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The Los Angeles Rams have been busy with the rebuilding efforts for the defensive backs on the roster. With the addition of free agent S Eric Weddle and two NFL Draft picks in safeties Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott, the Rams have done an admirable job filling in the vacancy left by S Lamarcus Joyner after he signed with the Oakland Raiders in free agency.
With that re-branding of the safety position, the Rams approached S Blake Countess with a pay cut opportunity, though his camp and the Rams could not come to an agreement. The Rams decided to release Countess, though they may have him return at a cheaper price down the line:
The #Rams asked DB Blake Countess to take a pay cut from his $2M tender and they could not come to terms, source said. They are releasing him. LA drafted two safeties this year, but the door is open to return if he clears waivers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2019
This plan to restructure his contract makes sense. Pro Football Focus gave Countess a 66.5 grade, which is to say that Countess is above average and at times played like a starter.
What this move really shows is where the front office’s mind is at when it comes to improving the run defense. Less snaps for Countess and more opportunities for a guy like Taylor Rapp to make some tackles in run situations.
The release of Countess saves the Rams $2.025m on the cap, per Over The Cap.