Heading into free agency, it wasn't expected that the St. Louis Rams would be major players. The team was constrained by limited cap space and uncertainty at the quarterback position.
But after major moves earlier this week that saw Sam Bradford jettisoned to the Philadelphia Eagles for Nick Foles and some draft picks and the release of expensive veterans such as offensive linemen Jake Long and Scott Wells, the Rams suddenly find themselves in a much more favorable financial situation.
"Suddenly, a team that was once relatively tight against the cap is now pretty comfortable under it," ESPN Rams reporter Nick Wagoner wrote. "According to the folks at ESPN Stats & Information, the Rams now have $28,834,811 in cap space."
The Rams immediately used their new found cap room by reaching a new deal with former second-round tight end Lance Kendricks. The team also added quarterback Case Keenum.
If head coach Jeff Fisher wanted to, he could start actively getting involved in free agency. There are several valuable players left on the market that the Rams wouldn't mind having. Cornerbacks Brandon Browner or Perrish Cox could help the Rams' 19th ranked pass defense from last season. Despite coming off down seasons, Percy Harvin or Michael Crabtree could add depth to a shaky wide receiving corps. Pass-rushers Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo won't be too expensive if St. Louis wanted to add to its already talented front seven.
Whichever route the Rams wanted to go, they now have the necessary cap space to do so.
