Rams Rival Cardinals Trade Falcons For QB Desmond Ridder - Free Agency Tracker

The Los Angeles Rams will enter free agency with the 16th-most cap space in the league, with $29 million. Keep track of who general manager Les Snead has his eyes on.

MARCH 14 RIDDER TO AZ According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Rams NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals have traded wide receiver Rondale Moore to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for quarterback Desmond Ridder. 

The Cardinals, of course, signed current starter Kyler Murray to a five-year, $230 million contract that will have him in Arizona through the 2028 season. 

However, given Murray's injury history, the acquisition of Ridder could be a solid invest for the future. 

The Falcons picked Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has been in and out as the starter for the last two seasons. In that time, he threw for 3,544 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. 

MARCH 13 ROACH INTEREST The Los Angeles Rams are in the market for defensive line help. Unfortunately for L.A., one of their top targets is on his way to the AFC.

According to reports from Chris Tommason of the Denver Gazette, the Rams 'expressed a lot of interest' in defensive tackle Malcolm Roach since the beginning of the legal tampering period on Monday. 

Roach, however, elected to head to the Denver Broncos, where he is set to sign a two-year $8 million deal.

The Bills, Bengals, and Cardinals also reportedly showed high interest in Roach.

MARCH 9 DEPTH TRIO HITS OPEN MARKET On Saturday, it became clear that Los Angeles’ depth was going to take a hit.

Three members of the Rams front seven – edge rusher Michael Hoecht, linebacker Christian Rozeboom, and defensive lineman Jonah Williams – were restricted free agents, but were not tendered, per Jourdan Rodrigue.

Rozeboom may be the most notable of the bunch, finding 79 tackles with only five starts, but they’ll be tasked with replenishing the bottom of the roster at the discount rack and during the NFL Draft.

MARCH 7 RAMS RE-SIGN DOTSON Los Angeles right guard Kevin Dotson was destined for free agency after a breakout year right before his contract expired. General manager Les Snead ensured he’d stay in Inglewood.

The extension, worth $48 million over three seasons, places Dotson toward the top of his position, though he didn’t set the market. At $16 million per year, he is being paid like one of the elite at his position, which he was last year.

He was Pro Football Focus’ second-best lineman in 2023 (by their offense grade). The Rams can easily get out of the deal after two seasons if need be, allowing them to prepare for a potential Steve Avila extension.

MARCH 7 RAMS TENDER ALARIC JACKSON Los Angeles’ offensive line saw a fair bit of shuffling during the 2023 season. Now, they’ll work to ensure that isn’t the case in 2024.

Per Jourdan Rodrigue, the specific tender has not yet been set. The right of first refusal tender would be $3 million, while a second-round tender is $4.89 million and a first-round tender is $6.82 million.

Essentially, the Rams will keep Jackson, or they’ll receive correlated draft pick compensation for his services (unless he is only given the right of first residual tender).

He profiles as the starting left tackle if he returns, putting Joe Noteboom’s roster spot in doubt.

FEB 28 SHELTON VOIDS DEAL Before free agency kicks off, Rams center Coleman Shelton will ensure he’s a part of the festivities.

Having hit a playing time incentive after a strong year, Shelton voided the final year of his contract. This puts Los Angeles in a precarious spot because they have already cut center Brian Allen.

Nevertheless, the Rams have said publicly that they’d be happy to have him back – it’ll just be more expensive than they may have anticipated entering the year.