Turf Show Times - 2013 St. Louis Rams free agent news and rumorshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2013-03-18T17:35:02-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/38534912013-03-18T17:35:02-05:002013-03-18T17:35:02-05:00Jake Long got a pretty good deal
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<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams signed their new offensive tackle to a pretty favorable deal. </p> <p>Hats off to Kevin Demoff and Les Snead. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> won big in making their play for <span>Jake Long</span>. Not only did they get a potential Pro Bowl tackle to protect quarterback <span>Sam Bradford</span>, they also managed to sign Long to a very reasonable deal that doesn't carry too much of a salary cap hit for 2013. </p>
<p>Long's contract with the Rams carries a $4.5 million cap hit this year, according to Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch. That leaves the Rams <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/status/313769408419987456" target="_blank">with $3 million in cap space at the moment</a>. That leaves them with some room to make another move or two, like finding a reasonably priced starting safety or re-signing backup offensive linemen like Chris Williams or Rob Turner. </p>
<p>It doesn't mean that the Rams are stuck at $3 million under the cap. Obviously, the team had a plan in place to sign <span>Louis Delmas</span> along with Jared Cook and Long, before Delmas got a better offer from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>. All it takes is one stroke of the pen to restructure a deal to free up cap space. It's just a matter of assessing the opportunity cost of doing so. </p>
<p>And what about the rookie salary pool? Well, that works a little differently. I'm going to <a href="http://overthecap.com/explaining-the-nfl-rookie-pool-and-its-impact-on-the-salary-cap/" target="_blank">send you to the fine folks at Over the Cap to explain</a>. </p>
<p>As for the other details in Long's contract, he gets some $15-16 million in guaranteed money no matter what. That could climb to $20 million with incentives which <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/status/313770112815624192" target="_blank">are believed to be based on playing time</a>, according to Thomas. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/18/4120850/jake-long-contract-rams-salary-capRyan Van Bibber2013-03-18T14:22:02-05:002013-03-18T14:22:02-05:00Why did Jake Long pick the Rams?
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<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jake Long finally decided to play for the St. Louis Rams. What motivated his choice?</p> <p>Peter King found a way to squeeze in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> and <span>Jake Long</span> into his <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130318/jake-long-nfc-west-nfl-free-agency-peter-king-monday-morning-quarterback/?sct=hp_t12_a2&eref=sihp">weekly blovations</a> about coffee, the sacred rituals of baseball and the columnist's place in the universe.</p>
<p>(There's no need for me to take on the absurdity of King's column, not when the good people over at Kissing Suzy Kolber <a target="_blank" href="http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2013/03/peter-king-helps-mike-florio-overcome-his-hillbilly-airplane-terrors.html">have made an art form out of poking at the pompousness of "Kinglandia."</a>)</p>
<p>King offers a little insight into why the Rams were able to land Long over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>. Guess what, it's not because St. Louis' riverscape beats the beaches of Miami. It's because Jeff Fisher is way cooler than crazy old Joe Philbin, or something like that. </p>
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<p>"One of our players texted Jake and told him he'd retire if he had to play for any other coach besides Jeff,'' Rams GM Les Snead texted me late Sunday night. "Jeff gets veterans to Sunday ready to play ... Gets them to December ready to play ... So yes, he knows how to keep vets fresh physically, mentally and spiritually as good as anyone in the NFL."</p>
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<p>There you have it, reported in that classic King manner where the author inserts himself at the center of the story. </p>
<p>I'm not buying it. Sure, I get that Fisher's presence probably had something to do with Long's decision, a lot to do with it. But here's what I suspect to be the real reason he picked St. Louis:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1504537/sprinklers.gif"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1504537/sprinklers.gif" class="photo" alt="Sprinklers_medium"></a></p>
<p>Sprinklers. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/18/4119986/the-real-reason-jake-long-picked-the-ramsRyan Van Bibber2013-03-18T07:46:24-05:002013-03-18T07:46:24-05:00What the Long signing means for the Rams
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>With one stroke of the pen, the St. Louis Rams have changed the look and feel of the team, for the better. </p> <p>With a bargain deal and a lot of sweet talking from head coach Jeff Fisher the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> finally convinced <span>Jake Long</span> to be the team's new left tackle. The move fills a huge void, one that the team has been trying to address since <span>Orlando Pace</span> left town. Long gives them that left tackle for the next four years. It's more than just a free agent move to address a need; it's a deal that has some big implications for the team going forward.</p>
<p>Let's review.</p>
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<p><br id="1363611082348"><b>Sam Bradford </b>- The Rams sure are committed to the four-year quarterback, finally giving him some assurance that his flanks, both of them, will be protected for the first time in his career. Through days of courtship and negotiations, the Rams pursued the former first overall pick of the 2008 draft, not any other tackle.</p>
<p>Since before the end of last season, Fisher and Snead have talked openly about the limitations on their quarterback, namely a lack of consistent protection. With that, a second year in the same offense and better receiving options, the Rams expect their quarterback to reassert his place as the best in the NFC West. The team wanted to get the best tackle on the market, because this is now <span>Sam Bradford's</span> team.</p>
<p><b><span>Rodger Saffold</span></b> - Sure, his agent walked back the trade talk. He probably is unhappy about the move to the right side, but there's nothing he can really do about it until 2014, when he becomes a free agent. Winning cures all. Perhaps playing on a better team, right side or not, Saffold can be placated for a year. I suspect he'll still want to see about the free agent market, but we'll see what happens.</p>
<p><b>Tackle depth</b> - Long's injury history got plenty of attention during his visit to St. Louis. The Rams medical staff signed off on him, and Dr. James Andrews did before that. If he does have to miss some time this season, the Rams have a backup left tackle on the right side that they can move over, Saffold. Yes, they'll need to find another reliable tackle - or is that man Joe Barksdale? - to plug in there should that happen. Nevertheless, the right draft pick or some development on the roster and the Rams suddenly have the kind of depth they've never had at tackle.</p>
<p><b>The new offensive line</b> - Once again, the Rams have invested in their offensive line. They have Long on the left side. Next to him, the situation is still fluid as they look for a left guard. Could that be Rok Watkins? Fisher and Snead speak highly of him and he did make a brief appearance there before a season-ending injury. In the middle is <span>Scott Wells</span>, last season's free agent addition to the line. He should be healthy to start training camp. At right guard is <span>Harvey Dahl</span>, last season's best lineman, but he's coming off a torn biceps injury. He too should be ready for camp. Saffold has the right side.</p>
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<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/3/18/4117504/2013-nfl-mock-draft-free-agency-geno-smith-luke-joeckel">
<h2>2013 NFL mock draft</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9956381/20130224_tjg_ss1_407.0_standard_730.0.jpg"></a> <span>The draft is getting closer, and free agency is giving us some idea about which way teams will go. The Rams made a couple of key free agent moves to shore up critical needs. Now what do they do with those two first-round picks?</span>
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<p>We've been here before. Remember, not so long ago the Rams had pricey free agents <span>Jacob Bell</span> and <span>Jason Brown</span> in the middle of the line to go with the well-compensated <span>Jason Smith</span>, with a gigantic rookie deal for being the second pick.</p>
<p>This is a different group. Dahl and Wells have proven their effectiveness for the Rams already. Now they just have to prove their health. Long is the new addition, but his career track speaks for itself. He too needs to be healthy. The biggest concern here is depth, given the injury history of the group.</p>
<p><b>Draft options</b> - Can the Rams, will the Rams, still consider a tackle in the first round? Depending on who falls to them, it's not a bad idea. Remember, they need to groom replacements for all of these players, especially Saffold since he could leave after the season. They have a private workout scheduled with D.J. Fluker. There will likely be options in the later rounds too.</p>
<p>If Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper are available with either of their first-round picks, that would give the Rams an elite front five. They can also take their chances with a pick on the second day or even the third, using the two first night picks to get a safety or a receiver, etc.</p>
<p>Signing Long and Jared Cook gives the Rams flexibility in the first round.</p>
<p>The Rams haven't been as busy as some teams in free agency, opting for a considered, targeted approach. It's been frustrating, if you view the offseason as a race. Fortunately, it's not.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/18/4118388/st-louis-rams-sign-jake-long-free-agent-contract-sam-bradfordRyan Van Bibber2013-03-15T16:40:54-05:002013-03-15T16:40:54-05:00Friday free agency roundup
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>What's the latest news on the St. Louis Rams' efforts in free agency?</p> <p>In case you were out snorting Jell-O this afternoon, there have been a few things bubbling up on the free agent front. Not much of consequence for the St. Louis Rams, but things worth some discussion. Let's jump right into it. </p>
<p><b>Brandon Gibson signs with the Dolphins</b></p>
<p>It's been looking all along like Gibson would end up in the AFC East, and sure enough he did. The Dolphins signed him to a three-year. Financial terms were not reported as of yet, but I'll be curious to see what they are. It might mean the Dolphins dump Davone Bess.</p>
<p>For those of you keeping score at home, with Steven Jackson in Atlanta, Danny Amendola in New England and Gibson in Miami, the Rams have now lost three of their top four offensive contributors from last season. </p>
<p><b>Jake Long is ...</b></p>
<p>Well, it's the same with Jake Long as it was a couple hours ago, which is to say that nothing has happened. His wife did post this ominous tweet this afternoon:</p>
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<p>Heading to the airport soon, don't worry...we're getting close to the end of all of this!</p>
— Jackie Long (@jackielong_17) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackielong_17/status/312669874793111552">March 15, 2013</a>
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<p>Frankly, I'll be glad to have resolution on this saga just to see it end. </p>
<p><b>Louis Delmas and the Rams' contract offer</b></p>
<p>The Rams did make an offer to former Lions safety Louis Delmas, but it wasn't enough for his liking. He ended up back in Detroit on a two-year deal worth $9.4 million. The Rams <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/status/312649191514062850" target="_blank">only offered him one year</a>, according to Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch. </p>
<p>We don't know the financial terms, but one year is a very reasonable offer for a player who dealt with serious knee issues in the last two seasons. It also says that the Rams are being cautious in free agency, not handing out crazy deals. That makes me wonder about their offer to Jake Long. I'll bet it was a deal lower on guaranteed money than the tackle wanted to see, something conservative based on his recent injury history, but we don't know that. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/15/4109728/2013-rams-free-agency-news-brandon-gibson-jake-longRyan Van Bibber2013-03-15T13:49:43-05:002013-03-15T13:49:43-05:00Rams' offers not up to snuff for Jake Long
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jake Long will be seeing what other teams have to offer now. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> <a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">did make an offer to</a> <span>Jake Long</span>, but it wasn't an offer that Long was looking for, according to the Miami Herald. He left without a deal, and will now get the chance to see what the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> and other interested teams will offer. </p>
<p>No surprise here. The Rams and Long's camp talked for three days. He came to town for a physical, tours and a round of negotiations on Wednesday. Earlier reports suggested that Long was seeking something in the neighborhood of a deal worth an average of $10 million per year. He made $12.8 million last season, for a little context. Injuries compromised his play over the last two seasons and a market rife with offensive tackles hurt his asking price. </p>
<p>That same Herald report says the Dolphins are feeling good about their chances to re-sign Long. That does not mean it will happen, though, especially with other teams interested. </p>
<p>The report also says that the Dolphins have a Plan B in case they don't bring Long back for 2013. I'm wondering if the Rams have a Plan B after devoting so much energy to wooing Long. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/15/4109084/rams-dolphins-jake-longRyan Van Bibber2013-03-15T13:11:52-05:002013-03-15T13:11:52-05:00Dolphins, Jake Long talking again
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Will the Rams lose out to the Dolphins in their chase for the left tackle?</p> <p>The Jake Long contract watch may well have shifted from St. Louis to Miami. USA Today had a follow up to Jim Thomas' last report, revealing that the Dolphins and Long <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2F2013%2F03%2F15%2Fjake-long-free-agent-dolphins-jeff-ireland-rams%2F1990851%2F%3Futm_source%3Ddlvr.it%26utm_medium%3Dtwitter&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2013%2F3%2F15%2F4108916%2Fjake-long-dolphins-talking-again" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">are talking again</a>, as recently as Friday morning.</p>
<p>From the USA Today report:</p>
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<p>The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity, said general manager Jeff Ireland and his team have been in communication with Long on Friday morning and are trying to bridge the gap they've had in previous negotiations.</p>
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<p>Things get interesting at the gap. Miami declined the chance to use the franchise tag on Long, which would have paid him more than $15.3 million for a one-year deal, because that's 120 percent over the $12.8 million he made last year. Long was originally believed to be looking for a deal like the one Joe Thomas got from the Browns, seven-years and $84 million in 2011.</p>
<p>Clearly, he's finding team reticent to pay that. Did he dip his toes into the waters of free agency thinking he could find that kind of money? If David Diehl is getting a contract averaging $7.5 million per year, Long's best shot might be $8 to $8.5 million.</p>
<p>Either way, he's leaving St. Louis without a contract, and that's not a good sign after the Rams spent three days negotiating.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/15/4108916/jake-long-dolphins-talking-againRyan Van Bibber2013-03-15T11:37:15-05:002013-03-15T11:37:15-05:00No deal with Jake Long?
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<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After three days of negotiations, Jake Long is set to leave St. Louis without a deal. </p> <p>Bidding wars between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> are not new. Stephen Ross and Jeff Ireland have tried to lure unsuspecting bodies to South Beach over St. Louis in past, including Jeff Fisher who proved to be nonplussed by a ride in Ross' whirlybird. Now, the Dolphins are trying to lure <span>Jake Long</span> back to the beach and away from the Rams who have been holding him hostage for three days now. </p>
<p>Long is scheduled to leave St. Louis on Friday, and as of now he does not have a deal with the Rams.</p>
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<p>After spending parts of 3 days in St. Louis league sources say Jake Long scheduled to leave town his afternoon. At this point still no deal.</p>
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/status/312600720564183041">March 15, 2013</a>
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<p>Albert Breer of the NFL Network had a curious, slightly ominous update on the situation Friday morning.</p>
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<p>Both the Dolphins and Rams are negotiating with Jake Long. Miami had a price in mind all along. And it seems like market hasn't bared more.</p>
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/312588367185469441">March 15, 2013</a>
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<p>Hmm, this could be an interesting situation. Long and the Rams have been negotiating since the fall of the Berlin Wall, or so it seems. If the Rams and the Dolphins are coming in with similar offers, it could come down to a matter of personal preference, i.e. where he wants to play, whether or not the team has a chance to win, etc. </p>
<p>And it's not just the Dolphins that are interested in Long. The Rams could have spent three days negotiating a price tag for some other team to come in and pay.</p>
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<p>According to sources, "multiple teams" showing interest in Long.</p>
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/status/312600979361103874">March 15, 2013</a>
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<p>Long could be leaving town without a contract, and that is not a good thing for the Rams after investing significant time chasing him while the rest of the free agent market got snapped up, including the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> who loaded up on pass rushers. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/15/4108442/jake-long-rumors-rams-dolphinsRyan Van Bibber2013-03-15T10:00:11-05:002013-03-15T10:00:11-05:00What do the Rams do without Jackson?
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<p>Steven Jackson's signing with the Falcons officially ushers the end of an era. What will the Rams do now at the running back position?</p> <p>Folks around this neck of the woods have known for a while that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/3230/steven-jackson#stories_tab" target="_blank">Steven Jackson</a> would not be back in a blue and gold uniform. Yet, when news struck that the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> all-time rushing yards leader signed with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a>, it still stung a bit.</p>
<p>Yes, I wil miss seeing Steven don the golden horns. Like I have said before, he and <span>Marshall Faulk</span> are the only Rams ball carriers I know. I am accustomed to great running back play. It can be said differently about receiver play post-Bruce and Holt, but that's another post.</p>
<p>What made it easy to transition away from Faulk was that the Rams had Jackson already in place. The team and the fans knew SJ was able to carry the team. This time around, replacing Jackson has taken a different route. The team's front office surely has a plan, but the fans definitely do not know what is up their sleeves.</p>
<p>Sure, last year's rookie backs – second-rounder <span>Isaiah Pead</span> and seventh-rounder <span>Daryl Richardson</span> – figure to be in the mix. Their presence, as a matter of fact, made SJax expendable. But, at the same time, neither player showed that they had the chops to take the carry on the torch without missing a step. Richardson is a fast, one-cut and go runner. Pead never really got anything rolling for him. Nevertheless, coach Fisher is confident in his two running backs, and the Rams are moving forward.</p>
<p>What is yet to be seen is if Fisher & Co. will look to bring in another option to the backfield. Jackson was a beast of a running back. At 6'2 240 pounds, he was the type of ball carrier that trucked through defenders. Pead (5'11, 197 lbs) and Richardson (5'10) definitely do not fit that mold. Do the Rams pick up a bruising RB? The team has a big back in the form of Terrance Ganaway (6'0, 240 lbs), but he didn't have a single carry during the season. I'd consider him a question mark right now.</p>
<p>Drafting a back is an option. Some have mocked Alabama's Eddie Lacy to the Rams in the first round, but is that to early? We have seen teams have success with backs drafted in the latter rounds. Another thing to consider is Fisher's lofty praise of Pead. One would assume Isaiah would at least get an opportunity to show what he's got.</p>
<p>What would y'all do?</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/15/4105910/steven-jackson-rams-isaiah-pead-daryl-richardsonEddieP