Rams Fans Dodge Bullet, But Clip Not Empty

Written By: Anthony Bafaro


Kroenke Dodges Overpriced Dodgers.
Word came late Tuesday night that the group led by Magic Johnson and Mark Walter won the bidding war for the L.A. Dodgers.  They’re paying a cool $2 billion for the franchise—straight cash, homey.  The news for Rams fans is not who won the bid, but rather who didn’t—Rams owner Stan Kroenke.

Until a new agreement is reached to keep the Rams in St. Louis beyond the 2014 season, every decision made by Kroenke and the Rams organization will fuel speculation, especially when coupled with Kroenke’s ambiguous disposition.  The fact that he was unwilling to commit two-thirds of his net worth for a bankrupt franchise does not mean that the Rams are definitely staying in St. Louis, just as a successful Kroenke bid would not have meant that the Rams were definitely moving to L.A.

The Rams rejected the CVC’s initial offer to upgrade the Edward Jones Dome and extend the lease.  On May 1st, the Rams will deliver their counter-proposal, and if no agreement is reached by June 15th, the matter will go into arbitration.  Kroenke is looking to get the best possible deal, wherever it comes from.  Losing out on the Dodgers eliminates one of his options and, thus, some of his leverage with the CVC; it’s good news, but not defining.

By the way, Frank McCourt has got to be the luckiest guy in the world—buy the Dodgers in 2004 for $430 million, run up $700 million in team debt, file for bankruptcy to elude the repo-man (Major League Baseball), then sell the team for $2 billion—double the estimated value.

Big Game Signing
The Rams finally signed a big name WR.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t played since 2009.  “Big Game” Torry Holt will officially retire as a Ram after signing a one-day contract with the team.  I love this move (though I wish he were signing a longer contract with some sort of coaching title).  Part of the rebuilding process includes reestablishing some franchise prestige.  It’s wise of the team to honor former members of “The Greatest Show on Turf”—arguably the greatest offense in NFL history.

Pick Six
The Rams have scheduled a private workout with Alabama RB Trent Richardson.  It’s a distinct possibility that Richardson will be available when the Rams draft at six.  I’ve expressed my apprehension about drafting any RB 6th overall, not because we have Steven Jackson—at age 29, his decline is imminent—but because the short shelf-life of running backs reduces their overall value on draft day.

However, the Rams are desperate for offensive playmakers of any kind.  Richardson’s combination of size, speed, blocking ability, and catching ability means that he could greatly impact the offense alongside Steven, not just in his place.  Additionally, Richardson is a threat in the kick return game, something the Rams haven’t had since…Tony Horne?

It’s likely that the Rams will spend a 1st round pick on someone they’ve worked out privately, but that list will be long.  The plan is wait and see, but be prepared—a generous offer to trade down is probably the most desirable, but if an amiable market does not present itself, they’ll be ready to pick at six.

WR Visit
On Friday, CBS Sports reported that Jericho Cotchery had scheduled a visit with the Rams.  If you follow @Ramsaddiction on twitter, you may recall that we named Cotchery as a possible under-the-radar free agent fit, because he would be cheap, and his most productive seasons were spent in New York with Schottenheimer.  The team is running out of room in the stable for slot-receivers, but none of them have secured a spot on the final roster.  It makes sense to bring in a cheap option who’s familiar with the system to compete for a job.

Rams Sign OL
Howard Balzer reported late Friday that the Rams have come to terms with former Jets C/G Robert Turner.  Turner started his career in 2007 with the Jets as a rookie free agent.  He’s spent his career primarily as a backup. He can put his hand down anywhere from C to TE, and is familiar with Schottenheimer’s system.  Again with the versatile mediocrity, but that’s to be expected at this point in free agency.  The Turner signing means the Rams now have five professional OL on the roster.  Still, they’ll be looking to the draft to add some talent to go along with that experience.

Twitter Box
@NFLinLA: “I know what I'm talking about. It's a real possibility that if Kroenke what's to move the Rams he could buyout the last 2 yrs.”

Yes, it’s possible, Kroenke won’t be thrown in jail if he decides to break the lease early.  I’m just not sure why he would pay millions to break the lease two years before he could walk away for free, especially when has no place to go—(see Sam Farmer’s article on the problems with all of the L.A. options ).

Scavenging

Written By: Anthony Bafaro

The Rams have signed WR Steve Smith.

In case you were counting, that makes four slot-receivers—Danny Amendola (RFA), Greg Salas, and Austin Pettis being the other three.  Danario Alexander and Brandon Gibson are the only outside options.  Dominique Curry is still making special-teams tackles, no slight intended.

Smith is a solid possession receiver who’s had trouble staying healthy.  He had an outstanding 2009 campaign with the Giants—107 catches, 1220 yards, 7 touchdowns—but has not broken 50 catches in a season since.  The details of Smith’s one-year deal have not been released, but it’s safe to assume that it’s incentive-laden.  It’s a solid signing due to the lack of risk and the proven upside, but it’s nothing to be excited about.  If Amendola accepts his tender, there’s a chance Smith won’t even make the team.

The Rams also signed form Jets TE Mathew Mulligan.

Mulligan is a true Jeff Fisher player.  He’s a run blocking OL masquerading as a TE.  Last season he was 3^rd among all TE’s in penalties taken, despite ranking 41^st in total snaps played.  He can catch, but isn’t athletic enough to be a legitimate option in the passing game.  The best part about the Mulligan signing is that it likely means the end of Billy Bajema, who’s blocking and catching ability suggests that his pre-game ritual consists of lathering his entire body in KY lubricant.

Rams Get Draft Pick

The NFL handed out their compensatory picks Monday, and the Rams received an additional 7^th rounder—pick 252.  Typically, these picks are awarded for players lost in free agency, but the Rams, along with the Colts, received them just for being terrible.  The league requires an even distribution of 32 compensatory draft picks, so after the 30 legitimate picks had been delivered, they just starting going by draft order.  The Rams need bodies; any additional draft picks are most certainly welcomed.