Rams Now Expected to Let Veteran Test Free Agent Market
The Los Angeles Rams will enter free agency with a few major needs. Improving on defense is one big priority after this team ranked poorly in several key categories during the 2023 season.
This goal could lead to the departure of several players who aren't helping on that side of the ball, and there's now one vet who looks like a long shot to return in 2024.
I don't expect the Rams to tender ILB Christian Rozeboom after speaking with a few sources this week. Rozeboom, the Rams' No. 2 ILB and a core four special teamer, would become a FA in that case. The tender is about $3M. His situation is worth watching with former Rams coaches
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) March 3, 2024
The Athletic's Jordan Rodrigue reports linebacker Christian Rozeboom isn't expected to receive the free agent tender from LA. That would make the 27-year-old a free agent, and Rodrigue notes a reunion between the LB and ex-Rams coaches Raheem Morris (now with the Atlanta Falcons) or Jeremy Springer (now with the New England Patriots) is "worth watching."
Los Angeles used the exclusive right free agent tender on Rozeboom last free agency, which kept him around on a league-minimum deal and prevented him from negotiating with other squads. However, Rozeboom is no longer eligible for the ERFA tender since he's now over the seasons accrued limit.
Instead, he'd need to be made an original round tender, which is worth around $3 million for the 2024 campaign. That's a bit of a steep ask for someone who's a depth player.
Perhaps with a stronger 2023 showing, LA would happily keep Rozeboom for that meager salary. Yet, he didn't provide anything that could be replicated by someone closer to the league minimum, and he earned an unimpressive 49.0 overall grade from ProFootballFocus to boot.
If the Rams are happy to let the linebacker test the free-agent waters, they're prepared to let him walk. Considering his increased role from Morris and his work with Springer as a core special teamer, it'd be no surprise if Rozeboom follows one of them to their new jobs.
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