December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Rodger Saffold (76) talks with fans after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in overtime at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated San Francisco 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

With the signing of all-pro left tackle Jake Long set to anchor the Rams offensive line for the next four years, it is a foregone conclusion that Roger Saffold will slide to the right side.

As we all know, Saffold’s agent said he would be unhappy with a switch to right tackle when St. Louis began to cater to the 4-time Pro-Bowler in the midst of free agency.

Saffold and his agent have not requested a trade, but the disgruntled tackle has made it very clear that he does not approve of the move by taking a vow of silence. Since the Rams have inked their prized free agent, officials from the Rams organization have been unable to contact the incumbent starter.

In an article by Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, here is a quote from Jeff Fisher:

“We’ve been trying to reach Rodger, and he’s not returning calls right now,” Fisher said. “But we’ll get things settled, and Rodger’s a big part of our future and a big part of our plans on offense.”

I understand why Saffold is upset. Left tackles are widely considered a premier position in the NFL. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, he could almost reach out and grab free agency. He wants the money that a top-end LT could earn, especially at the young age of 24. Saffold has proven he is more than capable of protecting Sam Bradford’s blind side when healthy.

Long went through a lengthy physical in St. Louis because of his recent run-ins with injuries, but like Long, Saffold too has experienced quite a few injuries.

During his three year tender in a Rams uniform, Saffold has only played one full season:

It would be easy to call Saffold selfish, not a team player and spoiled as he secludes himself on another planet. If Saffold does ask for a trade or release, it would equal more draft picks or grabbing a more talented player in a deep and versatile offensive tackle class.

Perhaps a mauler like Alabama RT D.J. Fluker. The Rams have already had pre-draft visits from guard/tackle Kyle Long (Oregon) and OT Terron Armstead (Arkansas-Pine Bluf

Hopefully, the sulky left tackle does return, if not, trust Jeff Fisher and Les Snead to make the right move.

Jake Long had his introductory press conference earlier Thursday as he officially became a member of the St. Louis Rams. Long signed a 4 year $34mil contract last week.

There is much concern about Long’s health as he has had multiple injuries the last couple of years, but both the Rams and Long believe he can get back to elite Tackle status. “I’m feeling great; I’m about four months out of surgery. Feeling strong, working real hard, just ready to get back on the field and get all this rehab stuff behind me.” Long said. “Now, honestly, this is the best I’ve felt in years, maybe ever. I’m just excited to get back to my old self.”

Long will be joining a shaky offensive line that, until the Buccaneers game last season had allowed Sam Bradford to be sacked in 30 successive games. If the Rams can draft a guard such as Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper, it could become one of the better units in the league.

Long not only will add much needed stability to the offensive line, but veteran leadership to the offense as well. With the departures of Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola, veteran leadership is lacking. “I’m gonna bring what I always bring; leadership.” Said Long, “I’m the kind of guy that leads by example”
Long will be the be the best offensive tackle the Rams have had since future Hall of Famer Orlando Pace. Long will wear number 77 as he did in college and in Miami.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Ryan Clady (78) against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The off-season will be in full swing in matter of time. The start of free agency is next month, the NFL draft is looming, and the Scouting Combine is right around corner. Dynamic playmaker Percy Harvin is on the trade-block and big name free agents such as Jake Long and Dwayne Bowe headlines this year’s class. Last year the Rams made a splash in free agency by signing six players, and  each of them started the majority of the season. That list includes:

• CB Cortland Finnegan
• DT Kendall Langford
• OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar
• C Scott Wells
• RT Barry Richardson
• G/C Robert Turner

However, with roughly $10 million to sign newly acquired free-agents, re-sign their own free-agents, as well as draft picks, the Rams may find it difficult to duplicate last year’s success in free agency. That number could increase if Steven Jackson or Danny Amendola are retained, but that remains to be seen. Also, safety Quintin Mikell is due a $6 million salary and counts $9 million against the cap.  St. Louis will either re-construct his contract or cut ties with him completely.

As questions hover over the Rams’ cap situation, here are options at positions of need available via free agency:

OFFENSIVE LINE

This could possibly be a make-or-break year for Sam Bradford. If the Rams wish to tap into Bradford’s full potential, keeping him upright should be the number one priority. Barry Richardson was the weakest link on the Rams O-line, as he was constantly beat by speed rushers on the edge. St. Louis could go after the Dolphins’ former number one overall pick Jake Long and slide Roger Saffold to the right side, but he would demand more than the Rams would like to spend. A lot of buzz is swirling around Patriot’s rising right tackle Sebastian Vollmer. He would immediately fill the void if they choose to go that route.

Other notable tackles is Ryan Clady (DEN), Sam Baker (ATL), Phil Loadholt (MIN), Bradon Albert (KC), Jermom Bushrod (NO), Andre Smith (CIN) and William Beatty (NYG). At guard, Buffalo’s Andy Levitre is the headliner followed Louis Vasquez of the Chargers.

SAFETY

The Rams were in the middle of the pack in the league with a total of 21 takeaways. Starting safeties Mikell and Craig Dahl combined for a total of one interception. Perhaps their biggest need, the Rams could have two new safeties next season. Jairus Byrd is the most sought after of the safety bunch. Byrd has a total of 19 career interceptions and leaped onto the scene as rookie hauling in nine. He corralled five INT’s this past season. Dashon Goldson of the division rival 49ers is also a highlight of the class. Often known as a hard-hitting safety, Goldson had 14 INT’s during his tenure in the Bay area.

Both Byrd and Goldson are still in their prime,  at ages 26 and 28, respectively. Other notable names are William Moore (ATL), Kenny Phillips (NYG), Louis Delmas (DET), James Ihedigbo (BAL) and Corey Lynch (SD).

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

With the decision not to hire Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator, St. Louis avoided a huge overhaul in re-configuring the defensive unit. Beside safety, OLB was the only weak spot on the Rams’ defense. For a unit that is already on the brink of cracking the top-10, if they are able to land a sideline-to-sideline OLB to plug in next to stalwart James Laurinaitis and Dunbar, who arguably became the Rams’ biggest pickup, they could possibly have one of the league’s top ranked defenses.

The quarterback position is evolving and linemen are becoming more athletic. This is forcing teams to covet rush OLB and switch to a 3-4 alignment. The only notable 4-3 linebackers are Daryl Smith (JAC), Phillip Wheeler (OAK) and Dannell Ellerbe (BAL). Rey Maualuga could also be an option.

WIDE RECEIVER, TIGHT END

I believe the perception is bigger than the actual need for a wide receiver in St. Louis. They got surprising production from 4th-round WR Chris Givens and the organization is still developing Brian Quick. Though troublesome, the recently acquired Titus Young can stretch the field and become a solid number two. If the now often-injured Amendola isn’t resigned, Pettis has reliable hands to step in and fill the void. Brandon Gibson is most likely gone if another team overpays for him.

If the Rams wish to address this position via agency, the class is loaded with star power. Greg Jennings (GB) is perhaps the best wideout available, but he’ll be 30 in September and has a history of injuries. Jennings might be a big risk considering the amount of money he will command. A popular name among Rams fan is Dwayne Bowe of Kansas City. Bowe has eclipsed 1,000 yards three times in his NFL career and 995 yards as a rookie. A lot of grumbling has been surfacing about his inconsistency, but a lot of that can be credited to poor quarterback play. He has caught passes from Brodie Croyle, Tyler Palko, Tyler Thigpen, Damon Huard, Brady Quinn and Matt Cassel. Need I say more? However, Bowe may also command a lot of money.

Other notable WR are Mike Wallace (PIT), Wes Welker (NE) and Brian Hartline (MIA).

Lance Kendricks enjoyed a breakout season, but this regime has no ties to him. Matthew Mulligan and Mike McNeil were primarily used as blockers, combining for on 12 receptions last season. Adding a receiving TE to go along with Kendricks could also bolster the receiving core.  Athletic and rangy TE Jared Cook has been linked to the Rams because he played under Jeff Fisher in Tennessee.

Other available tight ends are Fred Davis (WAS), Brandon Myers (OAK), Martellus Bennett (NYG) and Dustin Keller (NYJ).

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Rams have already secured their place Kicker and punter for years to come in Greg Zuerlein and Johnny Hekker were both rookies this past season. What the Rams need is premier returnman. They have experimented with Amedola, Pettis, Givens, Isaiah Pead and Janoris Jenkins, but neither have panned out. Young may be suited to return kickoffs and punts as well.

Notable KR/PR  available: Ted Ginn Jr. (SF), Joshua Cribbs (CLE) and Brandon Tate (CIN).