Potential cap casualties for Los Angeles Rams in 2018
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by Nick Fox22 hours ago
As the Los Angeles Rams enter the 2017 preseason, who are the players under long-term deals that may be starting their final season with the team?
When a new head coach comes to a team, he wants to build around “his guys,” and it when it comes to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, he inherited a lot of Jeff Fisher’s guys when he took over in January. The result could be moving on from some of those names from the old regime.
So who are the players who may be in camp with the Rams for the last time? Well, let’s take a quick look at some key names.
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WR Tavon Austin (cap savings: $3 million; dead money $5 million): As you know, Tavon Austin signed a four-year, $42 million extension in 2016, which was covered on Hard Knocks. Many question giving $28.5 million in total guarantees to a player who has yet to breakout and looks like he may simply be a “gadget player” his whole career. Equally as many, though, have hope that McVay can fix him and turn him into the weapon we all saw at West Virginia. If not, Austin could be a cap casualty.
Likelihood of it happening: 2/10. They are just not going to save that much money. I see them trading him before they would release him. If they wait until after 2018, they can cut him with no penalty.
LB/S Mark Barron (cap savings: $7 million; dead money $3 million): Mark Barron was a Gregg Williams guy all the way, and one of the players the Rams got relatively cheap and turned into a solid player. But will Barron work out as a middle linebacker in Wade Phillips‘ system? Though he is a great athlete who would provide some coverage skills on the inside, it seems unlikely to me. Moving on from him may be the most likely move.
Likelihood of it happening: 7/10. He is another candidate to look to trade, but they may end up having to eat the dead money. A lot will depend on the year he has.
OLB/DE Robert Quinn (cap savings: $11.4 million; dead money $0.95 million): Robert Quinn has been among the top 10 or so pass rushers in the NFL the last few years, when he can stay healthy. But that health situation is a serious question mark, as is the switch to a 3-4 defense. I think he will make the transition just fine, and I think he will prove his value to ensure they keep him around. But if he gets injured again, that changes everything.
Likelihood of it happening: 3/10. The money makes it possible, but pass rushers like him are hard to come by.
DT Michael Brockers (cap savings: $9.25 million; dead money $1.5 million): Michael Brockers has been a very solid defensive tackle beside Aaron Donald and helping plug up the middle. But will the new coaching staff think he is worth the three year, $33.25 million, or will they want to save $9.25 million and replace him with someone cheaper? There are a lot of veterans due money soon. Brock may be the odd man out.
Likelihood of it happening: 8/10. They can’t keep everybody, so this one seems likely to me.
G Rodger Saffold (cap savings: $6.5 millioin; dead money $1 million): Rodger Saffold has been the most consistent offensive lineman for the Rams the last few years, despite some injuries, providing versatility to the tune of starting games at left tackle. Will they be able to replace the aging veteran with a cheaper guard, maybe through the draft? Will another injury cause them to reconsider Saffold?
Likelihood of it happening: 3/10. My hope is the line plays good enough this year that they opt to keep it intact and keep Saffold around.
