Heading into free agency, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in an enviable position. Unlike previous offseasons, where cap space was a stringent limitation, they now boast over $30 million in available funds. This financial flexibility is not burdened by many poor contracts, which traditionally handcuff teams’ ability to maneuver and reinforce their roster.
With a clear path to bolster their lineup for Super Bowl contention, the Rams are in an excellent spot. Yet, despite this rosy financial outlook, certain players’ presence on the roster might not align with the team’s strategic goals.
In preparation for the frenetic pace of free agency, which kicks off in less than two weeks, we turn our attention to three Rams players who are the most likely candidates for release.
Ben Skowronek, WR
Given his underwhelming performance and limited contribution to the team’s offensive dynamics, considering an alternative to Ben Skowronek seems like a sensible move for the Los Angeles Rams. Although his adeptness in pass-blocking has earned him the team’s second-highest PFF pass-block grade, the tangible impact on the team’s overall success is debatable.
With a career total of 58 receptions and a single touchdown over three seasons, the value he adds to the Rams’ roster is overshadowed by his relatively high cost against the salary cap. Releasing Skowronek would open a modest $1.06 million in cap space for the 2024 season, which could be strategically allocated toward recruiting a more dynamic and impactful player.
Despite the minimal financial relief, the decision to move on from Skowronek underscores a larger strategic pivot towards investing in high-potential talent that could dramatically enhance the Rams’ gameplay and fortify their position in the league. This move, while challenging, could also positively affect the Los Angeles Rams season odds, giving them a better financial position to make impactful signings that can shift their favorability in the upcoming season.
Derion Kendrick, CB
Despite being a vital component of the Rams’ secondary in 2023, where he logged the second-highest number of snaps among cornerbacks, Derion Kendrick’s performance fell short of expectations. His sophomore season in the NFL was marred by errors in coverage, diminishing his role within the team as the season progressed.
Notably, in the crucial Week 15 game against the Washington Commanders, Kendrick’s coverage lapses were directly responsible for two fourth-quarter touchdowns, leading to a reevaluation of his position. Following this game, Kendrick significantly reduced his playtime, ceding snaps to teammate Cobie Durant. With potential savings of just $1 million from cutting Kendrick, the financial incentive may not be substantial.
However, considering his struggles and the minimal impact he seems poised to have moving forward, the Rams might opt to release him in favor of seeking more reliable options in the cornerback position, potentially through the draft. This strategic release could align with the team’s goals of enhancing defensive efficacy and maintaining financial flexibility.
Joe Noteboom, OT
The saga of Joe Noteboom represents a cautionary tale of the precarious nature of NFL careers, heavily influenced by injury and performance. His career trajectory has mirrored that of Brian Allen, with both players starting their journeys with the Rams in 2018, achieving early career milestones as starters, and securing contract extensions.
However, injuries have cruelly undermined their positions, with Allen being released earlier this offseason. Noteboom, now at a crossroads, could very well be next. Despite his versatility across the offensive line and ability to fill in any spot except center, his performance has notably declined. Last season, he played only 59% of the snaps and was outperformed by Alaric Jackson, who took over the starting role with a PFF grade significantly surpassing Noteboom’s.
General Manager Les Snead’s recent comments suggest that both the Rams and Noteboom are seeking a “win-win” solution, hinting at the organization’s desire for him to accept a reduced pay to remain with the team. Considering his substantial $20 million cap hit for the upcoming season, and with the potential savings of $15 million if he is designated as a post-June 1 cut, Noteboom’s situation is a clear indicator of the tough decisions teams must make. This potential move underscores the Rams’ intention to optimize their roster financially and competitively, showcasing the constant balancing act between player value and team strategy.
Conclusion
In summary, the Los Angeles Rams’ offseason strategy appears centered around making difficult but necessary decisions to release certain players. Ben Skowronek, Derion Kendrick, and Joe Noteboom present cases where their contributions, for various reasons, no longer align with the team’s financial or competitive aspirations.
While each player has had moments of contribution to the team, the evolving dynamics of the NFL and the Rams’ specific strategic goals necessitate these tough choices. By potentially moving on from these individuals, the Rams aim to enhance their roster’s overall efficacy and maintain financial flexibility, crucial for navigating the challenges of free agency and Super Bowl contention.
This approach underscores professional sports’ harsh but inevitable reality, where performance, potential, and cost must continually be balanced for team success.
