Similar to most teams in the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams have a couple of marquee players that are set to hit free agency in the coming weeks. Despite wanting to retain those players, general manager Les Snead doesn't anticipate using the franchise tag on any of the Rams' free agents, per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry.
As of today, the Rams do not plan on using the franchise tag, GM Les Snead told the @RamsNFL podcast – however Snead did not eliminate it as a possibility altogether with the deadline still looming. pic.twitter.com/OjYtvxDyoW
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) March 5, 2020
Of course, the two most notable names that are expected to hit the open market for the Rams is Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler. But with the Rams' current cap situation, it remains to be seen if they can re-sign either of them.
Even if Los Angeles chose to use the franchise tag on one of them, they would still be using a majority of their available cap space. At the least, Snead didn't rule out the possibility of using the franchise tag altogether. That is likely due to the fact that the new Collective Bargaining Agreement has yet to be agreed upon.
If the new CBA comes into fruition, the salary cap for each team is expected to increase. In the event that happens, the Rams could look into tagging Littleton or Fowler. At the same time, tagging and trading one of them could become a viable option before free agency.
In the current market, tagging one of Littleton or Fowler would cost the Rams north of $16 million in 2020. Unless it's a long-term deal, it makes no sense for Los Angeles to tag one of them for next season.
Before free agency begins, the Rams are likely going to make a few roster moves that could help create some wiggle room financially. However, don't expect Snead and company to utilize the team's franchise tag before the March 12 deadline.
Follow Us
Subscribe