Which of the team's FAs should the Rams focus on re-signing first?

**AvengerRam** · #1 (**permalink**) -17-01-2005

Knowing that Pace could, if necessary, simply be franchised again, rather than signed long term, who should the Rams focus on re-signing first?

**txramsfan** · #2 (**permalink**) -17-01-2005

Bryce Fisher......everyone else can go as far as I'm concerned.

**Nick** · #3 (**permalink**) -17-01-2005

I think Pace's situation should be handled first, so we know what kind of cap space we have left to do deal with everyone else.

**AvengerRam** · #4 (**permalink**) -17-01-2005

Gotta keep Pace. Even if he had an off-year, he's still one of the top 5 LTs in football, and you don't let a player like that go unless an overwhelming offer is made.

I agree that he should be handled first, as his contract could provide cap relief that can be used in other areas.

**txramsfan** · #5 (**permalink**) -17-01-2005

I was under that same impression last year, but after seeing teams like New England, Indy, Philly.....all perform without that stud O lineman, I'm beginning to think that the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Pace is the man, but do we really need that money tied up in his position? Not sure.

**AvengerRam** · #6 (**permalink**) -17-01-2005

None of those teams run Martz's offense (not even Indy). The need is greater given the long patterns that are Martz's bread and butter.

**Nick** · #7 (**permalink**) -17-01-2005

The offensive line was below average despite having Pace. I'm afraid to think of what it would be without him. Our number one priority should be reaching a long-term contract agreement with him. If that proves to once again be impossible, I'd start shopping him, especially to Cleveland or Tennessee.

*RAMarkable* · #8 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

Hey Tx, Don't you think Antuan Edwards did a decent enough job to be resigned this off season? Other than his horrific dropped INT in the Falcon game, I thought he played well enough to warrant staying with the Rams.

WHAT SAY YE?

*Skynyrd* · #9 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickSeiler

The offensive line was below average despite having Pace. I'm afraid to think of what it would be without him. Our number one priority should be reaching a long-term contract agreement with him. If that proves to once again be impossible, I'd start shopping him, especially to Cleveland or Tennessee.

Agreed Nick. Bulger would've missed more then just three games without Pace. Having said that, we simply can't afford to keep franchising him year after year any longer. Hopefully, now that the dreaded Poston brothers are out of the picture, Orlando will come back to planet earth and sign a long term deal that will give us some much needed salary cap flexablity. Otherwise, trade him while we can still get top value and let him be somebody else's headache. Peace

**Nick** · #10 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skynyrd

Agreed Nick. Bulger would've missed more then just three games without Pace. Having said that, we simply can't afford to keep franchising him year after year any longer. Hopefully, now that the dreaded Poston brothers are out of the picture, Orlando will come back to planet earth and sign a long term deal that will give us some much needed salary cap flexablity. Otherwise, trade him while we can still get top value and let him be somebody else's headache. Peace

I agree 100%, well said Skynyrd.

*ZigZagRam* · #11 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

It's gotta be Pace. Why do we need Fisher with Little and Hargrove around? (Assuming Little will be back). Seems like the money needed to pay Fisher would be better spent elsewhere.

#12 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

I'm with Tx here.... i've been saying the last few years that we should trade PAce and get some even spread of talent across the OL... i think this year we may just do that

We shouold try and resign Fischer...
We should resign Edwards if the price is right - not too bothered
Forget Polley

I think in general the management need to send out hte right message to the players i.e. no-one is indespensible... even if that means making some controversial cuts/Trades (HOLT)

*ZigZagRam* · #13 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

Trading Holt, as we've said a million times would be a horrible move for several reasons.

1.) He's one of the top 5 at his position in the game.
2.) The cap hit would be huge.
3.) We'd be screwed when Ike hangs 'em up.

Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald are not starters. They'll make great slot receivers but that's about it. No way Curtis gets the yardage he got against Atlanta without them doubling up Holt.

#14 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

Not sure how the Cap hit would unhold but here's my ideal scenario:

1/ trade Pace for a high 1st round pick and maybe a 4th .. plenty of options

2/ trade Holt for a MLB enforcer (maybe Phili bites if TO bolts) and a third round (maybe).

using Pace pick get a WR in the 1st.

rebuild OL in FA with Cap saving on Pace. In essense i think we need to find 3 starting lineman this offseason.

draft:
1st WR
1st TE (give bulger some options while new WR bed in)
2nd OL
3rd LB/DB
3rd LB/DB

most will disagree but we will probably end up a better balanced team.

**Nick** · #15 (**permalink**) -18-01-2005

You're dead on about one thing elAcky - I disagree.