Random Ramsdom: Matthew Stafford has the swagger and he wants the money too

Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 1/31/25

Matthew Stafford is one of a kind among those who play football or even those who watch the game week-in and week-out. He’s special, he’s different and as Mike Florio and Chris Simms recently put it, he “exudes swagger.” You can watch them chop it up about Stafford below my ramblings.

I had my doubts when the Los Angeles Rams traded for him because in mind the only way to justify that trade was to win a Super Bowl. Stafford did just that. So, I sit here today and I totally get why he wants to be paid as a high-end quarterback. He is that. His age doesn’t matter. He’s somewhat worth whatever he says he’s worth in a quarterback driven league.

The Rams may be able to get Stafford to give up some money, but at the end of the day Stafford wants what he wants, and when a dude has the swagger, it’s wise to abide.

Please comment on whatever you want, happy Friday and thanks for checking out Turf Show Times!

REPORT: Rams Looking to Close the Gap with the Cardinals (ktla.com)

“After both conference championships were played, Ben Rolfe of the Pro Football Network ranked every team’s offensive line. Rolfe ranked the Cardinals’ offensive line the seventh-best in the National Football League.

“The Arizona Cardinals’ strong performances in the last month saw them finish inside the top 10 in our NFL OL rankings,” Rolfe said. “They sat first over the last four weeks, with back-to-back A- games, and then a B and C+ performance to round out the year.

“Even though their quarterback loves to hold the ball against the blitz (26th), the Cardinals’ pressure rate (39.2%, 11th) and sack rate (8.6%, 18th) are very respectable. When facing just four or fewer rushers, Arizona’s line was excellent this year, ranking fifth in pressure rate (25.3%) and second in sack rate (3.9%). Additionally, they did well in opening up holes for the backs, ranking ninth in RBYBC/rush (1.00) while also sitting 11th in RBWR.”

REPORT: Matthew Stafford to Play in 25, Will Need New Deal With Rams (si.com)

“In those two postseason games, Stafford threw for 533 yards and four touchdowns. Stafford’s elite play came despite having played with broken ribs since week 15.

However, Stafford’s return to Los Angeles has yet to be confirmed as his representatives and the Rams will have to work out a new deal heading into 2025.

Stafford has two years left on a four-year extension he signed right after Super Bowl LVI. Due to restructuring, he currently has a 49.6 million dollar cap hit that the Rams could get out of by releasing him with a post-June 1st designation. That move would save the team 26.9 million dollars on this year’s books but would carry a dead cap hit of 22.6 million in 2025 and 2026.”

Los Angeles Rams Named Best Landing Spot For Hated Rival Linebacker (lafbnetwork)

“Speaking of 2024, the Rams rolled most of the year with two UDFAs, Christian Rozeboom and Omar Speights (rookie). While both played admirably, and Speights flashed real starter potential for a rookie, there is no doubt that upgrading the position will help massively, especially in the run defense.”

Random Ramsdom Fandom: Post Your Mock Drafts HERE (By RamsRoll on Jan 28, 2025)

“Hey TST let’s have some fun with this. For purposes if this fanpost I would like for everyone to use NFLMockDraftDataBase when doing your mock draft. Here is the link for DataBase: NFLMockDraftDataBase If you wish to use a different site it’s no biggie. One of the features I like about DataBase is the sliding scale to let you know when a trade proposal is “acceptable.”

I would like for the Rams, if possible, to trade back at 26 to see if they can close the gap between their current picks at 26 and 90. I did some research and found out that Buffalo has two 2nd rd picks and so do the Bears. My theory is with two 2nd rd picks a team will be more likely to be willing to trade up with the Rams. The hypothetical trade with the Bears just doesn’t seem to work. However, with the Bills the following trade is acceptable on DataBase. Rams trade 26 and 90 to Bills for 30 and 62. Viola Rams now have a #30 1st rd, #62 2nd rd and #100 3rd rd.

Another possibility is for the Rams to trade down at 26 with teams that have two 3rd picks. The strategy here is for the Rams to then have three 3rd rd picks which they could then package two of the 3rds to move up into the 2nd rd. The 3 teams I like best in this hypothetical scenario are the Saints, Browns and Jags. I like a trade with the Saints best under this scenario. #1. Rams trade #26 plus #192 to Saints for 40, 71 & 130. #2. Rams trade #26 & 192 to Browns for 33, 94 & 103. #3. Rams trade #26 & 192 to Jags for 36, 88 & 106.

WARNING: You may receive ridiculous trade offers that are totally weighted in favor of the Rams. If you accept any of those kind of offers you will destroy the realism of your mock draft.

BTW I like to go to NFLDraftBuzz in a different window to read player profiles when using MockDataBase. Here is the link for DraftBuzz: NFLDraftBuzz

Now let’s have some fun.”

“Coverage” LBs in 2025 NFL Draft (By RamsRoll on Jan 29, 2025)

“Most fans here at TST are clamoring for the Rams to draft a LB in this year’s draft to upgrade that positional unit. Lots of TST members are not happy with Rozeboom’s level of performance. This FanPost will attempt to explore some options for the Rams to consider in the 2025 Draft as an attempt to upgrade the LB position/unit. For purposes of this FanPost we will assume that the Rams intend to draft a LB that will complement Speights & perform the role of “coverage” LB. We also assume that the Rams will not draft a LB with their 1st pick. Currently the Rams have the following picks: 1.26, 3.90, 3.100, 4.126, 6.192, 6.203 & 6.204.

FIRST on my list (he seems like just what the Dr. ordered LOL) is Clemson LB Barrett Carter. Barrett Carter Player Profile He could be available at #90. Would you pick him at #90?

SECOND on my list is South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight, Jr. Demetrius Knight, Jr. Player Profile He could drop to #90. Do you like him better than Carter? Would you take him at 90?

THIRD on my list is Georgia LB Smael Mondon, Jr. Smael Mondon, Jr. Player Profile He has good size and speed. He should be aavailable at 100 or at 126. Should the Rams use either 100 or 126 for him?

FOURTH on my list is Oregon LB Jeffrey Basa. Jeffrey Bassa Player Profile His speed 4.65 is concerning, but TST writer Blaine likes him a lot. Would you pick him at 100 or at 126?

FIFTH on my list is is Ohio State LB Cody Simon. Cody Simon Player Profile Would you pick him at 126?

LAST on my list is UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger. Carson Schwesinger Player Profile His speed of 4.70 is VERY concerning. However, Daniel Jeremiah has him in his top 50 list! Would you draft him? If so When?

As always TST members thank you so much for your participation and comments in this FanPost. Sinc. ROCK

NOTE to TST Editors: If you wish to publish this FanPost on the front page of TST I would be VERY honored. Feel free to modify or edit it anyway you wish.”