Rams Likely to Let Britt Walk

NFL Free Agency doesn’t start until March 9th at 4pm ET but that doesn’t mean that teams aren’t already making decisions. This morning the Rams have made the first of many decisions they face this off-season by all but publicly announcing that they are likely not to resign wide receiver Kenny Britt. Allowing Britt to walk is a tad odd considering he’s the first receiver since 2007 to top 1000 yards and considering just how bad the Rams offense was last year that’s a minor miracle. It’s likely the Rams saw his season as more of a blip than a trend and didn’t want to overpay Britt who’s likely to command at least 6.5 million on the open market. The Rams have some cap space and are likely working towards both retaining defensive back Trumaine Johnson who was under the franchise tag last year. They also are banking on attracting one of the marquee receivers that will likely be available on March 9th.

It’s also strange that the Rams would let him go considering Brian Quick is also a free agent and given his lack of production likely won’t be coming back leaving Tavon Austin as their only starting receiver which is a major concern if you’re Jared Goff. Sure, there are a lot of receivers available such as Kenny Stills, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Markus Wheaton. There is zero guarantee that any of these guys will sign with the Rams and that would mean they either take fliers on the journeymen players on the market but that won’t exactly solve the Rams problems at the position. On top of that, the Rams don’t have a first or third round pick and while they can spend their 2nd pick on a receiver in the draft they have other needs and limited draft resources to get them.

Kenny Britt will be 29 at the start at the season and while he had some early character issues when he was in Tennessee, he finally came into his own last season. Tavon Austin isn’t a marquee receiver let a lone one that can run routes and catch passes. He’s best served when used in the slot or on end a rounds even though he’s paid like a number one. Britt could very well be brought back either at a reduced priced or the Rams decide to overpay him a little but if not, the Rams wouldn’t have a reliable option if they strike out in free agency. This new regime’s biggest priority will be to build the offense and letting Britt go might seem like a cost saving move or a signal towards a new era but in reality it will stunt Goff’s growth and he can’t afford any more setbacks.