalen Ramsey. Finally, Von Miller’s contractual situation and Terrel Lewis’s inability to stay on the field could force the franchise to consider reinforcements on its pass rush.
Target
Austin Blythe (C)
With more than limited means, the Rams’ room for maneuver in free agency will be slim. The priority should also go to the return of certain executives at the end of their contract. So you have to be on the lookout for good deals. Former of the house, Austin Blythe is barred in Kansas City by the emergence of Creed Humphrey and should not renew his contract. He could come back to California cheaply. Having evolved as a center and guard in LA, and knowing the patterns, Blythe could take a position in the heart of the line in the event of the departure of Corbett and / or Allen.
The new blood
Rasheed Walker (OT)
To hear the Rams called a player during the draft in April in Las Vegas, you will have to be very patient. Deprived of their first 3 choices following various exchanges, it is only at the very end of the 3rd round that Les Snead will be able to select his first rookie. Outside of the top 100, the supposed best players will be gone, but in a deep tackle class, the franchise could find a potential starter.
Holder for 3 seasons at Penn State, Rasheed Walker has a lot of quality to evolve on the left of the line. Tall and athletic, his good mobility allows him to perfectly follow the opposing rushers. His excellent handwork gives him the edge in both pass protection and running play.
Other possible choices: Braxton Jones (OT), Coby Bryant (CB), Leo Chenal (LB)
