Rams Will Not Use Franchise Tag To Keep Brandon Lloyd, Per Report

by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 20, 2012 1:02 PM CST in NFL Free Agents 2012

The debate about whether or not the St. Louis Rams should use the franchise tag on free agent wide receiver Brandon Lloyd may be over before it ever really started. According to Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network, citing a team source, the Rams will not use the tag on Lloyd.

Lloyd told Pro Football Talk on Monday that he would be open to returning to the Rams in 2012 under the tag. "A pay raise is always welcome," he said, echoing every working stiff in America.

In the same interview, Lloyd said that he expects to start talking contract with the Rams next week.

The Rams have said publicly that they are interested in re-signing Lloyd. If LaCanfora's report is correct, they are not interested enough to spend $9.4 million to have him back this year. Of course, they may change their mind before the March 5 deadline for using the tag.

Les Snead, the new GM, has been on the job less than weeks. He and Fisher cannot be too far along in the task of evaluating the current roster and making decisions about those players, including Brandon Lloyd.

Lloyd reiterated his willingness - some might say desire - to play for Josh McDaniels, currently with the Patriots.

"I've been very successful in Josh's offense," Lloyd said. "I admire that organization and how they run things over there. I'd definitely be interested in hearing how I could possibly fit into that equation."

Losing Lloyd puts the Rams right back at square one, desperately needing help at wide receiver. There will be some big names on the market this year, but guys like Vincent Jackson, Steve Johnson and others are likely to command even more money than a franchised Lloyd.

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I think this is the right call.

With the team’s limited cap space this year, they cannot afford to pay Lloyd 9.4 million, nor is he worth that much. For that kind of money, the team could take a run at Bowe or Jackson, both of whom are younger and better overall players.

by ViperLjs on Feb 20, 2012 1:17 PM CST reply actions

if cost is the issue look to see the Rams solve that by drafting their #1 in Blackmon

low cost and problem solve…. sort of…. don’t expect miracles for a rookie WR

The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!

by DevsLaRams on Feb 20, 2012 3:20 PM CST up reply actions

"Desperate" is the understatement of the century.

Losing Lloyd puts the Rams right back at square one, desperately needing help at wide receiver

If we let him walk without getting a player of equal or better skill, it’s the first failure of the new regime.

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Feb 20, 2012 1:33 PM CST reply actions

Oh really?

Regardless of price?

Alex Song - Krunk as Fuck!

by Midasknight on Feb 20, 2012 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

Yes

Yeah, I know. We don’t need any NFL caliber WRs, right? Cause right now he’s the only one we got.

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Feb 20, 2012 5:22 PM CST up reply actions

I think tagging Lloyd at $9.4mil would be a bigger mistake.

Redo a deal or bye bye

by jmo53 on Feb 20, 2012 5:55 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

agreed

and to those claiming “price” as the reason, understand that keeping him doesn’t have to mean the 9.- million bucks for just one year. A contract over a couple years for 5-mil would be reasonable, just as one of MANY numbers/ways to keep him. I don’t think it’s as “do-or-die” or as “franchise tag or bust” scenario everyone is stuck on.
Sign Lloyd, one way or another.

by SooneRams Fan on Feb 20, 2012 6:30 PM CST up reply actions

Remember, we've him only do miracles under Josh

He might not be the same Lloyd under a new OC.

by m0pi1 on Feb 20, 2012 1:41 PM CST reply actions

we could use him but no

What would he teach are young wr follow ur OC

*Drew Bress Will Never Forget The Day He Got Chris Longed!!!!

by Ramzman18 on Feb 20, 2012 1:43 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Glad to hear he is not gonna get the Tag!

But wouldnt mind the Rams finding a way to keeping him!

Rams Running Wild!

by FresnoRam80 on Feb 20, 2012 1:48 PM CST reply actions

Lloyd is not worth the franchise tag.

He’s too busy chasing favorite coaches for a chance to be thrown to.
While still catching the difficult passes, and dropping the easy ones.
We need studs at WR.
Like NY’s Nicks, or Andre Johnson, or Dez Bryant.
Those are the type of receivers were looking for.

by look closer on Feb 20, 2012 2:26 PM CST reply actions

Lloyd is not worth the franchise tag.

by look closer on Feb 20, 2012 2:27 PM CST reply actions

it's just too much to pay him

We’re too cap fragile this year. At least we are now. This would put us right up to it, or close, which would totally obliterate any leverage we may have in restructuring other contracts or cutting players. He’s a damn fine WR, best we got, just can’t do it.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Feb 20, 2012 2:37 PM CST reply actions

Good thing they fixed the rookie wage scale.

I haven’t looked at the Rams’ numbers as closely as I have the Chiefs, but I suspect a lot of your cap problems come from the fact that you’ve had three top 2 picks during the time when those players required absurd contracts.

by wustl_chiefs_fan on Feb 20, 2012 2:46 PM CST reply actions

Have fun filling in Ocho Cinco's shoes Lloyd

No Tag AWESOME!! Now let him go to New England. I just fear he will be a Virus in the Locker Room because His Buddy McDaniels won’t be there. Here are some names of receivers that I feel woul dbe better to pursue and probably in the end cost us less and help out our younger receivers and maybe blackburn if we draft him.
Reggie Wayne
Dwayne Bowe
Steve Johnson
Robert Meachem
Pierre Garcon
Anthony Gonzalez (IND)
The jackson’s I didn’t pu ton the list as i am sure the want to get paid and that is all that matters. Colston, there is no way the Saints are letting him go. But any of those guys on the list above would be a great fit on this team. The last 2 maybe as a number 2 guy, but package them with Wayne and you have 3 damn good receivers.

by laramsfn on Feb 20, 2012 3:12 PM CST reply actions

that's a smart post

rams front office should know that it is smart not to put a francise tag on Lloyd.

by stllcat7406 on Feb 20, 2012 3:31 PM CST reply actions

VERY happy about this.

He’s not even a top 15 WR, imo.

Been losing sleep over Rams football since 1999.
Steven Jackson is a beast, a legend, a HoFer and should be treated as such.

by Joe Mazzi on Feb 20, 2012 3:36 PM CST via mobile reply actions

w/ strict competition for top 20

Been losing sleep over Rams football since 1999.
Steven Jackson is a beast, a legend, a HoFer and should be treated as such.

by Joe Mazzi on Feb 20, 2012 3:57 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

just read an article on pft and it sounds looks like he wants to follow his girl josh to new england so let his ass go!

by kevio3000 on Feb 20, 2012 4:35 PM CST via Android app reply actions

I would be happy with...

Loyd, Clayton, and Amendola as our top three WR, then we can focus on OL, Secondary, and DT between FA and draft.

by Rams311 on Feb 20, 2012 4:55 PM CST via mobile reply actions

This is awful

Rams aren’t going to get a top end WR in FA like all you guys are thinking. Wayne is going to follow Peyton, Bowe is going to get tagged and Lloyd is better than most everyone else.

by ClaytonW on Feb 20, 2012 5:34 PM CST reply actions

So overpay by $4mil?

no thanks

by jmo53 on Feb 20, 2012 5:56 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

So Wayne's gonna retire?

I doubt it.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Feb 20, 2012 8:41 PM CST up reply actions

gbye brandon llyod

Hellow justin blackmon n FA WR… thank you browns

*Drew Bress Will Never Forget The Day He Got Chris Longed!!!!

by Ramzman18 on Feb 20, 2012 7:37 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Wow this is what's wrong with the Rams.

Call me cynical but I think that little comment Lloyd told that radio show about how it’s always good to get a pay raise, gives us some insight into his mindset. Here’s a guy on a team that is strapped for cash and needs to build depth through value and all he can talk about is getting a raise. Hey Brandon, you’re 31 and you ain’t gettin any younger. You’re no reggie wayne, that’s for sure. This mentallity is what you don’t want on your team and definatly not on the Rams. Remember watching our overpaid line underplay for the last few years? A bunch of millionaires playing like they are volunteers. Rams need value, IE Bang for their Buck. Ultimately a guy asking that much money needs to be younger and better. He’s just not worth it. I’m tired of seeing interviews with players on the Rams who are more interested in showing off their new whips and new digs and how they spent all that money. And more interested in how they are going to make this team better. I know they are doing this for a living and money is the name of the game. But, that comment shows me he isn’t Ram material. We need team players.

by TRexRam on Feb 20, 2012 9:47 PM CST reply actions

I doubt Belichek would want to waste that much dough on him to get an attitude like that. Belichek hates giving players money they can’t earn and don’t deserve. That’s why they are in it every year and we haven’t been. Gotta know when to hold and know when to fold em. And in the draft (flop) sometimes it’s all dumb luck. Gotta know where to invest those bucks.

by TRexRam on Feb 20, 2012 9:51 PM CST reply actions

I remember a Ritchie Incognito interview and all the idiot could talk about was his new escalade that he had pimped out and it’s awesome sound system. If I was the GM and I saw that. First thing through my head would be. Where the hell is this kid’s head at?

by TRexRam on Feb 20, 2012 9:55 PM CST reply actions

Fisher is used to grabbing number one RC

don’t be surprised if Vincent Jackson lands in St. Lous

RAMS RULE!

by fearsomefoursum on Feb 21, 2012 1:23 AM CST reply actions

Good decision

While talking “a pay raise is always welcome” and his thoughts about re-unite with McDaniels to the Patriots, I put his heart for the Rams in question.

Why not go with another experienced (and younger) WR available and still seeking help at O-Line in the draft with no need to take Blackmon.

Whatever WR we have, without O-Line opponent’s defense can play 4-6-1.

by Mats_DE on Feb 21, 2012 3:09 AM CST reply actions

You guys make a good point

Why franchise a guy who has one eye on the exits?

In Lloyd’s defense he just wants to be utilized properly, which is true for all WRs. But I also noticed he blamed his old OCs for his lack of production before coming to Denver. Well, that may be true to an extent-SF didn’t have a stable situation-but no one was running him into double coverage like he claims. He doesn’t have top end vertical speed which makes it difficult to separate past fifteen yards.

Rams need a true no. 1 and someone who can stretch the defense, and Lloyd is neither of those things, IMO.

by Ram_Country on Feb 21, 2012 5:42 AM CST reply actions