The L.A. Rams are changing up not only their new home, but a new roster also. Recently, the team release defensive end Chris Long, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis and tight end Jared Cook on Friday. Now, personal feelings aside I do understand that the Rams saved a lot of money on this deal. In fact, they save close to 24 MILLION DOLLARS.
However, I don’t agree with the move for a variety of reasons:
- James and Chris are the epitome of Professional Football veterans:
In fact, Laurinaitis and Long were all the defense that the Rams had. Long broke the record for SACs in the Rams program, and provided a lot of entertaining damage against the 49ers every year. In fact, Coach Fisher told reporters, “Chris and James are the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league and it’s been an honor to coach them both.” James played 112 games with the Rams, and also contributed impressive numbers.
2. The Rams need leadership.
Veterans provide leadership. Without experience, it can be very difficult to lead, and eliminating the top three veterans from a roster will only make finding a leader on a quarterback-less team ever hard.
3. We have zero offense.
Jared Cook is not a hall of famer, not doubt. However, he put up the numbers and knew how to get the job done. He is currently resting at a total of 3,498 receiving yards and 272 receptions. For a TE, and as far as an offensive player on the Rams goes, these numbers are solid, and even if he did not produce as much as he use to when he was young, at least he would be able to provide insight.
Moves like this make Rams Fans cringe. Of course we don’t like saying goodbye to our favorite players, but this is something else. We said goodbye to players that still had skills to contribute. I for one think this move was a huge mistake.