Potential Patriots: Released Rams
By David Smith
The Rams made a few surprise moves earlier this week when they released LB James Laurinaitis, DL Chris Long and TE Jared Cook. I think if, if the price is right, we could see them in Patriots’ uniforms next season.
Jared Cook isn’t someone I think the Patriots will be interested in. He signed a big free agent contract a few years back and has underwhelmed immensely when he was a Ram. The Patriots have Scott Chander and Gronk, unless Cook is signed for vet minimum (which he won’t be), he’ll sign elsewhere, and I’m ok with that.
When the Rams cut Laurinaitis I was shocked. I loved him coming out of college and wanted the Patriots to get him a in the draft. In my opinion he’s just a cap casualty. He’s still producing very well. Now that Mayo has retired, a veteran presence could really be used in the linebacking corp. Freeney is a decent rotational linebacker, but Laurinaitis is just flat out better. If the price was right, say 4-years, 10 million, I’d get him.
Chris Long…the one I want more than any of them. He’s producing at a high level, he’s a cap cut plain and simple. The Rams’ d-line is just so stacked that Long was expendable. Ninkovich is getting old and Chandler Jones will be a free-agent soon. I think Long will be good insurance in case one of them isn’t around in the next few seasons. A 3-4 year deal and the chance for a title will hopefully be enough to entice Long to sign with the Patriots.
I’d love both Laurinaitis and Long to sign with the Patriots. I think they could really help the Patriots defense get to the next level. As long as the price is right, they could step in and produce. It’s something I’d like to see.