Bills Cut Potential Coleman Shelton Replacement Mitch Morse, Should Rams Sign?

The Los Angeles Rams are in the market for a new center. Is recently cut Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse an ample replacement in free agency?

The Los Angeles Rams are staring down the barrel of some roster turnover up front, potentially losing the consistency along the offensive line that supported a strong offensive season.

Right guard Kevin Dotson is destined to test the open market after an elite season saw him in line for a raise. After cutting backup center Brian Allen and watching Coleman Shelton opt out of his contract, the Rams will be tasked with doing some damage control.

However, they have the resources to upgrade, even without spending irresponsibly on the open market.

Sep 27, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) at the line of scrimmage with center Mitch Morse (60) in the second quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bills Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills decided to accelerate the exodus of their aging roster, releasing several veterans on the defensive side of the ball. They chose to reshape the offensive line as well, cutting center Mitch Morse — one of the most respected linemen in the sport.

Morse, a captain in Western New York, was still playing like one of the better centers in football before his release. He’s past his prime but was cut for cap flexibility reasons, not a significant decline in performance.

Armed with enough cap space to make some noise in free agency, Los Angeles could find itself in the Morse market. Morse and Shelton graded out similarly this past season but is far superior as a pass protector, which takes on more importance given quarterback Matthew Stafford’s propensity for longer-developing vertical shots.

The Rams aren’t short on veteran leadership, but in the possibility of Morse (entering his age-32 season) outlasting Stafford, he’d become an even more integral piece of the roster.

Los Angeles may not feel compelled to pay significantly more for Morse’s services than Shelton – both were about league-average last season – but banking on Morse’s decline slowing is a similar risk to banking on Shelton’s breakout.

Morse also lacks Shelton’s versatility, playing each of his 7,849 offensive snaps at center. With so much turnover imminent this offseason – and likely after the coming season or two – the ability to play at multiple positions up front could have added value to the Rams.

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Los Angeles shouldn’t be considered an immediate front-runner for Morse’s services, but a veteran with his pedigree would not be a shocking addition for a team looking to get over the hump.