2020 NFL contracts make LA Rams GM Les Snead’s deals bargains

LA Rams GM Les Snead signed players to deals in recent years. While some did not pan out, many contracts appear to be bargains today

Love him or hate him, the LA Rams general manager Les Snead doesn’t seem to find much support in the middle of the road.  After all, the role of an NFL GM is seldom a question of long-term support and loyalty.  More often than not, it’s about the “what have you done for me lately?” perspective.

The Rams were in the Super Bowl at the conclusion of the 2018 NFL season.  The Rams did not make the playoffs at the conclusion of the 2019 NFL season. That’s all it takes to turn public opinion against you as the general manager.

Lose some? Let’s discuss winning some

His detractors point to risky contracts that didn’t pan out. Highly compensating contracts for running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Contracts that propelled both players to the upper strata of the NFL moneymakers at their respective positions.

Contracts that seemed awfully foolish when the players were paid more but produced less.  And yes, there have been plenty of deals in the Rams history that forced the team to trade away those players and swallow dead cap money.

But gamblers know that in order to win wagers, you must be willing to risk losing occasionally.  So far, that’s been the focus of the media when discussing deals.  But what about the deals that paid off? Now it’s time to discuss the rest of the story.