So unless you have been stuck in the Sahara desert or in the jungles of Central Africa searching for Joseph Kony for the past two days, you probably already know that the St. Louis Rams went straight up 1920's bank robbers on the Washington Redskins - trading the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft in exchange of the No. 6 pick and No. 39 pick in this year's draft, along with two more first rounders in the next consecutive drafts.
Now that that trade frenzy is over, lets change our focus over to the next big thing - free agency. The start of the courting period is this Tuesday, and it will be interesting to see whom the Rams target.
Our boys in horns are said to have around $10 million in cap space and that amount doesn't give us much luxury to get first pickings at the cream of the crop free agents. Of course the suits over at Rams Park are expected to do some tweaking of contracts to create more room, but nothing has been done at that end. So, until there are more assets available, lets look at some players that can have value but still can be economically friendly.
Note: This is a look at the defensive Free Agents available
DT
Jason Jones
Fred Robbins was a pleasant surprise two years ago when he posted up 6 sacks, but age caught up with the soon-to-be 35 year-old this previous season. So this leaves the team on the market for a three-technique defensive tackle.
Insert Jason Jones; a young (25) defensive tackle who compiled a pretty good inside pass rush, but was out of position last year at defensive end. A move back into the inside a reunion with Jeff Fisher can be beneficial for both parties.
LB
Chris Chamberlain
The previous regime had little value for linebackers. Outside of star middle linebacker James Laurainaitis, there was little talent at the position. So when our very own Chris Chamberlain emerged as a capable starter, it was a bit of a surprise. He should be brought back to see if he can keep growing in his starting role.
Erin Henderson
The former Viking is an intriguing option. He had a breakout of sorts last season, racking up 70 tackles along with two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. He also has pretty good size for the strong side (6'3, 244). On top of that, Henderson is also very young (25). So if last season was a preview of things to come, he'd be a good option at a very reasonable price.
Manny Lawson
We know this guy from his time with the San Francisco 49ers. He's a quick, coverage type of guy. He went to Cincinnati on a cost-efficient one-year deal last season. He can come here for around the same amount of dough.
CB
Carlos Rogers
The whole cornerback situation is a bit cloudy since we don't know what the new brass will do until they get back the mass of medical evaluations from this position. But lets say they do decide to seek for outside help, well Mr. Rogers is an intriguing option. Taking him away from the 49ers is one added bonus, but Rogers still can play. He had six interceptions last season - something none of our corners seem capable of doing. And he will be 31 at the start of the season, so his price tag should be on the discount side of the spectrum.
Aaron Ross
The former first rounder was a starter with the New York Giants, but injuries took a toll and he lost his job to the other corners who filled in. He did have four interceptions last season and has good size to cover big receivers like Larry Fitzgerald. His past injuries are what lower his price down, but if he stays healthy, he'll be a very good low-cost high-reward acquisition.