While every general manager would like to have the type of draft that Les Snead experienced in both 2023 and 2024, it comes with a high price tag four years down the road. After enjoying some very stellar play at the discounted prices that go hand in hand with rookie contracts, it’s time to start paying the going rates to those who deserve it.
The problem is, I see 15 players that the Rams would probably love to keep, but it’s not economically feasible. Here are my thoughts on who I’d keep among the upcoming
free agents. The players’ current salaries are listed with Spotrac’s estimates for futures contracts in brackets.
Absolutely Keep
Kevin Dotson $16 million ($19.4 AAV)
Dotson is the best player on a top ten offensive line. He stays.
Warren McClendon $1 million (no estimate from Spotrac but I’m guessing in the $14 million range)
While many are adopting a wait-and-see attitude with McClendon, I’m sold. Pay the man.
Coleman Shelton $6 million (no estimate)
Shelton is the play-caller of this top-ten line. No reason not to keep him at a reasonable price.
Steve Avila $2.3 million ($13.5 AAV)
A very nice raise is in store for this young man. I was on the fence here but opted for keeping him.
If you’re keeping track, I’d keep and pay four of our starting five on the OL. Alaric Jackson gets paid the next year.
Probably Keep
Kobie Turner $1.3 million ($32 million AAV)
Another one I’m on the fence about, especially after the Myles Garrett signing. Turner was arguably the lead dawg on defense last year, but has Coach McVay handed that title to Garrett?
Colby Parkinson $7.5 million ($9.5 AAV)
Parkinson morphed into Matthew Stafford’s go-to guy in ‘13’ personnel. While a lot of fans see Terrance Ferguson becoming ‘that guy’ this year, I just don’t know.
Davis Allen $1 million (no estimate)
Allen frequently acted as an inline blocker or shifted across the formation for wham blocks. He was also very effective as a third-down and red-zone receiver. He was on the field for the bulk of the Rams’ “13” personnel plays. He should be relatively inexpensive.
Josh Wallace and Jaylen McCollough $1 million (no estimates)
Role players in Coach Shula’s defense, they probably won’t cost much.
Maybe Keep
There are so many things I’d need to know before I could make a definitive decision on any of these players. For the sake of argument, I’m going to assume Stafford will be back in 2027.
Davante Adams $28 million (no estimate)
Frankly, I am surprised there has been no talk about a new contract for Adams. If his performance outside the red zone doesn’t improve, I wouldn’t have him back for anything close to this money.
Byron Young $1.4 million ($30 million AAV)
This young man deserves a payday, but at 29, I’ll pass at that price.
Emmanuele Forbes $3.8 million ($4.7 AAV)
I’m reserving judgement here. I want to see if he takes another step forward.
Omar Speights $1 million (no estimate)
This would depend entirely on what his advisors think he’s worth. I like him as a player.
Puka Nacua $1 million ($44 million AAV)
Has there ever been a bigger bargain in the history of the game than Puka this year for $1 million? Mind-boggling. What I’m really having an issue with is $44 million for a receiver next year. Look for an entire piece on this soon.
Agree? Disagree? I think we can all agree that Les has some tough choices ahead.
