LA Rams complete 2022 restricted free agent ranking

TE Mundt

Background – Tight end Johnny Mundt (RFA) was never valued as much by the LA Rams organization as he was when he was injured. He’s been with the LA Rams since 2017 but has only really been used by the team since 2019.

Strengths – Johnny Mundt excels at the NFL stuff which simply does not show up on statistics. He is the NFL version of TV actor Mike Rowe, star of Dirty Jobs. Mundt lines up practically anywhere and everywhere on offense, almost exclusive to put a big block on somebody. He is a big body at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds.

Weaknesses – He is simply not a receiving threat for the Rams. In 43 games played over the past five seasons, he has been targeted 13 times and has caught 10 passes for 93 yards. As long as that continues to be the case, he will be limited to specialized packages on offense and special teams’ play.

Team Impact – Mundt continues to deliver in those areas that fans are not likely to easily notice, particularly fantasy football team owners. But whether it’s on special teams, chip blocking pass rushers, or run blocking, Mundt is a solid player who is not easily replaced on the Rams roster. In fact, when the Rams needed to do so in 2021, they simply were unable to do so.

Estimated market value – Special teams players who perform very well can attract NFL contracts in the $2-4 million per year range. Since Mundt is a bit specialized, his market value will definitely have a ceiling.

Projected team action – Rams will find the funds to extend Mundt. In a worst-case scenario, the team will give Mundt a Right-of-First-Refusal Qualifying Tender offer of one year at a cost of $2.433 million.  I would not be surprised if the LA Rams go the $3 million two-year contract route instead.

Most likely team to sign him – LA Rams. If the team passes on him, then a run-heavy offense like the Baltimore Ravens would certainly be intrigued to add another tight end.