As the franchise tag clock starts to tick, the thought is that many franchises have the opportunity to use a tag to keep a player’s rights before entering free agency.
Starting today and until March 5, there could be at least 10 players receiving some form of a tag: DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford, Frank Clark, Gardy Jarrett, Landon Collins, Nick Foles, Le’Veon Bell, Donovan Smith, Robbie Gould and Stephen Gostkowski, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2019
While Adam Schefter didn’t name any Rams in his list of 10 players who could receive some form of a tag, Nate Davis of USA Today took a stab at naming a tag candidate for almost every team.
For the Los Angeles Rams, Davis decided to roll with EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
Los Angeles Rams — OLB Dante Fowler Jr.: His potential and age (24) would seem to make him the strongest tag consideration for the NFC champs … but the midseason acquisition’s production — despite some flashes of brilliance — doesn’t warrant a reward in the $15-16 million range.
While Davis hedges because of the price tag, the Rams will have to make a choice with Fowler or risk losing him for nothing. The Rams gave up a third round pick (because they are projected to have two additional compensatory picks) and a fifth round pick in 2020 to acquire Fowler at the NFL Trade Deadline. However, do not worry about the Rams trying to double down on a sunk cost; they’ve let players like WR Sammy Watkins go, even after investing significant draft capital.