Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Los Angeles Rams.
2016 record: 4-12 — 3rd place, NFC West
What’s new? Top 2016 pick Jared Goff is finally the starting quarterback. Oh and they have a new head coach. He’s like 12 years old.
Projected salary cap space: $37 million — Just above the middle of the pack.
Key in-house free agents: CB Trumaine Johnson, S T.J. McDonald, WR Kenny Britt, WR Brian Quick, QB Case Keenum
That’s two of their top three receivers and their two most active defensive backs, along with the quarterback who started in place of Goff for a large chunk of the 2016 season. They might hit Johnson with another franchise tag, but that would leave McDonald and Britt vulnerable. They’ll probably try to keep all three. If they re-sign Quick or Keenum and find themselves needing them in 2017, they’ll be in big trouble.
Key needs: Offensive tackle, guard, cornerback, safety and receiver
Draft breakdown: The worst part is they don’t have a first-round pick. But they do have two third-rounders. Hooray?
Other potential priorities: Turning Goff into a half-decent quarterback.
Outlook:
