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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2397272-ranking-st-louis-rams-best-remaining-free-agency-options
Ranking St. Louis Rams' Best Remaining Free-Agency Options
By Steven Gerwel, Featured Columnist Mar 15, 2015
St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead have made some early splashes in free agency. The duo certainly has a knack for generating headlines and dropping our jaws.
The biggest wave, of course, was the trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams sent Sam Bradford to Philly and acquired the young but promising Nick Foles in return. According to Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com, the deal also involved an exchange of draft picks—the Rams give up a 2015 fifth-round selection and a conditional 2016 pick (which will be waived if Bradford plays for half of the 2015 season), and the Eagles give up a 2015 fourth-rounder and a 2016 second-round pick.
While the logic behind the trade—dumping Bradford's contract and injury history—is obvious enough, it still caught Rams Nation off-guard, as well as the entire NFL.
The moves didn't end there, either.
Despite possessing one of the most fierce defensive lines in football, the Rams signed one of the more talented defensive tackles on the market in Nick Fairley, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The move is consistent with Fisher's unapologetic obsession with defense, as well as Snead's infatuation with all things Auburn (see Greg Robinson, Tre Mason, Daren Bates, Will Herring and Emory Blake).
The team also signed New England Patriots linebacker Akeem Ayers, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, which fills a big need on defense.
As for in-house free agents, the Rams were able to re-sign receiver Kenny Britt and tight end Lance Kendricks, per Thomas of STLtoday.com.
However, the moves hardly address every need. The offensive line continues to be the 6,000-pound elephant in the room, as St. Louis currently has just two of its 2014 starters under contract—left tackle Robinson and guard Rodger Saffold.
If the line isn't addressed immediately, the offense will undoubtedly have a miserable season to look forward to.
As of now, there's no need to worry. The free-agent superstars are mostly locked up, but there's a number of competent football players still on the market.
This article ranks the remaining free agents that fit with the Rams. The rankings will be based on talent, predicted contract cost and whether or not the player fills a need.
10. FB John Kuhn, Green Bay Packers
David J. Phillip/Associated Press
Unless you count moving Kendricks or Cory Harkey out of position, the Rams lack a true fullback. Usually that's not surprising in today's NFL, but it's a little baffling that an old-school coach like Fisher who lives to run the ball hasn't turned the Rams into an exception.
If St. Louis is truly yearning for a run-first offense, it would be beneficial to have a powerful fullback as a lead blocker.
John Kuhn is not an elite run-blocker, but he's still competent in that department and has been much better in recent years. As a pass-blocker, he's top-notch. If he's in the backfield in passing situations, he'll serve as the last line of defense and keep Foles upright.
He's also capable of running the ball on rare occasions and picking up some tough yards.
Kuhn is 32 years old and plays an undervalued position. As a result, his price tag will be extremely affordable. If the Rams want to toughen up the run game, Kuhn is a cheap and effective option.
9. T Ryan Harris, Kansas City Chiefs
Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press
Ryan Harris has not been connected to the Rams in any way, but the 30-year-old right tackle remains on the market and could be a decent fit.
Harris started 15 games for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014. He began the season as a backup but was forced into the starting role early on due to injuries.
Compared to incumbent right tackle Joe Barksdale, Harris would almost certainly be a downgrade. On the plus side, he'll also be significantly cheaper.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Rams are not only desperate for starters on the offensive line, but the team is also in need of depth. Even if St. Louis re-signs Barksdale, Harris might still have some value as a backup.
If he can be signed for something slightly above the veteran minimum, it would be a solid addition for the Rams.
8. S Louis Delmas, Miami Dolphins
Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press
The Rams have invested a lot in their current safeties, but the team has also been in need of a true coverage safety for quite some time. Either Fisher doesn't want a coverage safety in his scheme, or he just hasn't found one that he likes.
The team traded its 2014 fourth- and sixth-round selections for former first-round pick Mark Barron. The Rams also drafted T.J. McDonald in the third round of 2013 and Mo Alexander in Round 4 of 2014 (widely considered a reach). With so many mid-round picks invested in the current safeties, it's likely the Rams will give them a shot in 2015.
Then again, Fisher loves to overdo it on defense.
Delmas visited with the team during the free-agency period on 2013, so there's clearly something the current regime likes about his game.
He's likely better in pass coverage than any safety currently on the roster, and he has also demonstrated an ability to blitz the quarterback. The 27-year-old Delmas is still in his prime and is one of the better safeties in the league when healthy.
Injuries have held him back a bit, but it's nothing that can't be overlooked. He has yet to play 16 full games in a single campaign, but he has started 11 or more games in five of his six NFL seasons. The most he has missed in a single year is eight games.
Now that the Rams have added Ayers at linebacker, it's likely that safety is now the biggest need on defense. It seems absurd that St. Louis would spend its limited remaining funds on another defender, but it's always a possibility with Fisher at the helm.
7. G Justin Blalock, Atlanta Falcons
USA TODAY Sports
According to Marc Sessler of NFL.com, Justin Blalock was released by the Atlanta Falcons due to him not being an ideal fit for offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme.
Blalock is not a potential blockbuster signing or offensive line savior, but he'd still be a very solid upgrade. According to Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News, Blalock was Pro-Football Focus' No. 25 guard in 2014. That's not the anchor St. Louis needs, but it's surely an upgrade over Joseph—the incumbent right guard who looked helpless in 2014.
Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com reported that the Rams are interested in Blalock and that he may visit the team, so keep an eye on him over the next several days.
Blalock is better at protecting quarterbacks than paving run lanes, which makes it somewhat surprising that the Rams are interested considering Fisher's run-first mentality. However, Snead spent many years in the Falcons organization and experienced the first five seasons of Blalock's career firsthand. If Snead has faith in the veteran, there might be some unknown potential there.
It's not an exciting move, but if the Rams sign Blalock, it'll upgrade a position of great need.
6. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Michael Zito/Associated Press
Michael Crabtree is a name that has yet to be associated with the Rams. As mentioned, the team already re-signed Britt, so there's no longer an urgent need at receiver, but the group isn't exactly bursting with talent, either.
If, however, the Rams are unable to convince any of the top free-agent linemen to sign, they might as well spend the available money on building Foles' arsenal. A quarterback needs a competent line to succeed, but having a ridiculous variety of weapons certainly helps.
Signing Crabtree seems absurd at the moment, since there's no immediate need or reported rumors. But the thought of signing Fairley or trading for Foles seemed just as unlikely a week ago, so it's best to expect the unexpected.
Crabtree broke out in 2012 as a legitimate No. 1 receiver with more than 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. His last two seasons have been hindered by injuries, but he's surely anxious to get back to his old self.
With Brian Quick's serious shoulder injury, there's no guarantee he'll be 100 percent. The Rams need another capable receiver opposite Britt in case Quick isn't good to go.
It sounds a bit wild and unlikely at the moment, but don't be shocked if the Rams add another capable receiver at some point this offseason.
5. C Brian de la Puente, Chicago Bears
USA TODAY Sports
There are other centers on the market with more talent and appeal than Brian de la Puente (we'll get to them later), but the 29-year-old should still be on the team's radar.
He started just six games for the Chicago Bears this past season, and the last thing St. Louis needs is another offensive lineman with injury concerns.
Health is the downside when it comes to De la Puente, but he might be worth the gamble. He served as a three-year starter with the New Orleans Saints from 2011 to 2013 (starting 48 of 52 possible games, counting the playoffs) and excelled as a pass-protector. He kept quarterback Drew Brees clean for three consecutive years of more than 5,000 yards passing.
If the Rams want Foles to excel and cement his status as St. Louis' franchise quarterback, they'll need a center capable of maintaining the pocket. If De la Puente was good enough for Brees, he should be good enough for Foles.
4. T Joe Barksdale, St. Louis Rams
USA TODAY Sports
Barksdale had a down year in 2014, which makes it difficult to re-sign him with total confidence. But the team is still desperately in need of his services.
Besides, no one can really fault him for his decline. With over-the-hill veterans Davin Joseph and Scott Wells occupying the two spots to his left, it's totally understandable that he was overwhelmed. He deserves partial blame, but his issues should be fixable.
The 26-year-old is just now entering his prime and was an excellent starter for the team in 2013. If the Rams re-sign him, it's a sign that Fisher is totally confident that Barksdale can return to his 2013 form.
The contract of Dallas Cowboys tackle Doug Free—three years, $15 million—is probably a decent measuring stick. That's a very affordable price tag, especially if the amount guaranteed money is kept to a minimum.
An important thing to keep in mind concerning Barksdale is his experience with the team. Continuity is important for any offensive line, so it'd be beneficial if the Rams plug someone in at right tackle who already knows the scheme and playbook.
The lack of Barksdale-related news has been very odd. With no reported visits, it's impossible to predict how this will play out. But if the Rams ink him to a deal, it should be considered a victory.
3. C Chris Myers, Houston Texans
USA TODAY Sports
One thing the Rams have sorely lacked on the offensive line in recent years is health and continuity. Without a doubt, Chris "Ironman" Myers is the definition of those two words.
After the Houston Texans cut Myers, Tania Ganguli of ESPN.compointed out that the 33-year-old center has started 128-consecutive games—the second-longest streak among active offensive linemen.
Obviously, the Rams need a tough veteran capable of suiting up every week. On the downside, his streak will end eventually, and it's not going to take another 128 games.
Still, despite his age, Myers has given us no reason to doubt his ability to suit up every week. It's easy to assume that every 33-year-old player is a potential injury risk, but he's given us no reason to think that. Week after week, he suits up to play and plays at a high level.
If the Rams can sign him to a modest deal and get two or three years of solid football out of him, it would be considered a major success.
2. G Evan Mathis, Philadelphia Eagles (via Trade)
John Konstantaras/Getty Images
Yes, I know. Before you lose your mind, allow me to point out that we're all aware Evan Mathis is not a free agent. This is probably cheating, but just roll with it.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that the Philadelphia Eagles put Mathis on the trade block. Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com hinted that the Rams could be one of several teams looking to make a deal. As one of the few players being associated with the Rams as of now, he deserves to be mentioned.
It's difficult to determine whether this acquisition would be a dream come true or a waste of trade bait.
The 33-year-old guard has made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons and is at the top of his game. He's playing as well as any guard in the NFL at the moment. With the holes on St. Louis' offensive line, adding one of the best guards in the game would do wonders.
His $6.5 million cap hit in 2015 is nothing to overlook, but it's not outrageous, either. If the team can spend over $5 million this year on abackup tight end, it can certainly pay slightly more for a player who will certainly be the roster's best offensive lineman.
Then again, there's the concern with age. His play will drop off, and it'll be sooner rather than later. He has two years remaining on hiscurrent deal, and the conclusion of that contract will likely mark the end of his NFL career.
Unless the Rams are planning to win the Super Bowl within the next two years—a joke to some, but maybe not for Fisher and Snead—it's probably unwise to trade away draft picks on a two-year rental.
There's no question he'll upgrade the line. However, will the Rams rise as a playoff contender within that time frame? That's a gamble the front office must assess.
It would be ironic, though, would it not? Bradford's been desperate for a reliable offensive line for his entire career. He finally gets traded to a new team with a competent line, and the Rams steal away its best offensive lineman.
If the deal happens, then it proves that competent linemen are allergic to Bradford.
1. C Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland Raiders
Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press
If you browse Twitter or any Rams fan website, there's no free-agent target that'll generate more search hits than center Stefen Wisniewski of the Oakland Raiders.
Wisniewski seemingly has it all. He's young (25), very talented, still has his best football ahead of him and is a potential long-term answer at a very important position. If the price is reasonable, there's not a lot to dislike.
And that's the catch. Wisniewski has multiple suitors, so the idea of a "reasonable price" needs to go right out the window. If the Rams land him, you can bet they'll overpay—at least a little.
Scott Smith, the writer for the official website of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reported at the start of free agency that Wisniewski visited with Tampa Bay. He left without a contract, and his latest visit was with the Seattle Seahawks, according to Terry Blount of ESPN.com.
While turning down a Super Bowl-caliber team is no easy feat, Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com reported that a visit with the Rams is a very realistic possibility.
The good news is that St. Louis is a more appealing option than the Buccaneers, who tied for the NFL's worst record in 2014 with two wins. And if Seattle is expecting Wisniewski to take a low-ball contract in exchange for playing on a contender, that could put St. Louis in the driver's seat.
With Myers and De la Puente still on the market, it'd be wise to avoid forking out an outrageous contract for Wisniewski's services. The other center candidates are not as appealing but are certainly capable of holding their own until the Rams locate a long-term replacement.
Since signing Wells was one of Fisher's first moves as St. Louis' head coach in 2012, it's clear that he values the position. That's why it's so surprising that there hasn't been a more visible effort to locate a free-agent center.
One possible explanation is that the Rams are secretly satisfied with the talent of 2013 fourth-round pick Barrett Jones and 2014 seventh-round selection Demetrius Rhaney. The two have almost zero game-day experience, but both players have nice potential.
Still, signing Wisniewski so that the Rams don't have to depend on Jones or Rhaney would be a major win for St. Louis.
Ranking St. Louis Rams' Best Remaining Free-Agency Options
By Steven Gerwel, Featured Columnist Mar 15, 2015
St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead have made some early splashes in free agency. The duo certainly has a knack for generating headlines and dropping our jaws.
The biggest wave, of course, was the trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams sent Sam Bradford to Philly and acquired the young but promising Nick Foles in return. According to Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com, the deal also involved an exchange of draft picks—the Rams give up a 2015 fifth-round selection and a conditional 2016 pick (which will be waived if Bradford plays for half of the 2015 season), and the Eagles give up a 2015 fourth-rounder and a 2016 second-round pick.
While the logic behind the trade—dumping Bradford's contract and injury history—is obvious enough, it still caught Rams Nation off-guard, as well as the entire NFL.
The moves didn't end there, either.
Despite possessing one of the most fierce defensive lines in football, the Rams signed one of the more talented defensive tackles on the market in Nick Fairley, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The move is consistent with Fisher's unapologetic obsession with defense, as well as Snead's infatuation with all things Auburn (see Greg Robinson, Tre Mason, Daren Bates, Will Herring and Emory Blake).
The team also signed New England Patriots linebacker Akeem Ayers, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, which fills a big need on defense.
As for in-house free agents, the Rams were able to re-sign receiver Kenny Britt and tight end Lance Kendricks, per Thomas of STLtoday.com.
However, the moves hardly address every need. The offensive line continues to be the 6,000-pound elephant in the room, as St. Louis currently has just two of its 2014 starters under contract—left tackle Robinson and guard Rodger Saffold.
If the line isn't addressed immediately, the offense will undoubtedly have a miserable season to look forward to.
As of now, there's no need to worry. The free-agent superstars are mostly locked up, but there's a number of competent football players still on the market.
This article ranks the remaining free agents that fit with the Rams. The rankings will be based on talent, predicted contract cost and whether or not the player fills a need.
10. FB John Kuhn, Green Bay Packers
David J. Phillip/Associated Press
Unless you count moving Kendricks or Cory Harkey out of position, the Rams lack a true fullback. Usually that's not surprising in today's NFL, but it's a little baffling that an old-school coach like Fisher who lives to run the ball hasn't turned the Rams into an exception.
If St. Louis is truly yearning for a run-first offense, it would be beneficial to have a powerful fullback as a lead blocker.
John Kuhn is not an elite run-blocker, but he's still competent in that department and has been much better in recent years. As a pass-blocker, he's top-notch. If he's in the backfield in passing situations, he'll serve as the last line of defense and keep Foles upright.
He's also capable of running the ball on rare occasions and picking up some tough yards.
Kuhn is 32 years old and plays an undervalued position. As a result, his price tag will be extremely affordable. If the Rams want to toughen up the run game, Kuhn is a cheap and effective option.
9. T Ryan Harris, Kansas City Chiefs
Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press
Ryan Harris has not been connected to the Rams in any way, but the 30-year-old right tackle remains on the market and could be a decent fit.
Harris started 15 games for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014. He began the season as a backup but was forced into the starting role early on due to injuries.
Compared to incumbent right tackle Joe Barksdale, Harris would almost certainly be a downgrade. On the plus side, he'll also be significantly cheaper.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Rams are not only desperate for starters on the offensive line, but the team is also in need of depth. Even if St. Louis re-signs Barksdale, Harris might still have some value as a backup.
If he can be signed for something slightly above the veteran minimum, it would be a solid addition for the Rams.
8. S Louis Delmas, Miami Dolphins
Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press
The Rams have invested a lot in their current safeties, but the team has also been in need of a true coverage safety for quite some time. Either Fisher doesn't want a coverage safety in his scheme, or he just hasn't found one that he likes.
The team traded its 2014 fourth- and sixth-round selections for former first-round pick Mark Barron. The Rams also drafted T.J. McDonald in the third round of 2013 and Mo Alexander in Round 4 of 2014 (widely considered a reach). With so many mid-round picks invested in the current safeties, it's likely the Rams will give them a shot in 2015.
Then again, Fisher loves to overdo it on defense.
Delmas visited with the team during the free-agency period on 2013, so there's clearly something the current regime likes about his game.
He's likely better in pass coverage than any safety currently on the roster, and he has also demonstrated an ability to blitz the quarterback. The 27-year-old Delmas is still in his prime and is one of the better safeties in the league when healthy.
Injuries have held him back a bit, but it's nothing that can't be overlooked. He has yet to play 16 full games in a single campaign, but he has started 11 or more games in five of his six NFL seasons. The most he has missed in a single year is eight games.
Now that the Rams have added Ayers at linebacker, it's likely that safety is now the biggest need on defense. It seems absurd that St. Louis would spend its limited remaining funds on another defender, but it's always a possibility with Fisher at the helm.
7. G Justin Blalock, Atlanta Falcons
USA TODAY Sports
According to Marc Sessler of NFL.com, Justin Blalock was released by the Atlanta Falcons due to him not being an ideal fit for offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme.
Blalock is not a potential blockbuster signing or offensive line savior, but he'd still be a very solid upgrade. According to Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News, Blalock was Pro-Football Focus' No. 25 guard in 2014. That's not the anchor St. Louis needs, but it's surely an upgrade over Joseph—the incumbent right guard who looked helpless in 2014.
Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com reported that the Rams are interested in Blalock and that he may visit the team, so keep an eye on him over the next several days.
Blalock is better at protecting quarterbacks than paving run lanes, which makes it somewhat surprising that the Rams are interested considering Fisher's run-first mentality. However, Snead spent many years in the Falcons organization and experienced the first five seasons of Blalock's career firsthand. If Snead has faith in the veteran, there might be some unknown potential there.
It's not an exciting move, but if the Rams sign Blalock, it'll upgrade a position of great need.
6. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Michael Zito/Associated Press
Michael Crabtree is a name that has yet to be associated with the Rams. As mentioned, the team already re-signed Britt, so there's no longer an urgent need at receiver, but the group isn't exactly bursting with talent, either.
If, however, the Rams are unable to convince any of the top free-agent linemen to sign, they might as well spend the available money on building Foles' arsenal. A quarterback needs a competent line to succeed, but having a ridiculous variety of weapons certainly helps.
Signing Crabtree seems absurd at the moment, since there's no immediate need or reported rumors. But the thought of signing Fairley or trading for Foles seemed just as unlikely a week ago, so it's best to expect the unexpected.
Crabtree broke out in 2012 as a legitimate No. 1 receiver with more than 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. His last two seasons have been hindered by injuries, but he's surely anxious to get back to his old self.
With Brian Quick's serious shoulder injury, there's no guarantee he'll be 100 percent. The Rams need another capable receiver opposite Britt in case Quick isn't good to go.
It sounds a bit wild and unlikely at the moment, but don't be shocked if the Rams add another capable receiver at some point this offseason.
5. C Brian de la Puente, Chicago Bears
USA TODAY Sports
There are other centers on the market with more talent and appeal than Brian de la Puente (we'll get to them later), but the 29-year-old should still be on the team's radar.
He started just six games for the Chicago Bears this past season, and the last thing St. Louis needs is another offensive lineman with injury concerns.
Health is the downside when it comes to De la Puente, but he might be worth the gamble. He served as a three-year starter with the New Orleans Saints from 2011 to 2013 (starting 48 of 52 possible games, counting the playoffs) and excelled as a pass-protector. He kept quarterback Drew Brees clean for three consecutive years of more than 5,000 yards passing.
If the Rams want Foles to excel and cement his status as St. Louis' franchise quarterback, they'll need a center capable of maintaining the pocket. If De la Puente was good enough for Brees, he should be good enough for Foles.
4. T Joe Barksdale, St. Louis Rams
USA TODAY Sports
Barksdale had a down year in 2014, which makes it difficult to re-sign him with total confidence. But the team is still desperately in need of his services.
Besides, no one can really fault him for his decline. With over-the-hill veterans Davin Joseph and Scott Wells occupying the two spots to his left, it's totally understandable that he was overwhelmed. He deserves partial blame, but his issues should be fixable.
The 26-year-old is just now entering his prime and was an excellent starter for the team in 2013. If the Rams re-sign him, it's a sign that Fisher is totally confident that Barksdale can return to his 2013 form.
The contract of Dallas Cowboys tackle Doug Free—three years, $15 million—is probably a decent measuring stick. That's a very affordable price tag, especially if the amount guaranteed money is kept to a minimum.
An important thing to keep in mind concerning Barksdale is his experience with the team. Continuity is important for any offensive line, so it'd be beneficial if the Rams plug someone in at right tackle who already knows the scheme and playbook.
The lack of Barksdale-related news has been very odd. With no reported visits, it's impossible to predict how this will play out. But if the Rams ink him to a deal, it should be considered a victory.
3. C Chris Myers, Houston Texans
USA TODAY Sports
One thing the Rams have sorely lacked on the offensive line in recent years is health and continuity. Without a doubt, Chris "Ironman" Myers is the definition of those two words.
After the Houston Texans cut Myers, Tania Ganguli of ESPN.compointed out that the 33-year-old center has started 128-consecutive games—the second-longest streak among active offensive linemen.
Obviously, the Rams need a tough veteran capable of suiting up every week. On the downside, his streak will end eventually, and it's not going to take another 128 games.
Still, despite his age, Myers has given us no reason to doubt his ability to suit up every week. It's easy to assume that every 33-year-old player is a potential injury risk, but he's given us no reason to think that. Week after week, he suits up to play and plays at a high level.
If the Rams can sign him to a modest deal and get two or three years of solid football out of him, it would be considered a major success.
2. G Evan Mathis, Philadelphia Eagles (via Trade)
John Konstantaras/Getty Images
Yes, I know. Before you lose your mind, allow me to point out that we're all aware Evan Mathis is not a free agent. This is probably cheating, but just roll with it.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that the Philadelphia Eagles put Mathis on the trade block. Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com hinted that the Rams could be one of several teams looking to make a deal. As one of the few players being associated with the Rams as of now, he deserves to be mentioned.
It's difficult to determine whether this acquisition would be a dream come true or a waste of trade bait.
The 33-year-old guard has made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons and is at the top of his game. He's playing as well as any guard in the NFL at the moment. With the holes on St. Louis' offensive line, adding one of the best guards in the game would do wonders.
His $6.5 million cap hit in 2015 is nothing to overlook, but it's not outrageous, either. If the team can spend over $5 million this year on abackup tight end, it can certainly pay slightly more for a player who will certainly be the roster's best offensive lineman.
Then again, there's the concern with age. His play will drop off, and it'll be sooner rather than later. He has two years remaining on hiscurrent deal, and the conclusion of that contract will likely mark the end of his NFL career.
Unless the Rams are planning to win the Super Bowl within the next two years—a joke to some, but maybe not for Fisher and Snead—it's probably unwise to trade away draft picks on a two-year rental.
There's no question he'll upgrade the line. However, will the Rams rise as a playoff contender within that time frame? That's a gamble the front office must assess.
It would be ironic, though, would it not? Bradford's been desperate for a reliable offensive line for his entire career. He finally gets traded to a new team with a competent line, and the Rams steal away its best offensive lineman.
If the deal happens, then it proves that competent linemen are allergic to Bradford.
1. C Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland Raiders
Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press
If you browse Twitter or any Rams fan website, there's no free-agent target that'll generate more search hits than center Stefen Wisniewski of the Oakland Raiders.
Wisniewski seemingly has it all. He's young (25), very talented, still has his best football ahead of him and is a potential long-term answer at a very important position. If the price is reasonable, there's not a lot to dislike.
And that's the catch. Wisniewski has multiple suitors, so the idea of a "reasonable price" needs to go right out the window. If the Rams land him, you can bet they'll overpay—at least a little.
Scott Smith, the writer for the official website of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reported at the start of free agency that Wisniewski visited with Tampa Bay. He left without a contract, and his latest visit was with the Seattle Seahawks, according to Terry Blount of ESPN.com.
While turning down a Super Bowl-caliber team is no easy feat, Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com reported that a visit with the Rams is a very realistic possibility.
The good news is that St. Louis is a more appealing option than the Buccaneers, who tied for the NFL's worst record in 2014 with two wins. And if Seattle is expecting Wisniewski to take a low-ball contract in exchange for playing on a contender, that could put St. Louis in the driver's seat.
With Myers and De la Puente still on the market, it'd be wise to avoid forking out an outrageous contract for Wisniewski's services. The other center candidates are not as appealing but are certainly capable of holding their own until the Rams locate a long-term replacement.
Since signing Wells was one of Fisher's first moves as St. Louis' head coach in 2012, it's clear that he values the position. That's why it's so surprising that there hasn't been a more visible effort to locate a free-agent center.
One possible explanation is that the Rams are secretly satisfied with the talent of 2013 fourth-round pick Barrett Jones and 2014 seventh-round selection Demetrius Rhaney. The two have almost zero game-day experience, but both players have nice potential.
Still, signing Wisniewski so that the Rams don't have to depend on Jones or Rhaney would be a major win for St. Louis.
