03-12-2023, 04:43 PM
(03-12-2023, 02:20 PM)BuildTheWall Wrote: Under-the-Radar Trade Candidate RT Rob Havenstein (Rams). LAR is looking to tear it down and recover some picks, and Taylor knows him from his time there. Rams would eat about $7.2M in dead cap this year (Spotrac and OTC show larger numbers, but that's because his roster bonus is not due until the end of this week, and we'd inherit it. Also, if more time is needed to complete the trade, it can be pushed back a few days if agreed to). Rams also clear a lot of cap space the next two years, which they would definitely need. Maybe a third (or second at most) gets it done?
Cap Hits once Traded
2023: $7.7M
2024: $12.2M
2025: $9.63M
That's a really good trade target, hopefully a 3rd would do the trick or even a 4th. More likely, they wait out a cut vet and preserve a comp pick. They're really looking at:
1. Add at least a fringe starter at RT
2. Add a versatile depth pickup and stop depending on the youth we can't develop to come in and play whatever position you keep switching on them.
LT- Jonah is the (default) starter, being pushed and maybe leaped by Carmen. I'd trade for/sign an upgrade ideally but it doesn't sound like the staff will. The more you do to fix RT will help combat this questionable LT position.
LG-We know it's Volson. His name is a trigger on this board as he is a good young kid doing his job for a fanbase with baggage. Other than flashes from Carman, Volson is the only youth development this team has. He's a cheap young asset that will start at LG, but he isn't untouchable mainly as this OL could use one big upgrade at ANY position. This is where having a vet 3rd guard (ideally that can kick to tackle) is ideal, for insurance and to push that growth.
C-Karras is a lock at center and we as fans still talk adding a stud center that hits the market, knowing Karras is a good guard himself. The staff won't move him though, and they're happy with Trey Hill but if the vet guard they add can play center even better.
RG-Cappa is our gem, our ONE near Pro Bowl level player on the line.
RT-Collins is written in pencil and it's got an eraser braced next to it. Loved the potential and hope he heals well but do we place our faith in him being ready and conditioned even by say the trade deadline. I don't want to count on one of the LTs being moved over. A rookie is a sincere need because they have nothing proven long term at tackle, but they need a t least a fringe vet at RT rather than counting on a rookie to start.
Ideally, you land a RT that doesn't impede you from getting Wilson, Higgins and say two of the 2024 defensive free agents resigned. Paying a guy 18M doesn't help do both. Getting a near pro bowl talent for more than 2 seasons is a must, but is Havenstein that guy? I hope so, but with his age I'm still searching. As they work through all the options, the most likely scenario is working hard to keep your own, and probably waiting for the 2nd wave market to get a fringe starter to see playing time for a contender and still draft a rookie to hedge your bets.
