Receivers will be top targets for Rams

Receivers will be top targets for Rams
March 6, 2017 Updated 4:19 p.m.


By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER

Now that the Rams have surrounded quarterback Jared Goff with a group of energetic young coaches, it’s time to find him some targets, and perhaps some protection.

The Rams aren’t keeping any secrets from the league. Tuesday morning, when teams are allowed to begin negotiations with agents regarding unrestricted free agents, the whole NFL world will know what is on the Rams’ shopping list.

An anemic passing game needs an upgrade, and Goff needs some help as he prepares for his first full season as a starter. The Rams don’t have an enormous amount of salary-cap room, and it evaporated further Monday when cornerback Trumaine Johnson signed his franchise-tag tender contract, for one year and $16.7 million.

Still, the Rams have enough financial– approximately $20 million of the NFL’s $167 million salary cap – to address their primary concern, at receiver.

Big-play threat Tavon Austin will return (at a hefty price), but the Rams want to rebuild their receiving corps in the image of new Coach Sean McVay, offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur and the other offensive assistant coaches charged with improving Goff and his supporting cast.

Kenny Britt, last year’s 1,000-yard receiver, is almost certain to sign elsewhere, as is secondary receiver Brian Quick, so the Rams are left with Austin, a speedster who lacks every-down consistency, and a group of youngsters topped by Pharoh Cooper.

A fairly deep group of free-agent receivers could allow the Rams to address that need, and they must prioritize how to make upgrades on the offensive line and in the secondary.

Some help also could come through next month’s draft, but here’s a look at the Rams’ outlook heading into the start of the free-agency period in some important positions.

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