The Rams are Super Bowl Champions! I have been waiting 20+ years to say that and it feels great to finally have it come true. The trade for QB Matthew Stafford and the Rams all in approach, acquiring LB Von Miller and WR Odell Beckham during the season, resulted in the ultimate reward. With a Super Bowl ring and new contract extension in his possessions Stafford and the Rams are working hard this off season to assemble another championship team. It has been a crazy free agency period with several franchise quarterbacks changing teams. Let’s take a look at the main transactions that have occurred since free agency opened, including cuts and retirements.

PLAYERS THE RAMS ADDED:

WR Allen Robinson: Robinson signed a three year deal after spending his first eight seasons in the league split between Jacksonville and Chicago. At 28 years old, Allen is still in his prime and has a good chance to have his best season as a professional. It has been widely recognized that Robinson’s quarterbacks to date have been less than stellar and Matthew Stafford is by far the best quarterback that Robinson will catch passes from since his rookie season in 2014. Signing Robinson gives the Rams a dangerous receiver to pair with All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp. Unfortunately adding Robinson led to the trade of Robert Woods; however, Bobby Trees is coming off an ACL tear and Robinson’s contract is less than Robert’s so it was a great get for Los Angeles. The Rams are still interested in bringing back OBJ but he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl so his availability is still a big question mark.

PLAYERS THE RAMS RETAINED:

OT Joseph Noteboom: Noteboom was a 2018 third round pick and has been a spot starter and solid backup for OT Andrew Whitworth. After losing Whitworth to retirement, it was imperative for Los Angeles to find a capable replacement and they did just that signing the 26 year old tackle to a three year contract. Noteboom should thrive for the Rams since he has been with the team his whole career and was able to learn from one of the best to do it in Whitworth. Signing Joseph might not be as splashy as signing Robinson but it could be just as important.

OC Brian Allen: Allen was drafted the same year as Noteboom and dealt with injuries and inconsistent play his first few years. Brian turned it around in 2021 and had his best season as a professional. The Rams rewarded their starting center with a three year contract that was fair for both parties. Allen developed a good relationship with Stafford so it was important to maintain that continuity.

WR Brandon Powell: Powell was a 2018 undrafted free agent and bounced around the league until joining the Ram’s practice squad in November 2021. Powell made his Ram debut in Week 13 against the Jaguars and returned the opening kickoff 65 yards. He provided a spark for the kick and punt return games that Los Angeles sorely needed. His highlight of the year was a game winning punt return for a touchdown against the Vikings. The Rams retained Brandon on a one year deal in hopes that he continues to develop as a return specialist.

PK Matt Gay: Gay solidified the kicking game and made some clutch kicks for Los Angeles, earning him a one year tender. The Rams do not have much cap space so they could not offer much more than the one year contract for their starting kicker. It was a smart and prudent move by Los Angeles. If Gay has another solid year in 2022, the Rams will more than likely extend him for the foreseeable future.

OL Coleman Shelton: Shelton is s dependable lineman who will be given the opportunity to start in place of Austin Corbett who signed with the Panthers. Coleman provided depth the past few seasons and got in a few starts at center when Allen was out.

QB John Wolford: The Rams resigned their backup quarterback; however, they also like third string QB Bryce Perkins so there is a possibility that Wolford could be moved prior or during the upcoming season.

PLAYERS THE RAMS LOST:

OT Andrew Whitworth: Big Whit retired on top, capping off his illustrious career as a Super Bowl Champion and Walter Payton Man of the Year. Andrew’s leadership and stellar play will be greatly missed and I wish him a bright and productive future. I would not be surprised if he assists the Organization is some sort of way such as a mentor/coach or other developmental position.

SP Johnny Hekker: Hekker was league’s highest paid punter in 2021 so his release after ten sterling seasons was no surprise. Johnny was voted to the all decade team but his productivity started to decline and the Rams could not afford his high salary. Johnny’s value is still high as he was soon signed by the Carolina Panthers.

WR Robert Woods: Shortly after signing Robinson, the Rams traded Woods to the Titans for a measly 2023 sixth round pick. A sixth round pick for a starting receiver is a great deal for Tennessee; however, there were several reasons for the bargain price, including but not limited to his high salary and current ACL injury. Los Angeles also let Robert have input as to where he wanted to be traded to.

LB Von Miller: After helping the Rams win the Super Bowl and wanting to stay in Los Angeles, Miller could not resist the $120 million dollar contract the Bills offered him. Von has an excellent chance to win his third title with a third different team as Buffalo is considered to be one of the favorites.

CB Darious Williams: Darious parlayed his productive years with the Rams to sign a nice contract with the Jags. It was obviously a financial decision over a winning decision as Williams and the Jags won’t come near the playoffs.

DT Sebastian Joseph-Day: Joseph-Day is coming off a chest injury and with the emergence of DT Greg Gaines, Los Angeles let Joseph-Day walk. He is joining his former DC Brandon Staley who is not the Head Coach of the Chargers

OL Austin Corbett: Was a solid starter for the Rams the past few years and earned a pay raise with the Panthers. Los Angeles could not afford Austin after resigning Noteboom and Allen. As noted previously, OL Coleman Shelton will have the first opportunity to take Corbett’s place at right guard.

LB Troy Reeder: Troy started at inside linebacker but will not be back for the Rams. Reeder was an undrafted free agent who developed with the Rams but has a limited skill set so Los Angeles will replace him with LB Ernest Jones and LB Travin Howard.

LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo: Obo has developed into a solid contributor and deserves a chance to start. He will get that opportunity after signing a nice deal with the Houston Texans.

It was a memorable Super Bowl winning season for the Rams; however, that also means losing players and coaches to other franchises. In addition to the players noted above, the Rams lost several coaches; first and foremost, OC Kevin O’Connell, who was hired as the Minnesota Vikings head coach. Los Angeles has had to restock the coaching staff as well as the roster reflecting the success HC Sean McVay has had during his tenure. To their credit, the Rams have done a good job replenishing the roster and coaching staff. This off season the focus was to retain as many of their players as possible. In addition to the players above, QB Matthew Stafford signed an extension and DL Aaron Donald is currently negotiating an extension. This past season was a huge success, winning my Fantasy Super Bowl and having the Rams win the Super Bowl; however, losing my Brother put everything in perspective. Enjoy the football season but make sure to take care of and appreciate loved ones. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha!

End.