After a frenzy in free agency, the Los Angeles Rams have some time before needing to extend players like Brandin Cooks and Aaron Donald. It’s time LA should take to see how things shake out in 2018.
The Los Angeles Rams are already talking about getting a deal done with Brandin Cooks to keep him in LA beyond this season. They would also like, as would every fan, to finally get Aaron Donald a new deal.
My question is why the rush with these big ticket items?
The overwhelming consensus is that the Rams have been bold in free agency, and are “all in” on winning now. Every move has been aggressive, and without a doubt is a signal that the old business model of this franchise is dead and buried in the California desert.
So with that said, why the hurry in signing either until we see what happens this season?
Rams GM Les Snead: "We have plenty of space over the next two years to lock up these guys long term and have this core together. And that's the goal."
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 5, 2018
I understand wanting to get Donald done, but is there a guarantee on Cooks?
Is there anything that says what didn’t work with Sammy Watkins works with LA’s newest receiver? All we really know is that Rams head coach Sean McVay totally digs him and has since he was in New Orleans.
So, does that really warrant an extension before we see production on the field? Don’t forget, the impression is that he (Cooks) was underwhelming to Tom Brady and the Patriots, so why not wait and see if it works in LA? With a 2018 first and second round pick already invested in a receivers plan that didn’t yield much last year with a guy now playing elsewehere, maybe the Rams wait to see how it play out this time around.
Why not wait to see if this grand and bold experiment works beyond the hyperbole of what looks awesome on paper?
Thus far, LA General Manager Les Snead has a budget in mind for players like Donald and Cooks. We know Ndamukong Suh is basically a one year flier, and cornerback Aqib Talib is on the books for 2018 and 2019.
We also know Todd Gurley is due soon and quarterback Jared Goff is still a rookie bargain at the most important position in the NFL.
Next: Has LA replaced the Cowboys as America's Team?
We also know Snead doesn’t need to really do anything with anybody, even Donald until next year.
He can afford to wait on Cooks.
I’ve said it before, the Rams have time to see how this works come game time. After such a frenetic pace this offseason, maybe taking that time is a good thing.