When safety Eric Weddle signed with the Rams following his release by the Ravens earlier this year Andrew Whitworth Jersey , he called it a “dream scenario” to return to Southern California after growing up and starting his NFL career there.Joining the Rams isn’t just a homecoming tour, however. Weddle’s expected to play a big role on defense and he said this week that he can bring more value to the team by helping fellow safety John Johnson continue to develop.“I’m here to push him to that next level. He’s got a chance to be an exceptional safety for a long time and I can see it in him,” Weddle said, via the team’s website. “He’s got to get there, so I’ll push him every day that’s for sure.”Johnson moved into the starting lineup as a rookie in 2017 and contributed 119 tackles, four interceptions and a forced fumble to the defense in the regular season last year. He also came up with the interception of Drew Brees in overtime of the NFC Championship Game that set up the field goal that sent the Rams to the Super Bowl.If Johnson takes a step forward and Weddle avoids a big slip in play at 34 Robert Woods Jersey , safety should be a strength for the Rams this year. Adding cut players. Letting expensive vets walk. The Snead Way."WhiteSections 2019 offseason2019 free agency2019 NFL DraftFull ArchiveLibrary 2019 NFL calendar2019 Rams regular season sched2019 Rams preseason schedMasthead Community Guidelines NFL Odds StubHub ✕2019 Los Angeles Rams Offseason2019 NFL Draft2019 NFL Free AgencyLos Angeles Rams continue compensatory pick strategy beyond 2019 free agencyNew,21commentsAdding cut players. Letting expensive vets walk. The Snead Way.CDTShareTweetShareShareLos Angeles Rams continue compensatory pick strategy beyond 2019 free agencyJason Getz-USA TODAY SportsIt’s the beginning of free agency, and the Los Angeles Rams appear to have made the key decisions to make on some of their core veterans and recent acquisitions. No, I’m not talking about 2019.I’m talking about 2018.The Rams ultimately let twice-tagged CB Trumaine Johnson and WR Sammy Watkins leave via free agency (among others) for a combined tune of $120.5m spread out over their contracts, respectively. The NFL spotted them two compensatory picks for their troubles in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.Flash forward to this offseason, and the team is headed toward being in the same boat. New Rams S Eric Weddle was cut by the Baltimore Ravens Brandon Allen Jersey , meaning he doesn’t impact the compensation formula much like the Rams pickup of DL Ndamukong Suh who was similarly let go a year ago. So in terms of comp picks, the Rams are once again sitting pretty good. For reference, here was last year:2018 Free Agent Comp PicksNamePositionContract (Yrs)Contract (Val)Yr/ValComp PickNamePositionContract (Yrs)Contract (Val)Yr/ValComp PickAnd now, here is what we have so far with S Lamarcus Joyner joining the Raiders and G Rodger Saffold III heading to Nashville:2019 Free Agent Comp PicksNamePositionContract (Yrs)Contract (Val)Yr/ValComp PickNamePositionContract (Yrs)Contract (Val)Yr/ValComp PickWhile the average value per year is down, guard and safety are not exactly the most marquee positions. For now, the Rams would easily get a compensation pick for both of the departed players Sam Shields Jersey , likely in the 3rd-4th range, depending on how the contracts continue to be handed out in free agency.
