Random Ramsdom, 3/2: still waiting

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 2, 2009 8:53 AM CST in 2009 Off-Season

Free agency seems to have slowed to a crawl, for the Rams anyway, as suddenly as it began. We've got a few dangling participles out there - Bartell and Butler - still waiting for some resolution. Here's a round up of Rams news this a.m.

Jim Thomas at the PD cites "league sources" who claim the Rams are shopping Torry Holt and Orlando Pace. With Matt Cassel fetching a mere second round pick (though, I suspect his $14 million cap hit had something to do with that), the Rams aren't likely to get anything on the first day for either of the career Rams. Business can be an ugly thing...[sausage making analogy goes here.]
In the same article, it's reported that Rams UFA CB Ron Bartell wants a contract similar to Domonique Foxworth's. The Ravens gave Foxworth a 4-year, $27.2 million contract with $16.5 guaranteed. That's a lot of dough. Bartell might have a point. The Rams CB has 8 career INTs to Foxworth's 5, and about the same number of total tackles through their career.
It's being reported that the Saints extended a contract offer to Bartell.
Turns out, free agent SS James Butler DID NOT visit the Cleveland Browns this weekend, accoridng to his agent. His agent also said that Butler did not have a visit with the Browns scheduled. I'd say Butler wants to play for Spagnuolo, but they're waiting on the right offer...and the Rams are waiting to see what happend with Bartell before they can finalize negotiations.
Seattle signed DT Colin Cole, who's started only 7 games in his career. Cole will be tossed aside like rancid bacon by the Rams new C Jason Brown when the two teams meet this season.
Mocking the Draft has a look at the Rams team needs.

[Note by VanRam, 03/02/09 11:27 AM EST ] It's worth noting the Saints cap space number, which stands at about $7 million right now, after the Vilma signing. However, like the Rams, that number is expected to grow to about $10-15 milloin with further cuts, etc. Essentially, the Saints have about as much money as the Rams to work with. The question then becomes how far apart are the offers?

Poll

Should the Rams offer CB Ron Bartell a contract similar to the one Baltimore gave CB Domonique Foxworth?

Yes - Bartell's better than Foxworth

283 votes

No - let's get someone else

53 votes

336 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I will be devastated

if we get rid of Pace or Holt for less than a first day pick. A big OT like pace can’t outperform an OT you could pick in the draft in the 3d round? I find that hard to believe. He’s old, but he still has a little left in the tank. Same for Holt.

The Personal Finance Playbook.

by Toddius on Mar 2, 2009 9:20 AM CST reply actions

There's no way we get a first day pick for either

Age + huge contract = low trade value. In terms of performance, what you risk in taking a 3rd round OT could get you over the next 3 years is much lower than betting on Pace’s production over the same period.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Mar 2, 2009 9:35 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Unfortunately, you just can’t look at this as a scenario where the Rams get back a player (or a pick) that will step in and replace either of the guys we’re giving away. What the Rams are getting is the cap room to go out and complete necessary deals like the ones to Bartell and Butler. To be honest, they would be better off just releasing Holt and Pace, and closing these contracts while negotiations are fresh and they have the momentum. You might not be maximizing your value by failing to get a couple of fourth-rounders, but you also won’t be losing out on your priority signings.

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on Mar 2, 2009 10:02 AM CST up reply actions

and

teams know that the Rams are likely to cut both players for cap space, a move that’s almost guaranteed if we sign Bartell and Butler. Why trade when you can wait it out and pay less?

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 2, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

depth too

if the Rams get a 3rd, or more likely a 4th, round pick for either guy, they’ll ideally be getting two draft picks where they add depth at key positions. it’s not unusual to get players that develop into starters in the middle rounds – though it has been for the Rams in recent years.

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 2, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Bartell

That contract is a lot of money, and I’m kinda surprised that that’s the going rate for a guy like Foxworth, but the Rams should go ahead and make the deal. Without a #1 corner, we will get eaten alive by Fitzgerald and the like, and I’d rather not write down two losses to the Cardinals as part of our rebuilding plan.

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on Mar 2, 2009 10:06 AM CST reply actions

I just wish I REALLY felt that Bartell is the GUY...

I know he’s the best we have, but is he really a #1 type corner? Tye Hill’s failure to thus far develop into that kind of corner is a HUGE disappointment…maybe the new staff can push him more toward his potential…that and some good health…Wade seems like a knucklehead to me…somebody else not playing up to his draft position.

by tbell61 on Mar 2, 2009 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

I have similar reservations

but can we afford to go into this season without a (and even you would have to classify Bartell as a) #2 CB?

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Mar 2, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions

I agree, but am biting the bullet

The Rams should definitely look to draft a top-flight corner soon. And I wonder what the trade value of a guy like Tye Hill (not a proven star, but also not a proven bust, and REALLY cheap) is in this market?

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on Mar 2, 2009 2:35 PM CST up reply actions