The start of free agency is just about a week away, with the market officially opening on March 17 at 4 p.m. ET. Given their cap situation, the Los Angeles Rams won’t be major players like the Jaguars, Jets and Patriots could be, but they’ll still be looking to improve on both offense and defense.
Retaining their own free agents will be critical, given how many starters are set to have their contracts expire next week. Among them are Leonard Floyd, John Johnson, Troy Hill, Gerald Everett and Austin Blythe, all of whom have contributed in significant ways at some point.
It’s tough to project how much some of the Rams’ pending free agents will make due to the declining salary cap, but Tom Pelissero of NFL Media highlighted three of them among NFL free agents who could get more money than fans might think.
Those players were Everett, Johnson and Hill.
Everett didn’t put up big numbers with the Rams, but his athleticism will surely intrigue teams that are looking for a receiving tight end who can make things happen after the catch. Johnson plays like one of the best safeties in football but he doesn’t get the recognition as one, for whatever reason. That could change once he cashes in this offseason, likely joining the top five safeties in annual salary. And then there’s Hill, who’s “on the short list of guys who can play inside and outside,” Pelissero wrote.
The Rams should be able to afford Hill or Everett if they want to re-sign them, but Johnson may be out of their price range. A deal worth at least $14 million per year isn’t out of the question for the young safety, knowing how impactful he’s been in four seasons with the Rams.
It helps that the Rams have good depth at safety and tight end with players such as Taylor Rapp, Jordan Fuller, Terrell Burgess and Tyler Higbee, but cornerback will need some help if Hill leaves; David Long could finally be called upon to start.
There will be new starters at several positions next season because of how many free agents could leave the Rams this month.