ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has a series going in which he identifies five moves for every NFL team that will improve their situations this offseason. Today, he’s looking at our beloved NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals have the top overall pick. The Seattle Seahawks are eyeing for another playoff berth,. The San Francisco 49ers are hopeful their injury horrors are over. For the Los Angeles Rams however, Barnwell has a few interesting suggestions that could work out (moves included, but for his extended opinion, check out the story link)
1. Convince Andrew Whitworth to come back.
2. Bring back Rodger Saffold and C.J. Anderson.
3. Trade down from the 31st pick.
4. Sign Clay Matthews and wait out the market on veterans.
5. Don’t extend Jared Goff this offseason.
I think most people would agree with number 1, 2, 3 while 4 and 5 could be divisive. While signing veterans with star power like Clay Matthews is definitely a “great” move on paper, sustainability is likely on the mind of the organization with so many veterans in key spots.
In terms of extending QB Jared Goff, I’m always not a fan. Given the Rams history with giving early extensions (Tavon Austin, Robert Quinn, and Todd Gurley come to mind), the Rams have been the “exception to the exception” by extending non-transcendent superstars. Extending Goff after a shaky Super Bowl performance would not be the move.