Who knows how this is gonna end? I think it literally could go either way.
From Saffold’s pov:
Saffold would prefer to remain a Ram, all things being equal. And we just saw powerful evidence that the Rams are an attractive destination for incoming FA’s.
Especially “senior” FA’s such as Saffold who get light practice schedules from the Ram coaches to protect their bodies.
So I think it will come down to whether other teams will offer Saffold crazy money on his 3rd contract, something not normally done anymore. If he gets an offer for $2M more than the Rams can offer, he’s probably gone. If the Rams can offer something around a million less than the others, I think he stays.
From Rams pov:
Saffold is an elite LG and will likely remain one for another 3 or more years. Such players are rarely allowed to walk.
The Rams are fully aware of how attractive they are to incoming FA’s and will justifiably take full advantage. I mean, we just saw how quickly Weddle signed even though he had 11 offers in hand. Weddle made darned sure to see the Rams first.
If Saffold leaves, yeah, the Rams could plug Boom in at LG since Whit is staying for ‘19. But 2 questions arise if they go that route. First, Will Boom be as effective in ‘19 as Saffold would have been? I doubt it. Second, Boom is penciled in for LOT next year, so who plays LG in ‘20? Losing Saffold causes a chain reaction that forces Snead to make contingency plans that I’m sure he would prefer not to have to make.
Lastly, an outstanding OL is the very foundation of any McVay O. I would hope that Saffold could be extended and make many other OL moves and decisions unnecessary. Starting with using a premium draft pick on an OG when the Rams need 2 edge players and a DL in a draft that is loaded with just that. Sigh...
This Saffold negotiation is some high stakes poker. Hopefully both parties can agree on a number that keeps both sides happy.
