5 players who could be surprise salary cap casualties for LA Rams

Brian Allen

Release-So far, the NFL career of offensive center Brian Allen has not gone according to play. From the moment he started on the offensive line in 2019, the young man has struggled to get any kind of positive traction. His first year of starting resulted in his own injury, and may have contributed to the injury of teammate Joseph Noteboom. Allen’s knee was demolished, and his rehabilitation has taken more than a year to show signs of getting him back onto the field.

And that is why the LA Rams resigned Austin Blythe in 2020. And it may be why the Rams will attempt to re-sign Blythe again. But by doing so, the Rams are dancing around the problem. If Brian Allen does not seem able to compete for a starting role, then should the cash-strapped Rams wait any longer?

Brian Allen is one hard-working SOB. He worked his tail off to be tapped as the starting center in 2019. That season, he was injured so badly that there was a question as to whether he would ever come back to the game of football. Well, it certainly took a year or better, but it sounds like he is ready to crack pads once more.

For the 2021 NFL season, the Rams need more than a minimal-level offensive center. Right now, there is no telling what Allen brings to the football field, but it feels like a safe bet to rank the performance at or below what he showed in 2019. Based on the results, that won’t do for 2021. While Coleman Shelton may be a legitimate backup, I suspect that this is one area where the Rams will need to upgrade. Clip the cap expense, cut a bigger-than-expected check, and land a solid veteran center that can protect Stafford.

We are not trying to lobby for the parting of ways with any of the five players listed here. But from what we are seeing right now, and the extreme measures that some teams are taking to clear cap space, do not be surprised if the Rams make similar cuts or trades. Yes, money is THAT tight this year.