Rams may not keep any of their unrestricted FA's

[txramsfan]

It would not be out of the question that the Rams not sign any of their unrestricted free agents this year. They are nervous of the post Super Bowl malaise like they experienced last time. Getting burned by resigning Lyght has left a bad taste in the front office's mouth.

Jim Thomas of the Post had a great article about this. I didn't realize these stats, but he makes valid points with these.

1. Hakim probably wants a starter position with starter money.

As he should. He has earned it, and if that is the case I wish him nothing but the best.

2. Little has only had one good year.

14 1/2 sacks isn't nothing but a great year, but its just one year. And he really only played half the downs. I have a feeling he is doing it on speed alone, and teams may figure him out soon. They have Lewis slated to move to the outside anyway, so I don't think 5 million will be an offer the Rams entertain for Little.

3. Fletcher's play tailed off late in the season, and the playoffs.

Teams averaged 5 1/2 yards a carry or so against the Rams in the playoffs. And Fletch's role mainly was a run stopper. Lots of good MLB's on the FA market this year, especially Jamie Duncan of Tampa Bay, who probably would enjoy the thought of playing for Lovie.

Thomas also mentions Cris Carter of Minnesota as a possible 3rd wide out for the Rams next year. If Carter will come in lower than Hakim, then bring him in. I don't think he will be disruptive here as he was in Minnesota. This team fits Carter's mindset and attitude. The Vikings didn't.

[DODRAM]

Hakim is gone , unless he makes stupid demands. somebody will pay him starters money, which he probably deserves

Little, may only have one good season but it's also the first season where he's had significant playing time. The only way we will know if it's the first of many is to re sign him. Pass rushers with 14 1/2 sacks don't grow on trees. even if it is JUST speed, that kind of speed is still a threat even if the Tackle knows it's coming , in fact especially if the lineman knows it's coming and has to adjust to it

Given the vibes that I've heard , maybe Fletcher won't be back but I'd rather sign one of our own players who has been our leading tackler the last two seasons than go out onto the FA market . Top Fa are unlikely to be any cheaper that Fletcher unless we wait to see who hasn't been picked up and then we might be left with a lemon

If carter is cheap then he probably brings more postives than negatives to the team, but he does have some baggage and I'd be kinda worried whether CC is ready to play 3rd fiddle rather tahn be a star, even with the carrot of a SB ring dangling.

[Aries51]

I was hoping we would sign Little and Fletch,but it sounds like the Rams are not all that concerned about losing them.Maybe the front office has something cooking that we havent heard about yet.For some reason I dont have a lot of worries concerning the team going into next year.I have a feeling we will somehow be in great shape roster wise.

[evil disco man]

If Little asks for too much money, let him test the FA waters. We have many other talented linemen.

Fletcher should stay with the team, in my mind. I doubt he'll ask for a lot of money, and he is a great player and a great role model for (short) kids. He also seems to be the electricity of the Swarm defense- constantly pumping up the crowd and being a leader in the huddle. I would greatly miss him if the Rams let him go.

:shield:

[majorram]

Maybe change would be a good thing, I don't want Little or Fletch to leave but looked what happen in 99 with Carter and Lyght, talk about taking the year OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and this might be last year to go back to the SB what with the salary Gap so we just don't need any disgunted players.

steve

[txramsfan]

No way are the Rams going to have another KC on their hands. Little rejected the Rams offer, so later Dude.

Fact of the matter is, Little is not an every down player. Rams honestly believe that D. Lewis is going to fill that same role Little/Ahanotu had last year.

Looking more and more like these guys, along with Proehl, are no longer Rams.

[evil disco man]

Fact of the matter is, Little is not an every down player. Rams honestly believe that D. Lewis is going to fill that same role Little/Ahanotu had last year.

Exactly. Damione Lewis had a lot of sacks in the preseason, and I believe he would make a great defensive end. Let Little leave if he's going to be selfish.

:shield:

[txramsfan]

With the signing of Duncan, this thread may come true. I thought if anyone was resigned, it would be Fletch. Too much to pay for someone who is losing some speed. Duncan fits into this defense just as well if not better. He may be able to cover the tight end or RB more effectively.

Little won't be back I don't think, not at that price. Too much to pay for just a pass rush specialist. If Ahanotu was asked back, maybe. However, the Rams need more than a pass rusher at that position, and Little is not a run stopper. Pickett played well last year, but the position is Lewis's to lose going into camp. So the Little signing is not a slam dunk.

Martz has said he wants to keep Az, but I don't see it. Az had a good Super Bowl, but if Carter wants to come let him go. For those of you who are scared about Carter's personality, I don't really believe Warner, Faulk, and Bruce will take it. On the Vikings, Carter had no one he respected really. Those 3 he does, so I really don't think he is going to react the same way here. If he does, then I will blame those 3 not Carter.

[evil disco man]

Originally posted by txramsfan:
For those of you who are scared about Carter's personality, I don't really believe Warner, Faulk, and Bruce will take it. On the Vikings, Carter had no one he respected really. Those 3 he does, so I really don't think he is going to react the same way here. If he does, then I will blame those 3 not Carter.

'Bout time someone agrees with me.

:shield: