What Does the Future Hold for Rams WR Stedman Bailey?

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey (12) makes a touchdown catch as San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) defends during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. The play would be called back after a penalty on the play. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Bad (Future)

Let’s assume that the surgery goes well and Stedman Bailey is back with the Rams in 2016. However, in this scenario, Bailey isn’t the same player he was before the shooting. Even though his injuries aren’t considered life threatening, there is the unfortunate possibility that the repercussions of the incident are too much for him to handle. His development is therefore put to a halt and the team refuses to give him playing time in the last year of his rookie contract.

The Rams then cut ties with Stedman Bailey in favor of better receivers in upcoming drafts (see Laquon Treadwell of Old Miss and Michael Thomas of Ohio State), allowing other teams to pick him up. He becomes a journeyman for the rest of his career, making great plays on offense and special teams but never being able to reach his full potential as a football player.

I hate this scenario. I really do. Stedman Bailey has been one of my favorite Rams during the Jeff Fisher era. He’s a hard-working individual who embodies the Rams’ slogan “All Gas, No Brakes”. His teammates and coaches love him as a player and as a human being.

Unfortunately, since we have limited knowledge of his injuries at the moment, such a scenario is entirely realistic.

Next: The Ugly