With loads of money and draft picks, Rams GM Les Snead says: ‘We like to attack’

Rams general manager Les Snead did not make the trip to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine this year. (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

There are free agents to evaluate and a draft board to assemble as Rams general manager Les Snead prepares to possibly pick in the first round for the first time in eight years.

But Snead and coach Sean Mcvay cannot plan for the 2024 season without knowing that their core pieces are in place.

After the Rams’ NFC wild-card playoff defeat to the Detroit Lions in January, star defensive lineman Aaron Donald said he would return in 2024, the final guaranteed year of a contract that includes two void years.

Since then, defensive line coach Eric Henderson left to become co-defensive coordinator at USC. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was hired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Donald, who hinted at retirement after the 2021 Super Bowl championship season and will turn 33 in May, is due to carry a salary-cap number of $34.2 million this season, according to overthecap.com.

Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald still uses his old weight-lifting and exercise equipment in the basement of his childhood home whenever he visits. He calls the space, “The Dungeon.” (Gary Klein / Los Angeles Times)

Snead was asked Wednesday if he expected Donald to be part of the group of players that returns for the upcoming season.

“Definitely hoping Aaron is,” Snead said during a video conference with reporters, adding, “I know Aaron’s definitely approaching the offseason where he’s doing his normal getting away, somewhat trying to get revitalized, with the goal of playing good football.”

Donald and quarterback Matthew Stafford are the main pillars for a Rams team that will have heightened expectations after finishing 10-7 last season.

After a financial pullback last season, the Rams will enter free agency in March with about $40 million in cap space. They have the No. 19 pick in the draft, and could have at least 10 other picks.

Kevin Demoff, the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/loads-money-draft-picks-rams-232751487.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-02-28 23:27:51

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