Los Angeles Rams: Looking at moves team should consider in 2018 offseason

Here are some moves the Los Angeles Rams should consider making in the 2018 offseason.

After finishing with an 11-5 record with one of the league’s youngest teams along with the league wonder-kid at head coach in Sean McVay, the Los Angeles Rams have a strong building block heading into the future. The Rams have their franchise quarterback in Jared Goff along with various complimentary players like newly awarded Offensive Player of the Year in Todd Gurley, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Gerald Everett and, Tyler Higbee.

On the defensive side, the Rams have AP Defensive Player of the Year in Aaron Donald, Alec Ogletree, and John Johnson. In other words, Los Angeles has quite a bit of needs and a myriad of options this offseason regarding free agency.

Between keeping certain players on board along with seeing what the open market has to offer, the Rams will have their hands full over the next few months. So to help prepare for the next few months, let’s take a look at some potential moves involving Los Angeles.

Potential moves on offense

On the offensive side of the ball, the Rams should re-sign Sammy Watkins to a one-year “prove it” type of deal. He was healthy all season and since he was acquired during the preseason, it took a bit of time for Watkins to develop a rapport with Goff and get acclimated with an entirely new offense. Also, Los Angeles needs to strongly consider cutting Tavon Austin to approximately save $3 million.

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The Rams should maybe bring back veteran John Sullivan. His experience and veteran presence did wonders for Goff’s development and with the solidity of the offensive line. But besides that, the Rams’ offense seems to be solid. Not too many changes are needed on the offensive end that lead the NFL in scoring.

Potential moves on defense

The Rams have plenty to do to bolster the defense. With about $45 million in cap room, the Rams could actually add more to that by trimming some fat and cutting some players. But first and foremost would be to sign Donald to a lucrative deal. Just give him a blank check because quite frankly, he deserves every penny. The Rams should part ways with Robert Quinn. That itself would add another $11 million towards the cap. Another cut that I would consider is Mark Barron. Getting rid of Barron would be a bold move, but it would save $7 million. I would also consider cutting Kayvon Webster. Cutting him would save $3 million dollars and he’s coming off of an Achilles tear along with recently having shoulder surgery. A possible restructure could be in play, but maybe a release would be best for the organization, even though he was solid corner while starting.

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With the extra $24 million in cap space, the Rams would have enough to pay Donald and much more. Les Snead should definitely bring back safety LaMarcus Joyner. When he was on the field, he was absolutely phenomenal. The Rams should re-sign slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman. He did a fine job as the No. 3 cornerback and does well blitzing off the edge.

Free agents Rams should consider

Aqib Talb could be cut by the Denver Broncos. His ball skills and feisty play would bring some edge to the defensive side of the ball. Oh by the way, he could re-unite with his former defensive coordinator in Wade Phillips and make more magic in Los Angeles.

Aaron Colvin did wonders for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but only really played the slot. However, he was solid as the No. 3 cornerback.

Kyle Fuller has struggled to stay healthy since entering the league, but when he’s been on the field, he has been an above-average cornerback.

Dontari Poe lining up on the defensive line next to Michael Brockers and Donald would scare every offensive line in the league and it would surely help with the running defense issues the Rams had throughout the season.

Zach Brown is a surefire tackler that could be plugged in right where Barron was and do a similar job as him.

Weston Richburg has the youth and athleticism that could bring the offensive line to another level in 2018 if the team decides to let Sullivan walk.