1 for the money? LA Rams players face 1 more game to earn 2023 role

One for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
And four to go . . .

The LA Rams have come through quite a bit of adversity this season. This season was transformational. Having climbed to the summit of the NFL, the LA Rams seemed to have all of the answers just one short year ago. Now? The entire organization realizes that was just the first test. In 2022, the team faced an entirely new set of questions about the team and about the players. In the end, this was never a test of talent, but of resiliency.

And the LA Rams failed to pass the test.

The LA Rams roster resets after the 17th game

Now, the LA Rams roster is one game away from the end of the season. For some 24 or so players currently on the LA Rams roster, it’s the last time that they are certain to be able to suit up and wear the horns. These players are on expired contracts, and the terms of their association with the LA Rams organization are severed after this team plays the Seattle Seahawks.

24 players are projected to test the NFL Free agency market. Of course, per Spotrac.com, seven of those players are projected to be Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA). Unless the LA Rams are completely unhappy with those players, their cost of the NFL minimum to return and compete in 20223 almost assures that they will be back.

And backup quarterback John Wolford is projected to become a Restricted Free Agent. While the rules require the Rams to offer a Qualifying Tender Offer to preserve their RFA rights, the team can bypass that and offer a team-friendly contract to return.

Rams Free Agency decisions could be based on one last game

For the 16 or so other players? It could come down to the last game. Not just to determine if the LA Rams extend a contract offer to return and play for the team in 2023, but to determine what type of role the team envisions for that player next year.

Of course, for the LA Rams, there are layers beneath the layers. There are considerations at work that have little to do with the talent level of a player. The Rams must weigh out their positional spending, and ensure that the team invests in each positional group appropriately. There are NFL salary cap considerations, as some players simply have outplayed the amount the Rams can afford to spend on a new contract.

Finally, there is the consideration for future compensatory draft picks that may be awarded. The LA Rams have come to rely heavily upon the maximum award of four comp picks, and that will no doubt weigh in any decisions that might impact that outcome.

One for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
And four to go . . .

It’s everyone for the money very shortly. But until then, the LA Rams players have one last chance to control their fate.