Here are five moves the Los Angeles Rams should consider during the 2019 offseason, even if some seem aggressive.
The championship window is now for the Los Angeles Rams, as the team continues to deal with the aftermath of losing Super Bowl 53 to the New England Patriots.
But as frustrating as it was to lose to the Patriots the way they did, the Rams have a legitimate chance at returning to the Super Bowl and winning it next season if they make the right adjustments this offseason.
Then again, this is always easier said than done since there will be a handful of teams standing in the way for Los Angeles, whether it happens to be the New Orleans Saints or the Chicago Bears.
So after the stinker that was the Super Bowl, here are a few aggressive moves the Rams can make this offseason to assure themselves another Super Bowl berth in Miami next year with hopefully better results.
Trade Cooks in exchange for a legitimate number 1 receiver.
Brandin Cooks is an extremely talented wide receiver, but he’s not a No. 1 option, and his skill set is limited. He’s not the best route runner and is also limited in that field.
The Rams need a big-time receiver that can go up and get the ball, one that can run the entire route tree. Odell Beckham Jr. and Antonio Brown have been rumored to possibly be on the move.
Either one of these two would bolster the receiving corps and bring tremendous value to the team along with helping make Jared Goff‘s job so much easier to deal with under center.
Sign Thomas and Hicks, move on from Joyner and Barron
The defense came on towards the end of the year for the Rams, but they clearly had some coverage issues. Cory Littleton needs help and his ability in limited coverage really showed in the playoffs.
LaMarcus Joyner struggled this season and it’s time for him to move on to a different team. Signing Earl Thomas would be a perfect fit and it’ll go a long way to help the defense, although this could be a long shot considering the money he will be seeking.
Mark Barron is only a run-stopper and his cap-hit is extremely, making him a strong candidate to be replaced, as moving on seems like the best move. Signing Jordan Hicks may be a long-shot just like Thomas, but it’s something the Rams should seriously consider since they need better coverage backers.
Trading Peters, acquire Ramsey
It hurts me to say this because I was a big Marcus Peters fan coming out of Washington and in Kansas City, but he does not fit in Wade Phillips‘ system. He’s a roamer who aggressively plays the ball. He’s not a physical corner and is not good at press coverage.
Phillips needs corners that can play press man coverage and Jalen Ramsey would be perfect. Rumors are swirling that the Jacksonville Jaguars may be looking to move on from the former All-Pro. His colorful personality and confidence would be perfect in Los Angeles and would instantly become a fan favorite.
Bring back Suh, release Brockers
The Rams have a good amount of depth on their defensive line, but Michael Brockers isn’t what he used to be and with his cap hit, he can be replaced as well.
Ndamukong Suh seemed to be coasting through the regular season and saved his best for last as a defensive force in the playoffs.
Both Suh and Aaron Donald were a dynamic duo and should run it back for another season. The NFL Draft seems to be loaded with talented pass rushers and run stuffers, meaning the Rams can possible fill a need in April.
Re-sign Saffold, possibly replace Sullivan and Blythe
Rodger Saffold and Andrew Whitworth are one of the best tackle-guard duos in the NFL after doing an incredible job nearly the whole season.
One more season with these two while Joseph Noteboom is groomed some more would bring more stability to the offensive line.
Unfortunately, John Sullivan and Austin Blythe both did not have the best of seasons for the Rams. Sullivan was constantly getting blown off the ball and Goff does not perform well when he’s constantly getting hit.
Matt Paradis from the Denver Broncos was hurt for some of this past season, but is a solid starting center in the NFL and his addition would do wonders for an offense like Los Angeles.
Since Austin Blythe can still improve, a replacement for him doesn’t seem as important, but if there’s an opportunity to bolster the line with an upgrade, the Rams should pounce.