Rams prioritize protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford in offseason moves

Mar 21, 2024, 12:21 ET

Protecting the quarterback was a priority point for the Angelenos’ offseason

LOS ANGELES — In the days leading up to the start of the league’s new year of operations, general manager The Sneads warned that there would be no fireworks at the beginning of free agency for Los Angeles Rams.

But possibly the Rams They quietly made several impact moves, showing that at least one of the priorities of free agency was protecting the quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The opportunity to protect Matthew Stafford, Jonah Jackson said, was one of the reasons he chose to sign in Los Angeles. Harry How/Getty Images

Before the start of the negotiation window, the Rams they renewed with the guard Kevin Dotson through a three-year, $48 million contract that includes $32 million guaranteed. Next week, The Angels signed the guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year deal worth $51 million with $34 million guaranteed. Due to these movements, it is expected that the Rams move second-year offensive lineman, Steve Avilafrom guard to center, a position he played at the college level in TCU.

Last season, the Rams They allowed an average of 1.59 sacks per game, ranking fifth in the NFL. Their allowed pressure rate was 17.43 percent, placing them sixth in the NFL.

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Possibly most important, The Angels He started only six different players in the entire campaign: Avila (who participated in all the plays), Coleman Shelton (17 starts), Alaric Jackson (15), Rob Havenstein (14), Dotson (14) y Joe Noteboom (8). That is especially noticeable when compared to the 2022 campaign, when the Rams They dealt with so many injuries to their offensive line that they started 12 different offensive line combinations over their first 13 games.

Last season, Stafford He remained relatively healthy, missing a game and a half due to injury and throwing for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games. In 2022, he was in the concussion protocol twice and finished the season on injured reserve with a spinal contusion.

“The more you have the same people, the better and more confident you play, and the more trust there is in the person next to you,” he said. Dotson. “So, it’s always good to have that same group, or at least as close to that same group as possible, for everyone to have the same mentality, even more so than the year before. On the offensive line, it’s one of the best things, have that kind of continuity.”

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Los Rams They have also signed the tight end Colby Parkinsona position that became a necessity after Tyler Higbee He tore his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in January. Higbee has undergone surgery, according to Sneadbut the Rams They have no deadline for their return.

Parkinson He said he signed with The Angels because it was “a natural fit.” Parkinsonwho played his first four seasons of NFL with the Seahawksalso said there is a familiarity from having played with the former offensive coordinator of Seattle, Shane Waldronwho was assistant under McVay for four seasons.

Last season, in 17 meetings with Seattle, Parkinson He had 25 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns. When asked what he thought he brought to the attack of the Rams, Parkinson He said he believes he is a “complete tight end.”

“Someone who can play all three downs and stretch the field at the same time, be able to stretch the seams and be a red zone threat, while being dominant in the running game, is what makes me proud,” he responded. Parkinson. “So I’m looking forward to being that guy and being the cornerstone of the offense.”

The three players signed three-year agreements, which aligns with the three years of contract that remain on the extension signed by Stafford in 2022 that keeps him linked to the club until the 2026 season. The opportunity to protect Stafford, Jackson He said, it was one of the reasons why he chose to sign in The Angels. Jackson y Stafford They were teammates in Detroit in 2020, his rookie season Jackson.

“In Detroit“We called him ‘The Wizard,'” he explained. Jackson. “He could figure out anything, and make anything happen. I’m excited to be able to protect him and allow him to make us look good and make plays happen.”

2024-03-21 17:21:00
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