NFC West Report: LA Rams clean house
By Keith Myers
The NFC West’s LA Rams cleaned house on Friday, released three prominent veterans in a cost-cutting move.
The Los Angeles Rams (it is still very weird to write that) announced the release of three high priced veterans on Friday. Defensive end Chris Long, linebacker James Laurinaitis and tight end Jared Cook were all released.
The biggest name here is Chris Long. He was the first member of the team’s dominant defensive line. Long has battled injuries the last two seasons, making just 11 combined starts and recording only 4 total sacks in that time.
Before that though, Long was dominant. From 2010-2013, Long never missed a start and compiled 41.5 sacks. Those days appear to be gone, and the 30 year old is likely just a situation pass rusher now.
Got to appreciate Chris Long's candor: 'No excuses, the last two years have been sh-t'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 19, 2016
It wasn’t that long ago that James Laurinaitis was considered one of the elite MLBs in the league. Sadly, those days are long passed. He’s lost more than one step, and no longer has the speed necessary to make the same type of contribution he used to. He has especially become a major liability in coverage.
Rams cut LB James Laurinaitis.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 19, 2016
Since start of 2009 (Laurinaitis’ rookie yr), he ranked 2nd in NFL in tackles with 854 (Paul Posluszny, 883)
Jared Cook is a guy that has always been about potential, but has never had the production to match. The speedy TE has never recorded over 52 receptions or 5 TDs in any season.
Cook is only 28. He and his agent can argue that his lack of production was because of the Rams’ terrible offense, and they’ve have a point. Cook will certainly have interest from teams, and someone is bound to pay him more than they should.
These three moves were all financially motivated. The Rams cut bait on three bloated contracts that didn’t match the production on the field.
It should also be noted that the Rams didn’t have to make any of these moves. While they freed up a bunch of salary cap space, they had plenty of cap room before today.
Rams become a leader in 2016 salary cap space by cutting Chris Long, James Laurinaitis & Jared Cook. Now approaching $60M in cap room.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) February 19, 2016
The Seahawks will likely inquire about both Cook and Long. Everyone can always use more pass rushers. They could also use a another athletic TE with Jimmy Graham’s season in question.
Likely though, neither player will end up in Seattle. The market for both will be more than their production is worth. John Schneider tends to stay away from those types of situations.