Grading the signing: Latest free agent signing shows the Rams are finally serious about addressing worst part of the roster
The Rams took a major step forward to fixing their special teams this week.
The Los Angeles Rams have had a fairly quiet free agent period, with just three signings so far to start free agency. Their most recent signing won’t be met with a lot of fanfare, but it’s an important signing that will go a long way in fixing the worst part of the roster over the last several years.
Former Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard signed a two year deal with the Rams worth up to $5.05 million. Stuard isn’t a household name, but this is a very encouraging signing for the Rams, who have scarcely invested into this position room in free agency.
The Rams are finally taking special teams seriously
Grant Stuard likely won’t see a lot of action on defense other than some rotational snaps. Linebacker is thin, but Stuard is an undersized linebacker who probably shouldn’t be seeing that many snaps anyways. Where he will make his mark, however, is boosting the Rams’ special teams. Stuard has made a career as a special teamer. Whether he is operating as a returner or on coverage units, Stuard has been an impactful ‘teamer across the league with the Buccaneers, Colts, and Lions.
Stuard brings good speed and pursuit to the Rams’ special teams, who desperately needed a boost in athleticism to that unit. Their top three special teamers this year, Troy Reeder, Jaylen McCollough, and Omar Speights, aren’t particularly fast. In the NFL, speed kills, and it’s differences like this that can often be the difference between a 25-yard return and a 35-yard return.
This shouldn’t be the only move the Rams make on special teams (or at linebacker), as they should have competitions at kicker, kick returner, and punt gunner, but it is a big one. For the first time in years, they’ve finally invested some actual resources (no matter how little) into their special teams unit, rather than treating it as an afterthought. It’s an encouraging step forward for the team, and that’s what makes this signing so worthwhile.
Grade: A
Los Angeles Rams News
Grading the signing: Jaylen Watson gives Los Angeles Rams free agency fix they desperately needed at worst position room
The Jaylen Watson signing will go a long way in solving the Rams’ issues at cornerback.
