Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
Share
Share
Share
Email
The St. Louis Rams signed linebacker Akeem Ayers recently.Great, but where are the offensive linemen? Patience Rams fans. It’s obvious that the Rams need to address the offensive line at some point and they probably will, but it’s important not to overlook this signing.
The Rams’ defensive unit was solid for the most part last season, but one glaring need that the Rams had was at outside linebacker. For the past couple of seasons, running backs in particular would exploit the position as a weakness and it truly was. Players like Ray-Ray Armstrong and Jo-Lonn Dunbar simply weren’t the answers.
So how do we know that Ayers could solve the problem? His physicality alone is an upgrade. Ayers is aggressive off the snap and is athletic enough to chase down defenders and attack them from sideline-to-sideline. He also has the capability of attacking off the edge as well. His covering skills aren’t too shabby either.
It’s easy to become a little discouraged when gazing upon his unsuccessful campaign in Tennessee. The Titans had much to do with Ayers’s lack of achievement. Ayers should never be placed in the middle, regardless of how much there is a need for a middle linebacker. He is strictly an outside linebacker, which is why he was more successful with the New England Patriots.
Now did the Rams break the bank for Ayers? Not at all. To find a decent linebacker at about $3 million a year is fairly difficult. General manager Les Snead designed the contract to protect both parties. If Ayers reverts back to his Titans style of play, then the Rams could cut him since he’s only guaranteed $3 million and it’s only a two-year contract. However, if Ayers pans out, then he can earn up $10 million with incentives. When you really think about it, that’s still only about $5 million a year which is a great deal for an above average linebacker.
Ayers is currently 25 years old and could fetch a hefty contract when it’s all said and done. Who knows, it may be in the Rams’ best interest to keep a long term contract in mind when his contract is about to expire. Now it’s time to pursue some offensive linemen.
Source: Pro-football-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
The St. Louis Rams signed linebacker Akeem Ayers recently.Great, but where are the offensive linemen? Patience Rams fans. It’s obvious that the Rams need to address the offensive line at some point and they probably will, but it’s important not to overlook this signing.
The Rams’ defensive unit was solid for the most part last season, but one glaring need that the Rams had was at outside linebacker. For the past couple of seasons, running backs in particular would exploit the position as a weakness and it truly was. Players like Ray-Ray Armstrong and Jo-Lonn Dunbar simply weren’t the answers.
So how do we know that Ayers could solve the problem? His physicality alone is an upgrade. Ayers is aggressive off the snap and is athletic enough to chase down defenders and attack them from sideline-to-sideline. He also has the capability of attacking off the edge as well. His covering skills aren’t too shabby either.
It’s easy to become a little discouraged when gazing upon his unsuccessful campaign in Tennessee. The Titans had much to do with Ayers’s lack of achievement. Ayers should never be placed in the middle, regardless of how much there is a need for a middle linebacker. He is strictly an outside linebacker, which is why he was more successful with the New England Patriots.
Now did the Rams break the bank for Ayers? Not at all. To find a decent linebacker at about $3 million a year is fairly difficult. General manager Les Snead designed the contract to protect both parties. If Ayers reverts back to his Titans style of play, then the Rams could cut him since he’s only guaranteed $3 million and it’s only a two-year contract. However, if Ayers pans out, then he can earn up $10 million with incentives. When you really think about it, that’s still only about $5 million a year which is a great deal for an above average linebacker.
Ayers is currently 25 years old and could fetch a hefty contract when it’s all said and done. Who knows, it may be in the Rams’ best interest to keep a long term contract in mind when his contract is about to expire. Now it’s time to pursue some offensive linemen.
Source: Pro-football-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Recommended for you