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In all probability, St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola is going to be an unrestricted free agent when the clock strikes 4pm ET on Tuesday, March 12. For the first time in his four-year career, Amendola will have the chance to see what his market value is to other teams, and there will be other teams making offers. One of those teams could be the San Francisco 49ers.
On Amendola, I see a market of at least 5 teams. Some to watch: #49ers (He killed them, takes away a rival's weapon) & Pats if no Welker
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2013
Danny Amendola to the 49ers? Well, that would kind of suck, for Rams fans anyway.
It actually makes some sense. Jim Harbaugh and Co. are apparently taking everything the Patriots have done and doing it better. Hoarding draft picks, turning written-off quarterbacks into stars, succeeding behind a coach with basic antisocial personality traits ... why not plug a short white guy who catches the ball really well into an offense dominated by a top-flight tight end?
Oh, the 49ers also have some more cap space thanks to the deal that sent Alex Smith to Kansas City.
Let's also not forget the mandated talking point of Amendola being tough - he tried to play through an injury that almost stabbed his heart! Really. - and Jim Harbaugh's love for players like that.
Amendola's value on the market is tied up with whatever a team is willing to pay him. Wes Welker might be too much for the Patriots at $10 million per season, but his younger clone might be a real bargain at $6 million per year, a price thought to be too rich for the Rams' blood.
If the Rams do lose Amendola, life will go on. I can assure you of that. The trick is finding a replacement, preferably a better one. Does that come from the draft? From career progression by Brian Quick or Chris Givens? Or do the Rams opt to pay more for a better receiver in free agency?
We should know soon enough.