The Los Angeles Rams Could Cut This Expensive Free-Agent Addition
The Los Angeles Rams have been making headlines this offseason with their acquisition of high-priced free agents like Matthew Stafford and DeSean Jackson. These moves were met with excitement and anticipation from fans, who believe that the Rams have what it takes to win a Super Bowl this year. However, there is one free-agent addition that has left many questioning its value and potential impact on the team – veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye.
After a disappointing season with the Denver Broncos, where he only played in seven games due to a suspension and injuries, Bouye signed a two-year, $13.5 million deal with the Rams. Many saw this as a risky move, given his recent performance and the team’s tight salary cap situation. And unfortunately, those concerns proved to be valid during the Rams’ preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where Bouye was visibly struggling on the field.
This has led to speculation that the Rams may consider cutting Bouye and his expensive contract before the regular season begins. While this may come as a surprise to some, it’s a decision that could ultimately benefit the team in the long run.
First and foremost, cutting Bouye would free up valuable cap space for the Rams. With the team currently sitting at around $8 million in cap space, cutting Bouye would provide them with an additional $4.5 million, giving them some much-needed breathing room to potentially make other moves or sign key players to contract extensions.
Furthermore, Bouye’s performance so far has not been up to par. In his only preseason game, he allowed a 27-yard reception and was flagged for a pass interference penalty. This is not the type of performance that the Rams were expecting from a veteran cornerback who was brought in to solidify the secondary. And with a deep and talented group of cornerbacks on the roster, Bouye’s struggles on the field could cost him a spot on the team.
But perhaps the most important factor in this potential decision is the impact it could have on the team’s chemistry. The Rams have built a culture of hard work, dedication, and accountability, and bringing in a player who may not be living up to expectations could disrupt that dynamic. Cutting Bouye would send a message that no player is above the team, and that each member must prove themselves on the field.
Of course, this decision is not an easy one for the Rams’ front office. They invested heavily in Bouye, and cutting him would mean admitting that they made a mistake. However, it’s a decision that could pay off in the long run. And it doesn’t mean that Bouye’s time with the Rams is completely over – if he can prove himself and earn a spot back on the team, it would be a positive comeback story for both him and the organization.
In addition, cutting Bouye could also open up opportunities for other players on the roster. Younger cornerbacks like David Long Jr. and Robert Rochell have been standing out in training camp and could benefit from more playing time. And with the Rams’ focus on building a team for the future, it’s important to give these young players a chance to showcase their talents.
Ultimately, the decision to cut Bouye will be made by the Rams’ coaching staff and front office. They will have to weigh the cost of keeping him on the team versus the potential impact on the team’s performance and chemistry. But one thing is clear – the Rams have built a team that is focused on winning, and they will not let expensive contracts stand in the way of their goals.
In conclusion, while the signing of A.J. Bouye may have seemed like a promising move at the time, it’s clear that the Rams have other options on the roster that could potentially perform better. Cutting him before the start of the regular season would not only free up cap space and improve team chemistry, but it would also allow other players to step up and prove themselves. As the Rams gear up for what could be a Super Bowl-winning season, all decisions must be made with the team’s best interests in mind – and that includes the potential cutting of an expensive free-agent addition.
