The Los Angeles Rams headed into free agency with around $45 million in cap space and their recent re-signings have lowered that total to around $25 million. Releasing Chris Long, James Laurinaitis, and Jared Cook added about $28 million to the $32 million that they already had. Nearly doubling the cap space, the Rams decided to place the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson after extension talks with Janoris Jenkins did not work out.

Jenkins turned down a five year, $45 million deal to sign with the New York Giants to the tune of $62.5 million over five years, which might be for the best. The Rams were able to re-sign their two notable free agents outside of Jenkins in left end William Hayes and linebacker Mark Barron. Both were equally important as Hayes will be the starting left end and Barron will be the starting left outside linebacker.

Alec Ogletree will be the starting middle linebacker this upcoming season, which left a hole at outside linebacker. Akeem Ayers will be one of the two outside linebackers, and Barron will be the second as Les Snead stressed the importance of re-signing the Crimson Tide product.

Chris Long was let go after dealing with injuries the past two seasons while racking up a mere four sacks. However, William Hayes and his contract expired after this past season and the Rams were left without a starting left end. Hayes expressed his want to return to the Rams and he played efficiently filling in for Long during his injuries as he totaled 9.5 sacks during the past two seasons.

Getting a bit ahead of ourselves, there is next offseason and a lot of money will be required for the potential free agents the Rams will have. A list that includes Ogletree, wide receivers Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt, safety TJ McDonald, and defensive tackle Michael Brockers is a daunting one. The season after that features none other than the best defensive tackle in football to many, Aaron Donald.

Ogletree and Donald will for sure be at the top of Les Snead’s list, but one would have to think that McDonald and Austin would be 2A and 2B. Now that McLeod has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, McDonald might turn into a must re-sign. To note, the total salary that will paid to all of the guys previously mentioned above before their contracts expire (besides Donald) is just over $41 million. A player like Ogletree might be paid that much or even more for his new contract.

In short, do not expect or even want the Rams to pursue a guy like Ryan Fitzpatrick. Not only does that impact this offseason, but future offseasons more than someone might think. If signing Fitzpatrick meant that Donald or Ogletree walk, I think every Rams fan would not want that. Despite big pieces such as Jenkins and McLeod going their separate ways, most of the core is still with the team. With the NFL Draft in sight, the holes left by the departure of free agents can be filled and other spots can be improved.