As teams scrambled to prepare for unknown frontiers in NFL offseason business, they doled out restricted free agent tenders according to 2010 rules. Players have to have six-years experience before reaching unrestricted free agency under those rules. The St. Louis Rams handed out a couple of RFA tenders that they'll probably be rescinding if and when the lockout gets lifted, a move that could happen this week.
TE Daniel Fells got a low ball tender, at the "original pick" level. However, the selection of Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks in the second round of last week's draft makes questionable whether or not Fells will be back with the Rams this year. Teams can of course rescind those RFA offer sheets once business resumes. Contract-wise, keeping Fells would be a nominal cost, and given Hoomanawanui's injury history and McDaniels' interest in Fells when he coached the Broncos, Fells might stick in the fourth TE spot. It stands to reason that they would keep Billy Bajema as a blocker, but there's no guarantee for him either as a new offense takes shape. Fendi Onobun could be stashed on the practice squad.
Laurent Robinson also received an RFA tender. It seems like that offer sheet will get pulled after the Rams picked two wide receivers, receivers known for having good hands, in the third and fourth rounds of the draft.
Offensive guard John Greco received an RFA tender. Will this be the year that he finally gets in the mix for a starting job on the offensive line?
Most of the players that received RFA tenders for the Rams are expected to be back. However, their spots on the final 53-man roster are not guaranteed. A list of the Rams' RFAs is here.