The Los Angeles Rams entered the first day of the legal tampering period of NFL Free Agency, with many questions to answer. The Rams find themselves in negative cap space, with some key players looking to be on their way out. With the team looking to get under the cap by restructuring, not by releasing players, the day shaped up to be an interesting one.
Rams Free Agency Updates
Rams Re-Sign Leonard Floyd
Coming into the day, it was an unknown what would happen with LB Leonard Floyd. With rumors circulating the league of other teams interested in signing Floyd, the Rams needed to act quick and did so by resigning the former first-round and top-10 pick from Georgia. In the end, the Rams star signed a four-year contract worth up to $64M. It also keeps the tandem of Floyd and Aaron Donald intact for the next four seasons, while generating excitement for the future as the star LB was coming off a career-best 10.5 sack season.
Rams Tender Darious Williams
In other Rams news, Darious Williams has been given a first-round RFA tender at $4.7M. If any team signs Williams to an offer sheet, and the Rams choose not to match, the team would receive a first-round pick as compensation. So, it looks highly likely the former undrafted, emerging star from UAB will continue his rise with the Rams.
John Johnson Signs With Browns
With the three-year, $33.75M signing of John Johnson by the Cleveland Browns, the Rams did lose a top safety and key contributor to the team. Johnson will always be endured by Rams fans with his NFC Championship interception of Drew Brees, which set up the game-winning field that advanced the Rams to Super Bowl LIII.
Samson Ebukam Signs With 49ers
Another loss for the Rams was LB Samson Ebukam to the in-state rival San Francisco 49ers. The former Ram received a two-year deal worth $12M. In 2020, Ebukam finished the season with 4.5 sacks, starting 14 games. With the Rams over the cap, this was a player the Rams would have liked to keep, but instead will make the move north to San Francisco.
Rams Lose Long Snapper
Not so surprising, the day also featured long snapper Jake McQuaide heading to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal. The now former Ram will join former ST Coordinator John Fassell and former Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein. McQuaide was the longest-tenured Ram, so the loss will certainly sting losing the former two-time Pro-Bowler, while also playing all 10 of his seasons with the Rams and also appearing in 160 games.
Gerald Everett Likely Out
Taking to Instagram, it appears TE Gerald Everett was saying his goodbye to Rams fans and the city of Los Angeles. Everett stated “Thank you to the Rams, fans and friends that have shown constant support & love since our class arrived. For ever will LA be another home! Thank you.”
While we wait on word regarding other Ram free agents (RB Malcolm Brown, DL Morgan Fox, WR Josh Reynolds, CB Troy Hill and Center Austin Blythe), we will see if the Rams plans on restructuring instead of releasing will help the team keep some of their own free agents.
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