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theramswire.usatoday.com]
By: Steve Rebeiro
The Los Angeles Rams have been handing out contract extensions like candy on Halloween this week. Two surprise contract extensions were handed out over the past few days.
First, the team handed quarterback Jared Goff the most guaranteed money in NFL history. While the timing of the decision was a surprise, the move itself was not. The real shocker came the following morning when the team announced a four year extension with tight end Tyler Higbee worth up to $36 million. It was a major payday for the fourth-year tight end who has less than 700 career receiving yards.
These extensions came less than a year after the team handed out massive extensions to Aaron Donald, Todd Gurley, and Brandin Cooks. And it doesn’t seem like the Rams have plans to stop anytime soon. When asked about possible extensions for Cory Littleton and Marcus Peters, McVay acknowledged that talks are ongoing.
“Those are conversations that continue to go on,” McVay said regarding the two defensive players in contract years. “I’m not exactly sure where we’re at with those just because we’re so busy and getting involved in the preparation for Carolina. Those are two guys that I know there is ongoing dialogue with them.”
It’s not surprising that the Rams want to extend the defensive duo. Littleton was the most improved player on the team last season and is the leader of the Rams’ linebacking core. Peters had a rollercoaster of a season last year, but the highs outweighed the lows and there’s no denying his talent. But what would it take to extend either guy?
The team would likely have to pony up a ton of money to extend Peters. Cornerback is one of the most lucrative positions in the NFL. 17 players will make eight figures in 2019, and the position has the fourth largest franchise tag in the NFL. Peters has been a hit or miss player at a position that the Rams have been able to replace in the past. While the Rams would love to keep him and Peters seems like he would love to stay, it’s hard to imagine both sides coming to an agreement they would be happy with. Peters is almost a guarantee to make at least $10 million annually on his next contract. He might as well play it out.
Littleton is a bit more interesting. Inside linebacker is a far less lucrative position, with just seven players making eight figures. It might be a good time for both sides to make a deal. Littleton was a solid player for the Rams last season, but was far from perfect. The Rams likely need him more than anyone else does. If Littleton is willing to take an extension in the $6 million per year range, it would be wise for the Rams to jump on it. It would make sense for everyone involved and give Littleton a nice pay raise.
Then again, a tight end with 60 career receptions was just given top 10 tight end money, so who really knows how much either of these players will make.
