Los Angeles Rams

Rams RB Darrell Henderson told reporters that he’s still continuing to rehab from ankle surgery that landed him on the IR last season. He added that he’s good to go and that he would be a full participant for training camp. (Source: Jourdan Rodrigue on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The 2019 3rd round pick out of Memphis is expected to be the “home run hitter” in the Rams backfield to complement rookie RB Cam Akers and veteran RB Malcolm Brown. Henderson showed some promise last season, however was behind Todd Gurley on the depth chart, so he wasn’t able to get many reps. The thought was that the backfield would be his when Gurley signed with the Falcons, but then the Rams spent a 2nd round pick on Akers. Expect Henderson to be a part of the mix, but he’s nothing more than a RB3/4 or deep flex play until he shows he can be more than a change of pace guy to Akers, who is expected to be the lead dog. Akers owners would be wise however to use a pick on Henderson to have the two main pieces of the Rams backfield.

Rams GM Les Snead spoke on “Around the NFL” and referred to RB Malcolm Brown as a goal-line and short-yardage back and RB Darrell Henderson as a home run hitter. He then referred to rookie RB Cam Akers as Florida State’s “go-to guy.” (Source: Cameron DaSilva on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Reading between the lines, it sounds like the 2nd round pick out of Florida State will take the reigns as the lead back of a three-man RBBC. Snead praised Akers for his ability to overcome poor offensive line play in college and still put up solid production. For fantasy owners, this seems to be a messy situation for all three backs involved, but it’s looking more and more likely that Akers will get the first crack as the starter, with Henderson playing a change-of-pace role and Brown taking the snaps in short yardage situations. In redraft leagues, this could be a messy situation, with Akers having the highest upside, but in dynasty leagues, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny if you want to land Akers.

Rams DB Jalen Ramsey told reporters on Tuesday morning that he would report to training camp even without a contract extension. (Source: Steve Wyche on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Ramsey is entering the final year of his contract, but feels comfortable reporting to training camp with Los Angeles regardless of his contract situation. That is a far cry from how Ramsey handled his time in Jacksonville for the latter part of his career with the Jaguars. He was traded to the Rams early in the 2019 season after publicly speaking out about his desire to be dealt. The former 2016 fifth-overall pick is set to make a cool $13.7M this season and feels confident a long-term extension is forthcoming. One of, if not the best defensive back in the game could become the highest-paid DB in NFL history when he signs his extension.

Per his agent David Canter, Rams DE Morgan Fox has re-signed with the team for the 2020 season. (Source: Los Angeles Rams on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The 25 year old undrafted defensive end will return to the Rams in 2020. He’s spent the last four years in Los Angeles, recording 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 36 games played. He’s played in all 16 games in each of the last two seasons and provides depth for a very formidable Rams defensive line.

Rams WR Josh Reynolds has cemented himself as a starting WR for the Rams due to his ability as a dynamic deep-ball threat. (Source: Gary Klein on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The fourth-year WR out of Texas A&M has really proved himself to Rams head coach Sean McVay in his three seasons in Los Angeles, so much so that the Rams were willing to part ways with WR Brandin Cooks just last month. “We would not have made the move on Brandin Cooks had it not been for the confidence we have in Josh Reynolds,” McVay said. After posting just 21 catches for 326 yards and one TD in 2019, Reynolds is poised to make more noise in 2020 as a full-time starter next to Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. In fact, there were times last season down the stretch that Reynolds played ahead of Kupp when the Rams went with 12 personnel as their base offense. He’s currently ranked #86 in FantasyPros consensus WR rankings, but could be an interesting sleeper candidate this season.

Lindsey Thiry of ESPN reports the Rams restructured Jared Goff's contract. (Source: Lindsey Thiry on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The team created $7 million in cap space by doing so. The former number-one draft pick is guaranteed $31 million and $27.5 million over the next two seasons. After that, his contract holds a cap hit of over $30 million in every year from 2022-24. Los Angeles sold out to win a Super Bowl over the past couple of seasons and has some serious cap issues moving forward.

Just hours after word broke that the Rams signed former CFL kicker Lirim Hajrullahu, it is now being reported that they’re bringing in former XFL kicker Austin MacGinnis to compete for the job. (Source: ProFootballTalk on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: MacGinnis spent the early part of 2020 kicking for the XFL’s Dallas Renegades, going 10-10 on his field goal attempts. He’s been on an NFL roster before, but this will be his first real attempt at a starting spot in the NFL as the Rams look for a replacement for long-time kicker Greg Zuerlein.

The Rams traded Brandin Cooks and a 2022 fourth round draft pick to the Texans in exchange for a second round draft pick. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Cooks will look to bounce back after failing to reach a 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since his rookie season. He missed time last year due to suffering his fifth concussion. The 26-year old logged 42 receptions for 583 yards and two touchdowns across 14 games for the Rams in 2019. Cooks will join Randall Cobb and Will Fuller as Deshaun Watson’s top three weapons. If he can stay healthy, Cooks should see boost in fantasy value and could climb up the ranks as a borderline WR2.

Rams coach Sean McVay says he needs to do a better job of utilizing Gerald Everett's skill set this season. (Source: USA Today)

Fantasy Impact: “Really, really excited about what Gerald Everett’s going to do,” McVay said. "“I think Tyler Higbee did a phenomenal job, but I think Gerald Everett’s a guy that I’ve got to do a better job of utilizing his skill set because he’s a difference-maker". Everett was off to a great start in 2019 before suffering a knee injury, which led to Tyler Higbee ending the year as the team's go-to tight end. Individually, each guy is interesting for fantasy purposes. However, it remains to be seen if they can both have value playing in the same offense.

G Austin Blythe has re-signed with the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year, $3.9M deal, with $3.5M guaranteed. (Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Nice payday for the former 2016 seventh-round pick out of Iowa. He was selected by the Colts in that draft, played one season with them before joining the Rams in 2017. He’s been a quality starter for Los Angeles and he’ll be coming back on a one-year deal to protect QB Jared Goff in 2020.

Rams CB Donte Deayon has re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year deal. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The fourth-year corner out of Boise State played two years with the Giants before joining the Rams in 2019. He’s only played in 11 games in three seasons, but he’ll be back in Los Angeles in 2020 to add depth in the secondary.

Turron Davenport on Twitter is reporting that per sources the New York Jets have agreed to a one-year deal with safety Marqui Christian worth $2 million. (Source: Turron Davenport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Jets have added Christian as depth for their secondary. Christian produced 36 total tackles last year for the Rams. Christian can be left on waiver wires for now, until he is integrated in to the rotation during the offseason workouts and training camp to see how much playing time he will receive in the season.

Todd Gurley is signing a one-year deal with the Falcons, per Jordan Schultz of ESPN. (Source: Jordan Schultz on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Gurley, who was recently released by the Rams, ends up signing with the Falcons. It was reported on Thursday that the Falcons and Dolphins were the two front runners for Gurley’s services. He ended up in Atlanta. The 25-year-old running back logged 223 carries for 857 yards and 12 touchdowns across 15 games for the Rams last season. Gurley should lead the Falcons in carries and will be a borderline top-10 running back in upcoming 2020 drafts.

The Rams are releasing linebacker Clay Matthews, per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. (Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Rams are shedding salary and ultimately decided to cut Matthews. He signed a two-year $9.25 million contract last year. Matthews recorded 34 tackles and 8.5 sacks across 13 games in 2019. The 34-year-old linebacker will look to latch onto another team.

Linebacker Cory Littleton has agreed to a deal with the Raiders worth up to $36 million over three years, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Littleton was considered by many to be the top inside and coverage linebacker on the market after a solid 2019, and the Raiders were able to get him on a three-year deal as they continue to reshape their roster.

Former Rams DT Michael Brockers has agreed to a three-year deal worth $30M with the Baltimore Ravens. The deal includes $21M guaranteed. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The eight-year veteran has been a member of the Rams since 2012, when he was a first round selection out of LSU. He’s played a full 16 games in six of those seasons and last season he recorded 63 tackles and three sacks. Brockers will add versatility and balance to an already formidable defensive line in Baltimore.

Eric Weddle announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Weddle, who spent the majority of his career with the Chargers, was first-team All-Pro in both 2011 and 2014. He also played for the Ravens from 2016-18 before spending this past season with the Rams. Weddle was the rare safety who seamlessly handed his coverage responsibilities while also being an excellent tackler.

Taylor Rapp ended Sunday’s 31-24 win over the Cardinals with six tackles and one interception.

Fantasy Impact: Rapp made a nice impression his rookie season racking up 99 tackles, two picks, and a touchdown. He should be viewed as a low-end S1.

Greg Zuerlein converted 1-of-2 field goals and 4-of-4 PATs in the Rams' Week 17 win over the Cardinals.

Fantasy Impact: It was another productive season for Zuerlein. He'll enter 2020 as a top-option for fantasy purposes.

Robert Woods caught 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 31-24 Week 17 win over the Cardinals.

Fantasy Impact: Woods finishes the year with 90 catches, 1,134 yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Both of his receiving scores came in December. He was still heavily involved in the passing game this year, which means he will be a candidate for positive-TD regression entering 2020.