Random Ramsdom: Former quarterback for the franchise retires, becomes NFL coach

Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 2/6/24

Sean Mannion was once upon a time drafted by the then St. Louis Rams. Mannion would become part of the Los Angeles Rams after the franchise moved locations. More recently he was suiting up for the Minnesota Vikings and signing with the Seattle Seahawks. The former NFL QB has now decided to call it a career, but reportedly he is not leaving the NFL entirely. Mannion will become part of the Green Bay Packer’s coaching staff.

It will be interesting to see how his career develops now that he is among the coaching ranks. I wish Mannion well unless he is taking on the Rams. This news about Mannion is a couple days old, and I hadn’t had a chance to share the development. It may be the offseason for the Rams, but there’s still plenty to talk about! Please comment on whatever you’d like and have a great Tuesday!

Report: Sean Mannion retires to join Packers’ coaching staff (nbcsports)

“Mannion, per Henderson, has accepted a position on the Packers’ coaching staff working with the quarterbacks and the passing game. Mannion’s official title is unclear.

The Seahawks signed Mannion to their practice squad Dec. 8, but he did not see any game action. He previously was on Seattle’s practice squad in 2022 and with the team in training camp in 2021.

Mannion, a third-round pick of the Rams in 2015, appeared in 14 games in his career with three starts. His most recent start came in 2021 for the Vikings.

In nine seasons, Mannion spent time with the Rams, Vikings and Seahawks.”

The Los Angeles Rams Must Prioritize These Five Free Agents (si.com)

“Dotson wasn’t just the best lineman in Los Angeles this season – he was one of the best in the sport. Keeping Stafford upright will be a priority, meaning continuity and stars up front will be necessary. Dotson checks both of those boxes.

Every other free agent should fall pretty far below Dotson on Snead’s list of priorities, but safety Jordan Fuller has certainly made a good case for being brought back.

Fuller played well – the sixth-best Rams defender among those with legitimate playing time, per Pro Football Focus – and set (or tied) career highs with his ball production. That includes three forced fumbles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups, to go along with the lowest passer rating against of his career.

Fuller can wear the green dot if need be and is respected in the locker room, adding to the list of reasons for his return. Stability on the back end is nice, but if quality players aren’t taking snaps, it doesn’t matter how well they gel. Fuller is one of the better players in this secondary and should be paid accordingly.”

6 toughest decisions for Rams GM Les Snead this offseason (ramswire)

“Being a general manager in the NFL always comes with tough decisions each year, and Les Snead won’t be immune to those this offseason. As the Rams’ GM, he’ll have several difficult calls to make when it comes to building out Los Angeles’ roster, from players to re-sign to the backup quarterback position.

Free agency is still a month away and the draft will take place in late April, but Snead and the Rams front office have already begun their offseason planning. These are their six biggest decisions looming this offseason.

1

Cut or keep Joe Noteboom?

This is a huge decision for the Rams, one that could create a ripple effect. Noteboom has a $20 million cap hit, but if he’s cut before June 1, the Rams only save $5 million of that amount. Keeping him on the roster as a $20 million backup is bad business, but it’s not as if the savings is significant if the Rams decide to move on from him.”

The outcome of 4 vital Rams players dictates the entire offseason strategy (ramblinfan)

“One such player who was out of the NFL spotlight is defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon. Despite signing with the team at the end of June 2023, he not only earned a starting role in the secondary, but he was arguably the best performer in pass defense. He was able to play in 1040 defensive snaps in 2023, which was 94 percent of the defense.

While the 6-foot-2 195-pound outside cornerback saw little relief over 17 games, he showed why he was difficult to rest. He accumulated 52 tackles, 14 deflected passes, three tackles for a loss, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

In pass defense, he only allowed 51 completions out of 106 targets, holding his receiver assignments to only a 48.1 percent catch rate. Best of all, he was willing to accomplish all of this at the league minimum salary. So why would there be any doubt as to whether the team would exetend him?”