St. Louis Rams Free Agency: Cory Harkey Vs. Lance Kendricks

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88) celebrates a play with tight end Cory Harkey (46) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With sights fully set on the offseason, the St. Louis Rams first order of business will be assessing their current roster, and doling out contracts to their myriad of pending free agents. Many have likely played their final down in St. Louis, while other are looking towards their “second contract” (i.e. typically where NFL players get their most lucrative deals).

Included in that bunch are a duo of St. Louis Rams tight ends: Cory Harkey and Lance Kendricks. Kendricks is one of the few remaining picks from the Spagnuolo era, being selected in the second round, following the Rams drafting of Robert Quinn in the infamous “Pass Rushing Class of 2011.” Harkey, on the other hand, was one of the many undrafted free agents scooped up by Jeff Fisher after taking over the franchise in 2012. Now, both players are set to hit free agency.

While there is a strong possibility that both will be returning to the team in 2015, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to imagine a situation where Jeff Fisher and Co. were made to choose between the two, particularly with so much money already wrapped up in the tight end position (ala Jared Cook). Taking that into consider, which player, if forced to choose, would be worth keeping.

Offensive Production

In the NFL, “production” is often used to assess the value of individual players. However, measuring production for non-skill players is often a difficult task, requiring more advanced metrics and a trained eye. But, in terms of actual on-field production, Kendricks is the obvious winning in his category. Since 2012, he has averaged over four touchdowns per season (highest on the team in that span). Moreover, he has averaged 33.6 catches and 19.3 first down receptions per year over that span, although his numbers have dropped each season as more offensive weapons have been added to the mix. Harkey, on the other hand, has only 22 receptions and three touchdowns in his career.

Advantage: Kendricks

Blocking

However, as previously mentioned, “production” isn’t just about yards and touchdowns. Particularly with the St. Louis Rams, who have combined the fullback and tight end position into one hybrid role, the ability to block is just as important as the ability to catch. Using Pro Football Focus as a metric, Cory Harkey graded out as the third-best run blocker on the team in 2014, primarily leading the way for Tre Mason out of the backfield. Kendricks, on the other hand, graded out among the worst on the team, finishing -2.9 on the year overall as a blocker. While the two are used differently in the offense, with Harkey as more of a fullback and Kendricks as more of an in-line tight end, Fisher does seem to prefer to the UCLA alum as a blocker in critical situations, particular on running downs.

Advantage: Harkey

Versatility/Durability

Both players have certainly proved to be useful in the St. Louis Rams offense, whether that be in the passing game, in-line blocking on the edge, lead blocking out of the backfield, or even on special teams. In fact, one could argue that the duo would rank 1a and 1b in that department for the entire roster. However, while Kendricks has managed to be ready by gameday for most of his career, he has struggled to stay healthy through the offseason and on the practice field, being a “regular” on the team injury report to multiple lower body injuries. Harkey had a relatively clean bill of health until Week 2 of the 2014 regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, even then, Harkey missed little time after the gruesome-looking hit, and even returned to action in the game, making a critical first down towards the end of the contest.

Advantage: Tie

Cost

As a high draft selection, Kendricks has already made a decent living in the NFL, finishing out his four-year, $4.22 million this season. Although he hasn’t put up mind-blowing numbers, he has managed to regularly contribute to the team in multiple ways, and will likely be eye-balling a contract in the $2-3 million per year range. Moreover, Kendricks is unrestricted, meaning that he has some leverage in negotiations, with the Rams not having the ability to match an offer sheet or receive any compensation if he were to go elsewhere. Harkey, on the other hand, is a restricted free agent, due for a second contract after being signed to a three-year, $1.4 million deal after going undrafted in 2012. Not only is Harkey more of an “unknown” commodity, he is also has limited (if any) leverage, and could likely be retained for around $1 million per year, at the high end.

Advantage: Harkey

Given his relatively low cost, versatility, and impactful blocking, Cory Harkey would appear to be the better deal for the St. Louis Rams, should they have to choose between the two tight ends. However, given Kendricks’ contributions in the passing game and designation as arguably the Rams best in-line blocker, it would be sad to see him leave after only four years of service. Hopefully, both will be sporting the golden horns in 2015, with a genuine arm talent throwing them the football.