:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53615555/usa_today_9636968.0.jpg)
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Los Angeles Rams are set to sign former Buffalo Bills (and USC Trojans) WR Robert Woods to a five-year deal when free agency opens at 4pm ET today:
Former Bills WR Robert Woods is returning to LA, to the Rams, per sources. Back in the Coliseum, like at USC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
Woods was the 41st overall pick for the Bills in the 2013 NFL Draft following a standout career at USC. Woods never really turned a corner in the Bills’ improving offense. With Sammy Watkins taking over the WR1 role, Woods never really had an increase in opportunity. His one touchdown in 2016 is indicative of a role limitation that perhaps he’s eager to shed back in LA.
Schefter passed on some contract details as well:
Barring any snags, Robert Woods intends to sign a 5-year, $39 million deal, including $15 million guaranteed, with Rams, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
While the overall number might have some doing a double take, there’s only $15m guaranteed. If much of that is front-loaded (and I expect it to be), Woods’ contract is a five-year deal in concept only.
As it stands between agreeing to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals OT Andrew Whitworth and now Woods, the Rams have hit on targets in free agency at the biggest positions of need heading into the period.