The Los Angeles Rams made tremendous strides during the 2017 NFL season as one of the most promising, young teams in the NFL. However, they now have some tough choices to make this offseason in deciding which players will be kept around for the long-haul.
The Rams have a number of issues to address this offseason on both sides of the ball. First, they will need to decide which player to put their franchise tag on before the MArch deadline.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, it has essentially come down to either wide receiver Sammy Watkins or safety Lamarcus Joyner:
“The Los Angeles Rams have a choice here. They could tag Sammy Watkins, the standout receiver they traded for. But keep an eye out for Lamarcus Joyner, their standout safety would be a top free agent if he gets free.”
Los Angeles made a deal for Watkins during last offseason with the hope that he could serve as their primary option in the passing game. However, it soon became clear that the Rams’ offense would be taking a versatile approach through the air. As a result, Watkins largely underwhelmed after finishing as their third-most productive receiver.
Meanwhile, Joyner made the seamless transition to safety for the first time in his career this season. Needless to say, he made it look easy after finishing as one of the most productive players at his position. That said, Joyner may be more of a priority for the Rams at this point in time.
The Rams offense has proven to be lethal without Watkins. However, a Joyner-less defense may not be something Los Angeles even wants to entertain going into the offseason.
