The St. Louis Rams have a great deal of money tied up in offensive tackle Jason Smith. In the years since drafting him with the second overall pick in 2009, they have had little in the way of return for that investment. Now, with a new head coach and eventually a new GM, the team may cut Smith if he isn't willing to take a pay cut, according to Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk.
Smith has been criticized for his, um, less than enthusiastic play. I've been told by two sources in the last year, one a former player, that Smith suffers in part from a lack of passion for the game. That's hard to prove, but his disappointing and inconsistent play has been quite clear.
Smith is due $10 million in salary this season, but the Rams would only be on the hook for $1 million of it if they release him. Keeping him at a reduced rate would at least give him a chance to compete for a job, perhaps providing a little extra motivation. The Rams are thin at offensive tackle without Smith, but they can't tolerate his lackluster play if they plan to protect another pricey investment in Sam Bradford.
Yesterday, new head coach Jeff Fisher described his approach as "disciplined, tough and physical," none of which would apply to Smith. I wonder a little if Fisher's higher expectations might be of more benefit to a player like Smith as opposed to Spagnuolo's tact of the coddling, everyone's a winner t-ball coach. But I don't hold out much hope for Smith's future based on the last three years.
Smith is also recovering from his third concussion since coming to the NFL, and the second that forced him to injured reserve. Those are not easy injuries to comeback from.
Teams do themselves no favors by hanging onto failed draft picks, waiting and waiting for those players to finally reach their potential.
1 recs | 104 comments
cut, cut, cut!
that $9M can be so much better used elsewhere.
stlcardinalsfang - January 18, 2012
Tell him take a pay cut or you're gone
But at the same time I think we should try to see if he can play one of the G positions if he does take a pay cut. Also what is the cap hit if we just cut him?
ChrisL951 - January 18, 2012
THE ARTICLE SAID
About 1 million of the 10 million due is owed if he cuts
Valley Ram - January 18, 2012 via mobile
For some reason I missed that lol
ChrisL951 - January 18, 2012
He can be the new trainer!
OakCityRam - January 18, 2012
trim the fat!!
No more coddling lil injury prone babies!! And S.Jackson you’re on notice too!! For a big horse like you noway you should be on the shelf as much as you are..get in the friggin game already!!
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
SJ plays through a lot of injuries
ChrisL951 - January 18, 2012
This is the funniest comment I've read in a while.
Yeah, SJax! QUIT SLACKING AND NOT DOING YOUR PART!
FailureDrill - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Ummm...
What? The only person on notice is you for that asinine comment. Please do us all a favor and don’t post anymore. You are on time-out…
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
lol
Ur an fn idiot
Ew-Whip11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Im an idiot?
That’s ur opinion..but don’t think for a second that Fisher is’nt gonna be lookin at everyone on this roster under a microscope..that’s the difference that Fisher will bring..If you like the losing you can keep the status quo..do you like bein a laughing stock stepchild of the league?
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
no obviously...
but is steven jackson really the first person that popped in your little head when thinking about who needs to give more effort?
Hibachi40 - January 18, 2012
Pardon my blasphemy!!
Jeeze I retract my statement if it’s sooo egregious!! No need to get so insulting about it..sheeeeet
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
i agree
its his opinions. and the last time i checked we are all people who sit on our computers and speculate. his opinions dont make him an idiot.. especially not to a bunch of people who dont have much experience past high school football themselves. stop fucking insulting e/o. its annoying and immature. k thanks.
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
thanks
….
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
shit gets old dude
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
You are right...
And we have every right to criticize his asinine comment. So he can say what he wants and we can reply with what we want. It works both ways. And if you don’t like the reaction, then consider changing the action next time…
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
true
but even if u think his comment was idiotic.. reply like ur older thanfour years old
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
+1
constructive criticism people
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
Again it works both ways...
Make comments that show you have been watching football for more than 4 years. Stephen Jackson has rushed for 1000 yards for 7 straight years. Only 6 other RB’s in history have done that. So to think the heart and soul of this team has been sitting the bench because he wants to be there is an idiotic statement and should be addressed as such.
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
That speaks more to endurance
Than impact and efficiency. 1000 yards is 62.5 yards per game. A better measure of RB efficiency would be to look at TDs per season or yards per touch.
To put it another way, would you rather have Marshall Faulk circa 1999-2002 or Steven Jackson 2006-2009?
STLRambler - January 20, 2012
And you are sadly mistaken...
Your opinion can and does make you an idiot. I can sit here and say the ’85 Bears were the shittiest defense in modern football and that the ’72 Dolphins were overrated and deserve no credit. Would that be my opinion? Yes. Would that also make me an idiot for thinking that way? Yes.
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
yea but they taught me in elementary school
that if someone says something stupid.. ur the “idiot” for even replying
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
infinty!!
…since we’re all arguing like school boys lol…
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Im rubber your glue....
Used that one alot in elementary….and a little in high school lol
Valley Ram - January 18, 2012 via mobile
In Jerzymook's defense
Jackson did get injured on his first run of the season last year and he wasn’t touched on the play. Jackson plays harder than any player on the Rams but he frequently has leg injuries because he refuses to go down.
Mister T - January 18, 2012
THANK YOU!!
That’s exactly what got me thinkin in this direction! That first run against the Eagles..I was all excited on that play and then I’m like what!? He got hurt on that?
jerzymook - January 19, 2012 via mobile
okay
but instead of calling him an idiot maybe point out why he is wrong instead of just insulting him. I’m guilty of this from time to time, but I think it’s something the community as a whole should work on.
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
But he should already know that!
Stephen Jackson = Heart of the team! You don’t have to be Stephen Hawking to figure out that equation!
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
lol we all know that
but one could argue that we should be trying to get younger.. or that steven is past his prime. the fact about opinion is that most facts are still seen as opinions. mind fucked u just now didnt i? lol
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
and I agree lol
I’m just saying that we should all be less insulting to each other, that’s all. Not trying to single you out, because like I said, I’m guilty of it too. I just think that we should tone down the insults as a whole.
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
Aight I can get with that...
Just frustrating sometimes. Point taken…
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
dude me and buckeye are both guilty of the same lol
being a ram fan will do that to u haha
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
oh it definitely gets frustrating lol
we’ve had to watch one of the worst organizations in the league screw us over time and time again lol
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
+1
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
If I may..
I’m not disputing Jax value when healthy..he has been a valuable workhorse..maybe I got a little caught up in the “dump Jason Smith” frenzy..I’m in no way associating the two players..but he has a lot of mileage on his frame..we could bring in some help…but I’m not the first nor the last to label someone injury prone…He’s a great player when healthy!!
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
and Im frustrated
With all the losing too!! I’m new to this blog but I’ve been a fan since the late 80’s and seen the lowest of lows and the highest of highs…back to the lows lol
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
NO!!
J.E.T.music - January 18, 2012 via mobile
"bell-cow" rb's
Are a dying breed anyway..look at the statistics this year..all th 4000+ passers and less 1000 yrd rushers..specialists are the way to go..quick slasher backs,pass receiving 3rd down backs, goal line mules
jerzymook - January 18, 2012 via mobile
crazy
if there is ONE GUY who earns his game day check its Jackson
edlew1 - January 18, 2012
The Rams are thin at OT with Smith
Take the cut or leave.
MUJD - January 18, 2012
BUM!
That fat loser should by prosecuted for stealing money from the RAMS. Yes, the RAMS paid him the money but that was contingent upon him being a football player with at least a little bit of self worth.
Dendog - January 18, 2012
Salary cap hit??
Rams brothers, what would the salary cap hit be if we cut Smith?
abiRam - January 18, 2012
$1 Mil...
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
According....
to the article I believe it says the RAMS would be on the hook for only a million. they should do it ASAP. :D
Dendog - January 18, 2012
Only $1M???
I think we should give him a shot at Guard or cut him…
abiRam - January 18, 2012
Bonus money could affect the cap
The bonus money is prorated over the life of the contract and then when a player is cut, the prorated bonus for future years hits the cap when the player is cut.
Mister T - January 18, 2012
That is true
But i think this is his final year on the contract. That makes sence since iv read that after next season they will have about 40 million in cap space due in large to most of the Olines contracts
Valley Ram - January 18, 2012
sigh
i really would like to give him one year under our new coaching staff. Smiths first three years were also Spags first HC years, and i agree with what Lloyd said in yesterdays interview talking about how much difference a coach can make, of course he was talking about the Niners though. Does anyone know what kinda cap hit we would take for this anyways. Is it really just 1 million?
Ramanthan - January 18, 2012
Hmmm
He obviously hasn’t earned what we’ve invested in him but it would be a shame to outright release him if there was any possibility he could provide any value. Then again his release would certainly put everyone on notice and be a better financial move so perhaps that’s the better way to go. I guess it boils down to if the new staff believes he’s not only capable of contributing but willing to put in the work. I know we’d be better off if we could get this guy turned around but sometimes guys just don’t have it and you need to know when to cut ties and move on and not compound the mistake by wasting a roster spot.
Sggladden - January 18, 2012
Sayonara!
Cut that bank robber and use that money on Brandon Lloyd and Cortland Finnegan!
Joe Mazzi - January 18, 2012
+1
abiRam - January 18, 2012
I've been researching this as well
It looked to me we owed him more than 1$M this year in guaranteed, but what do I know?! I really want him off the team but the cost of him as a backup could really hurt the team if he gets on the field. I’m fine with him somewhere else, but let’s make a trade if we can; like the trade of Barron for Barbie. It didn’t work out, but with a change of scenery who knows.
RamsFan1979 - January 18, 2012
Wow
Definitely needs to take a pay cut and extend him for 2 years, as a back-up. How does $3M/yr sound? Someone had mentioned in another article that the Rams would have a lot of cap space. Currently, they are at around $10M, but with Smith cut, could be $19M?
Loved your quote Van, which is what Fisher brings to the table:
“I wonder a little if Fisher’s higher expectations might be of more benefit to a player like Smith as opposed to Spagnuolo’s tact of the coddling, everyone’s a winner t-ball coach. "
Can’t say I’ll miss the hand clap.
81 Witness - January 18, 2012
what
did everyone think of Smith when he was drafted? I wasn’t thrilled with him, but what was the feel around here?
iplaythedrums - January 18, 2012 via mobile
I prefered Eugene Monroe
but it’s not like that would have worked out too much better, anyways.
Joe Mazzi - January 18, 2012
Not much better?
Monroe still plays at left tackle for the Jaguars. He has started 42 games vs. 26 for Smith. Jones-Drew led the NFL in rushing. He was the tackle the Rams should have taken.
RamFan876 - January 18, 2012
I want to know too
Were people looking at Smith as if he were the next Orlando Pace, like everyone is looking at Matt Kalil now?
KeSt - January 18, 2012
Draft pundits liked Smith's upside
They also liked Ryan Leaf’s upside. Draft players that are good football players now, not players with good upside. Michael Oher also came out in the same draft as Smith.
Mister T - January 18, 2012
Cut him if he doesn't sign for less...trade 1st pick to Browns...
…then pickup Blackmon and one of the Stanfurd lineman in the 1st.
Oski Bear - January 18, 2012
he has had 3 years
if we are going to change the era of settling for crap and less than full potential then this has to be done. Also even if he does play one hit to the head and the guy is done for the season. i felt horrible for him last year with that injury but we have to move forward might as well start now.
edlew1 - January 18, 2012
dbcouver had a good idea yesterday
about having him slim down a little and using him as a TE
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
remember,
he was a TE until his senior season (I think)
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
...
what a great idea… :-P
hex706f726368 - January 18, 2012
didn't see that
credit goes to hex lol
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
restructure.make him a guard
All signs point to us taking a left tackle for our first pic
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Just freakin cut him already.
Alex Barron part 2. Remember how frustrated all of us got watching him and the the talk of switching him around. Just cut him. He isn’t worth the hassle and does anyone here actually think he can make it through a Fisher training camp? Whatever the reduced rate over a million is money best spent elsewhere. Like a new equipment manager and pictures to hang on the walls.
Da Rookie - January 18, 2012
his run blocking is valuable tho
wouldnt mind him replacing our left gaurd
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
I don't understand the Guard thing.
I guy that is concussion prone people want to stick him in the middle of the line to really get knocked around? He would be on the injury list with a concussion so fast he might as well not even be here. Then we would be stuck eating his salary. Just cut him and move on.Give me a 6th round pick that is hungry over a 1st rounder that is lazy and concussion prone any day.
Da Rookie - January 18, 2012
because u can atleast try him if he is healthy
im sure thats why we havent flat out cut hum already
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
No team has cut anybody yet have they?
So I wouldn’t use that as a Barometer. Besides if you keep him and he gets injured in team organized activities, mini- camp or training camp you own his contract. Risk does not equal reward IMO.
Da Rookie - January 18, 2012
no my point was why give him the choice to restructure if u dont want him at all
and i might be mistaken but if he gets another concussion we can just void his contract or get osme kind of settlement.
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
I see what you are saying
It better be a real low restructure. I don’t think he would take what I would be willing to offer. Who really cares anyway. He is probabally out the door anyway. Some team like the Cowboys will pick him up and pay him 3X what he is worth. LOL
Da Rookie - January 18, 2012
who cares lol
offer him a million a year or cut him nd ive him his million today. say bye to the nfl jason
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
It's the concussion history
A couple of more dings to the head and he could be forced into retirement anyway. Why not cut him loose now and open a roster spot for someone else that can stay healthy?
CumberlandRam - January 18, 2012
Smith....
How did Smith change coming from Baylor to the NFL? The scouting report I read from the Rams going into that draft was that Smith had a NASTY streak in him in college. I guess the BIG BOYS of the NFL can make a nasty college offensive lineman a whimpy little girl if he isn’t tough enough to handle it. I guess Smith isn’t tough enough. Bye bye Jason. Say hi to Alex Barron!
Ricksome - January 18, 2012
giving him a chance
thats fine but not gambling ten million on his being improved. he should be payed for his past performance. He obviously is not playing as 1st round draft choice so to keep him he has to take a large cut. even if cutting him costs 2 million in dead money that leaves 8 milion to replace him. To replace him with same level of player (which ofcourse we want an upgrade) would cost say 3 mil (guessing) still would leave 5 mill in free slalary cap space .
sgtprey - January 18, 2012
Clip his ass and lets free up more money for playmakers!
kevio3000 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Instead of releasing him
could we trade him for a piece of candy or a shinny new pen? How much would we be on hook for then?
sergey606 - January 18, 2012
we could use that pen to sign ppl with his money
it should say jason smith on it lol
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
haha and eat the candy? (as long as it's not skittles)
but would we have to eat any of his money if we traded him though?
sergey606 - January 18, 2012
yea i think what we guarenteed him
whih sounds like the same million lol
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
ok lets address the elephant in this room
lloyd.. worth the money or no
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
He's worth money. Not franchise tag-type money, but money, nonetheless.
Joe Mazzi - January 18, 2012
i agree
i dnt wanna throw 7 mill a year at him tho
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Depends on how much money you are talking about
Eric Nagel - January 18, 2012
Hypothetically
4 years/$15 million sound like a ballpark figure?
Joe Mazzi - January 18, 2012
pefect for me
wouldnt give him any more than that
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
actually
4 year 20 maybe
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
That is quite a reasonable length and monetary figure
I’m sure he will reject both.
Eric Nagel - January 18, 2012
4-5 mill a yer?
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Id cut the brother
Its easy to see his passion is gone and its no good to keep him around to rub off on other players 9 million can be used elsewhare
Ramzman18 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Just saw this posted elsewhere
Profootballtalk.com reports that Rams RT Jason Smith “will be landing on waivers” if he doesn’t agree to a dramatic salary reduction for 2012.
A league source tells PFT that Smith has received an “ultimatum” from the Rams. His base salary is a whopping $10 million, and only $1 million of it is guaranteed. Since being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Smith has started only 26 of a possible 48 games. When healthy, Smith has been terrifically poor in pass protection and added very little as a run blocker. Jan 18 – 11:40 AM
David5264 - January 18, 2012
cut his ass! dude had soo many chances man...
kick rocks i say!
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
can anybody tell me how much cap space we'll have if we cut smith?
would it be 19 mil because only 1 mil is guaranteed? Or would it still be around 10 mil? Or somewhere in between?
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
I think we save 9 million
But my only experience in the salary cap is Madden…
Eric Nagel - January 18, 2012
mine too lol
that extra nine million would free up enough space to sign carl nicks
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
We only owe him what is guaranteed. The timing of when we cut him
determines if it goes against 2011 cap or 2012 cap. We can wait until after the beginning of March and cut him, will go against this years cap, but what’s a MiL? 9$M will be free to do what we want with. Once more dead weight is removed from the team the cap space will get larger; as long as there is no guaranteed money. I’m thinking of Robbins, Gibson [Gary & Brandon], Brown, Hoom, Bajema, Cadillac, Goldberg, Norwood and others who underperform.
RamsFan1979 - January 18, 2012
Most every place I look it appears his cap for 2012 is 13.3 million.
That must include the allocation of 16.3 million “bonus” we paid him in 2010 plus any signing bonus we paid him over the life of the contract. We may have 3 more years (2012-2014) of allocating that amount which would roll back into this year if we cut him. This allocation appears to be @ 3.3 million a year so we would probably only gain @ 2.4 million in cap space this year (3 yrs @ 3.3 + 1 million guaranteed = @ 10.9 vs the 13.3 projected with full salary). This will free up an additonal cap space in 2013 & 2014 though (@ 3.3/yr).We would end up with 10.9 million in dead money this year though.
What I do not understand is why Demoff did not take the hit for this bonus in 2010 when there was not any cap consequences?
RBramfan - January 18, 2012
Iv read that
Next year is 12 mil and his final year on his contract is voidable… So worst case senario we have him 2 more years…2 differnet links iv read this and still looking up…would post them but im mobile right now
Valley Ram - January 18, 2012
Restructure his deal.
Lets see what Fisher can get outta him this fall. I don’t want to see another 1st round pick wasted on another left tackle this year when we need a game-breaking receiver for Sammy to throw to. Smith may not have lived up to his draft billing, but I wouldn’t call him the second coming of Alex Barron either. Weirder things have happened with top picks. Look what happened when Singletary got deep into Vernon Davis’ unproductive ass. Instant success. I say lets roll with some of the younger players that were picked unless coach really wants their sorry asses gone immediately.
Da Rams! - January 18, 2012
You do understand what a concussion is and how it effects everyday life?
Davis needed some tough coaching, that won’t work for Smith. Smith has to think of life after football, which I think he’s already done. Concussion’s lead to Alzheimer’s Disease among other things. His passion is gone due to the concussions.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=147175 Good info for anyone who might be a little curious.
RamsFan1979 - January 18, 2012
this is where I land on this issue
Smith needs to retire. He’s made enough money and needs to concern himself with post football life. We need to not be part of his future and vice versa.
dbcouver - January 18, 2012 via mobile
SMITH=ALEX BARRON
JordansDad - January 19, 2012 via mobile
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