LA Rams upcoming NFL Free Agency strategy is a nail-biter

Where to for Zuerlein?

The LA Rams are at a huge crossroads when it comes to how they handle the imminent free agency status of long time kicker Greg Zuerlein.  Do the Rams re-sign Zuerlein? Does the team draft a kicker, despite too few picks already? Or does the team simply decide to hold open tryouts?

Background – Zuerlein has been with the LA Rams since hearing his name called in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has been one of the NFL scoring leaders, putting up a ridiculous 158 points onto the scoreboard in 2017. He has been declining in both scoring and accuracy in 2018 and 2019.

Strengths – Greg Zuerlein has been a strong kicker in the NFL over his career. His 82 percent career accuracy is excellent. He has a career accuracy over 50 yards of better than 60 percent but was over 71 percent accurate at that distance in 2019.

Weaknesses – His overall accuracy has declined over the past two years. That decline has hurt the Rams, who have lost games with the difference being a missed field goal.

Team Impact – A reliable kicker is critical for the Rams. If they fail to re-sign Zuerlein, the team will need to look to the draft or to UDFAs to sign a new kicker.

Estimated market value – The LA Rams don’t have it to pay it. I think the team can keep Zuerlein around, but at a discounted rate. Perhaps a two-year deal at $3.6 million.

Projected team action – The Rams will likely make an attempt to get Zuerlein back in 2020 but at a discounted price. If he walks, you can expect the Rams to land a kicker in either the 2020 NFL Draft or sign several as undrafted free agents.

Most likely team to sign him – The LA Rams will certainly be a top priority. If that does not happen, the Dallas Cowboys may be a possibility.