Once again the Los Angeles Rams show up as an active NFL free agency participant. After a handful of trades and cuts opened up new salary cap room, the Rams have started to spend it adding players that fit their new offensive and defensive schemes.
Rams are giving former Broncos' CB Kayvon Webster a 2-year deal, per source. Rams have eyed him for a while.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2017
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips hand-picked what will probably be a new starting cornerback for the Rams in former Denver Broncos defensive back Kayvon Webster. Webster, a former third round pick out of the University of South Florida, will join Los Angeles on a two-year, $8 million contract that can be worth up to $12 million with incentives.
Official a Ram ! Los Angeles what's good time to show up and show out ! Grind hard stay focused thankful
— kwebb (@kayvonwebster) March 14, 2017
Webster’s 2016 NFL stats don’t jump off the page. He recorded four tackles and one pass defense playing in one of the best defensive backfields in the league. It shouldn’t be as difficult to get on the field for the Rams as they have just one elite-class corner, Trumaine Johnson, and they’re actively working to trade him for draft picks. Webster, depending on how Phillips uses E.J. Gaines and headcase LaMarcus Joyner, could end up their No. 1 corner heading into the season.
It says a lot about Webster that Phillips locked in on him early as an addition to the team.
The Rams added former Kansas City Chiefs long snapper Andrew East. East is probably more famous for being married to Olympic Gold medalist gymnast Shawn Johnson than actually playing football.
Greg “Young GZ” Zuerlein will remain with the Rams under the new regime. Zeurlein and the Rams reached a three-year contract agreement Tuesday worth $6.75 million. The man of many nicknames, including Greg “The Leg” and “Legatron,” hit 86.4 percent of his kicks last season and was perfect 39 yards and closer. He missed one in the 40-49-yard range and two in the 50-plus range. He was 23-of-23 with extra points, which considering the clusterfudge that’s turned into since the league moved it back is pretty solid.
Rams announce they have agreed to terms with K Greg Zuerlein on 3 year contract.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) March 14, 2017
Los Angeles is trying to pick up its starting center from the Buffalo Bills, extending a contract to restricted free agent Ryan Groy with a two-year contract worth $5 million with $3.5 million guaranteed. The Bills have the right to match the contract. If they don’t, Groy becomes a Ram and the Buffalo gets no compensation. The Bills have five days to make their decision.
The Rams have agreed to extend Bills restricted FA center Ryan Groy a two-year offer sheet, per @caplannfl & me. Bills have 5 days to match
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) March 14, 2017
Last week the Rams officially released certifiably insane running back Tre Mason. Mason has had multiple run-ins with the law and never reported to the team in 2016. According to Rams general manager Les Snead, Mason has “some intention to play football again.” He’ll need to get on some solid medication for that to happen.
Mason was arrested multiple times and seemed to be suffering from some kind of mental breakdown through every interaction with police. At one point he threatened the police with a call to then President Barack Obama at the White House. He then accused those same officers of teaching al-Qaida members to fly planes. So there is some real prescription issues there that have to be addressed before he carries a football for money again.
During his rookie season, Mason started nine games for the Rams, carrying the ball 179 times for 765 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 16 passes for 148 yards and a score.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Detroit Lions wide receiver Andre Roberts to a one-year, $1.8 million contract. Last year Roberts caught 14 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown.
Safety Kemal Ishmael will remain with Atlanta, signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract. Ishmael appeared in 13 games last season for the Falcons and started four, making 49 tackles and defending two passes.
Other NFL Free Agent moves
Cordarrelle Patterson has joined the Oakland Raiders on a two-year contract. The full financial details haven’t been released, but according to USA Today, Patterson will make $5.25 million in 2017 with $5 million guaranteed. Last year Patterson caught 52 passes for 453 yards and two touchdowns. As a kick returner, Patterson led the NFL with 31.7 yards per return, had a league-leading 104-yard return and scored a touchdown.
The Indianapolis Colts continue to work on their offensive line, bringing in former Tennessee Titans center Brian Schwenke on a free agent contract. Length and financial details have not been disclosed.
The Green Bay Packers re-signed outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott to a one-year deal worth $1.6 million. Elliott played in 11 games last season and had 12 tackles and a sack.
UPDATE
Right as I hit post on this word came across the wire that the Seattle Seahawks had signed former Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy to a one-year contract. Lacy played in just five games for the Packers last year, but averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
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