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The Los Angeles Rams’ most surprising cut was undoubtedly veteran linebacker Akeem Ayers. The former UCLA standout was projected to be one of the starting outside linebackers, but for some reason the Rams front office decided to cut him. But was this a good idea? It really depends on what action the front office takes next.
Initially, the move comes off as puzzling because the question becomes, who is going to start along with Mark Barron and Alec Ogletree? According to the Rams’ depth chart, Nicholas Grigsby and Cory Littleton were behind Akeem Ayers. Both are young, and don’t have much experience. We can likely throw Bryce Hager and Josh Forrest into the mix too. However, all four of these young players are likely not starting material unless the coaching staff sees something that I don’t.
There have been whispers around the league, and head coach Jeff Fisher dropping some hints that more changes are to come to the roster. The Rams do have needs at wide receiver, cornerback and safety, but I would be shocked if the Rams ignore the linebacker position. The Rams could have lined themselves up with a trade or picked up a veteran linebacker that was recently cut.
The only problem I have with this situation is why cut Ayers so close to the start of the season? Ayers played for the team last season, and while he wasn’t perfect, he did a solid job. He started in 11 games last year and recorded 35 tackles, five pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Even if the Rams didn’t want to keep him as a starter, why not keep him for depth purposes? The Rams could use a veteran presence on a young linebacker corp. By cutting Ayers, the Rams save only about $3.3 million, which isn’t much in today’s NFL. If the Rams wanted to resign Ayers, that ship sailed when the Indianapolis Colts swooped him up right away.
This is what leads me to believe that the Rams are attempting a trade. The Rams do have some cap room to bring in an experienced veteran. It also makes me wonder who is the trade bait? Either way, the Rams will need to bring in somebody with experience, otherwise releasing Ayers may be a huge blow to the defense. It’s possible that Fisher and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams weren’t happy with Ayers, but it’s still mind-boggling that the Rams made this move when the first game of the regular season is on Monday. Either way, we will find out soon enough.
Source: Pro-footballreference.com, Spotrac.com, Therams.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2016, Akeem Ayers, Alec Ogletree, Bryce Hager, Cory Littleton, featured, Gregg Williams, Jeff Fisher, Josh Forrest, Los Angeles Rams, Mark Barron, NFL, Nicholas Grigsby
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The Los Angeles Rams’ most surprising cut was undoubtedly veteran linebacker Akeem Ayers. The former UCLA standout was projected to be one of the starting outside linebackers, but for some reason the Rams front office decided to cut him. But was this a good idea? It really depends on what action the front office takes next.
Initially, the move comes off as puzzling because the question becomes, who is going to start along with Mark Barron and Alec Ogletree? According to the Rams’ depth chart, Nicholas Grigsby and Cory Littleton were behind Akeem Ayers. Both are young, and don’t have much experience. We can likely throw Bryce Hager and Josh Forrest into the mix too. However, all four of these young players are likely not starting material unless the coaching staff sees something that I don’t.
There have been whispers around the league, and head coach Jeff Fisher dropping some hints that more changes are to come to the roster. The Rams do have needs at wide receiver, cornerback and safety, but I would be shocked if the Rams ignore the linebacker position. The Rams could have lined themselves up with a trade or picked up a veteran linebacker that was recently cut.
The only problem I have with this situation is why cut Ayers so close to the start of the season? Ayers played for the team last season, and while he wasn’t perfect, he did a solid job. He started in 11 games last year and recorded 35 tackles, five pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Even if the Rams didn’t want to keep him as a starter, why not keep him for depth purposes? The Rams could use a veteran presence on a young linebacker corp. By cutting Ayers, the Rams save only about $3.3 million, which isn’t much in today’s NFL. If the Rams wanted to resign Ayers, that ship sailed when the Indianapolis Colts swooped him up right away.
This is what leads me to believe that the Rams are attempting a trade. The Rams do have some cap room to bring in an experienced veteran. It also makes me wonder who is the trade bait? Either way, the Rams will need to bring in somebody with experience, otherwise releasing Ayers may be a huge blow to the defense. It’s possible that Fisher and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams weren’t happy with Ayers, but it’s still mind-boggling that the Rams made this move when the first game of the regular season is on Monday. Either way, we will find out soon enough.
Source: Pro-footballreference.com, Spotrac.com, Therams.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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