It’s been said ad nauseum at this point but the Rams won’t be throwing around Dan Snyder level money when free agency begins. General manager Les Snead burnt through cap money like Moe Szyslack burned through his Player’s Club card. They are in a position where they have their own free agents to keep as well.
That doesn’t mean all hope is lost nor does it mean they’ll exclusively scout the XFL for help. There are plenty of bargain free agents available this spring and while they won’t win headlines they can help win the Rams a playoff spot.
Graham Glasgow – Guard/Center
Projected Market Value: $7-$8 Million Per Season
The story of the Rams offense last year was that there was a significant drop in offensive line play. Rob Havenstein couldn’t live up to his contract and their young guns were either hurt or didn’t take a leap. They missed Rodger Saffold on the line and now its high time they find another adult.
Glasgow might not be a household name but he offers the type of stability their line craves. He’s a solid blocker both in the run and the pass which by default represents a massive upgrade for both Jared Goff and Todd Gurley.
Derek Wolfe – 3/4 DE
Projected Market Value: $10-$11 Million Per Season
Like or not Michael Brockers won’t be on the Rams next year. He’s too good and too expensive for the Rams to keep and that’s a bummer. He might not have had the highlight-reel plays Aaron Donald had, but he was a reliable run stopper.
The Rams drafted Greg Gaines last season and it is likely they’ll look to him to fill the void but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go after a vet. Wolfe is one of the top bargain free agents on the market. His value tanked a bit because of his recent injury history but if the Rams can get him at a reduced rate he could thrive in a new environment. He could fit as part of a rotation which by default limits injuries and his skill set is exactly what the Rams need. He wouldn’t be an exact replacement for Brockers but in this market, not many are.
Tajae Sharpe – WR
Projected Market Value: $1-$2 Million Per Season
The Rams presently have a Brandin Cooks problem. Cooks is supposed to be their big name, show out receiver, but he can’t stay on the field. They have no shot at trading him and cutting him would be an exercise in stupidity. Josh Reynolds has been serviceable in Cooks’ absence but they need another cheap option as Cooks’ insurance.
Enter Tajae Sharpe. He didn’t have the most explosive of seasons last year but that Titans passing game was a mess until Ryan Tannehill stepped in. He lost most of his catches to A.J. Brown but on the right team, he could be an asset. Assuming Cooks can’t play week to week, Sharpe is one of those bargain free agents that could play a pivotal role in the teams’ success.
Jeremiah Attaochu – Edge / LB
Projected Market Value: $2-$3 Million Per Season
Attaochu is a lesser-known guy that would be a great get for the Rams for extreme value.
The Rams are very likely not bringing Dante Fowler and his $12-$15 million-plus price tag back, and so they need to find someone to fill the void. Attaochu is not necessarily someone that can fill the void completely, but he will be extremely affordable, played for new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley last year, and had pretty good production as a backup.
The Nigerian finished with 21 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks last season in a supplemental role. Not necessarily eye-popping numbers, but a former second-round pick that is trending upwards for a great price is someone that you want to go after and add to your roster.
Bradley Roby – CB
Projected Market Value: $6 Million Per Season
The corner position is a top-heavy spot. Yes, they have Jalen Ramsey, and Troy Hill stepped up big time last year but beyond that, they have Nickell Robey-Coleman (for now) and some young guys. Roby is a serviceable corner who could provide veteran depth and allow the younger guys to develop. He’s a solid tackler and doesn’t get burnt very often which the Rams certainly did last year.
The bargain free agents available to the Rams are numerous which is good news because that’s the aisle they’ll need to be shopping in come March 18th. They haven’t reached the stage where they’ll have to take the can of creamed eels, corn nog, or wadded beef but it’s close.