Free agent signings have be un-valuable

Will the Rams get any value from their 2024 free agent class?

The Rams bit their tongue in free agency last year and that has worked out better for them than what the team has received from their free agent signings in 2024. Two years after additions like Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner didn’t help L.A. like the team thought that they would, how late is “too late” for Jonah Jackson, Colby Parkinson, Tre’Davious White, Darious Williams to help the Rams reach the playoffs for the third time in the last four years?

CB Tre’Davious White

The Rams are reportedly ready to part ways with White, the former All-Pro cornerback with injury problems who continues to be a healthy scratch. White “only” cost the team $4 million, but that’s $3 million more than most players who don’t suit up.

G Jonah Jackson

Fans can’t be mad about Snead investing in the guard position — they’ve been BEGGING for it to happen for years — but Jackson has not played since Week 2 and like White, he also came with the baggage of an injury history. Jackson is the third-highest paid left guard in the NFL at $17 million per season and now L.A. has some reason to believe that their cheaper options like Logan Bruss and Justin Dedich are not bad at all.

TE Colby Parkinson

There was some hype over the Parkinson signing (3 years, $22.5 million) because he’s tall and maybe with Sean McVay he could ascend to a higher level while Tyler Higbee is out as he recovers from ACL surgery. That hasn’t been the case — Parkinson has caught 23 passes for 214 yards and no touchdowns and has had issues with catching the ball — and he’s proving to be the same player he was as TE3 in Seattle.

CB Darious Williams

Darious Williams returned to the Rams for a three-year, $22.5 million contract as well, and he missed the first four games of the season. Since returning, Williams has allowed 10 catches for 174 yards, one touchdown, 13.4 yards per target, 17.4 yards per completion, and a passer rating of 143.9.

None of these four players were “discount” signings for the Rams and even then we know that L.A. had to pay “free agent prices” and those rarely end up paying off equally. However, these players are not close to “even” with their prices yet.

• White will likely be released, giving $0 value for $4 million
• Parkinson’s cap hits are $3.6 million, $9.8 million, and $9 million; he’s a “$10 million player” on the Rams next season, when he will probably be TE2
• Williams received $7 million guaranteed at signing and barring a dramatic turnaround at age 31, is probably going to be released in 2025 with over $2 million in dead cap
• There’s not much we can say about Jackson while he’s not playing and only the future will tell how often that’s true

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