Saffold isn’t returning Rams calls after Long signing

AP

Rams coach Jeff Fisher is confident he can talk Rodger Saffold into getting on board with playing right tackle.

That is, as soon as he talks to Saffold.

Fisher told Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he wasn’t worried about smoothing things out even though he hasn’t talked to Saffold himself since the Rams signed Jake Long to play left tackle.

Things are gonna work out,” Fisher said. “We’re confident they’ll get resolved. . . .

“We’ve been trying to reach Rodger, and he’s not returning calls right now. But we’ll get things settled, and Rodger’s a big part of our future and a big part of our plans on offense.”

As soon as the Rams were linked to Long, there was a report suggesting that Saffold would ask for a trade. His agent admitted that he’d prefer not to move, because he had always played on the left.

Of course, Saffold’s also entering the final year of his rookie contract, and left tackles make more money than right tackles, so it makes sense for Saffold to be concerned about his future.

“No,” Fisher said when asked if Saffold had asked for a trade. “It’s just been quiet. And we’re trying to reach Rodger just like we’re trying to reach all of our other players. We stay in touch with our players. Maybe he’s traveling and is on his way back.”

Or maybe he’s just figuring out what to say.

18 responses to “Saffold isn’t returning Rams calls after Long signing

  1. Maybe Roger should have done a better job of keeping Bradford upright these last 2-years. Then, he wouldn’t have had to worry about the Rams needing to bring in Long to protect Sam’s blindside.

    Just a thought.

  2. Here’s a weird idea–Why not have Long change positions? Or is it written in the “high draft pick bust handbook” that teams aren’t allowed to ask Name Players to do a thing like that?

  3. This is completely driven by money as the article said as he knows he can get more money in FA as a LT. What the article fails to mention was he was drafted as a RT but had to move to LT because Jason Smith sucked

  4. I don’t think it bodes very well for Safford’s percieved LT free agent bonanza that his current team paid a fortune to replace him.

    I think he would be better off focusing on being the best RT that he can and maximize his value that way.

  5. mazblast says:
    Mar 29, 2013 1:35 PM
    Here’s a weird idea–Why not have Long change positions? Or is it written in the “high draft pick bust handbook” that teams aren’t allowed to ask Name Players to do a thing like that?
    =====

    Because no one pays $34M for right tackles.

  6. News flash – if your play at LT had been solid enough the Rams wouldn’t have signed Long and most likely would’ve looked at RT options in free agency. The left side may pay more but not if you’re a shaky at best replacement for a bust.

  7. If the Rams let him know the only two places he could be playing next year are Cleveland or Jacksonville maybe he would change his tune. At the end of the day these guys still want to play for a competitive team. Takin the a55kickin they take has to mean something other than money.
    If not…maybe Saffold needs to go live in Cleveland for a few years.
    BTDT

  8. This is not going to end well. The Rams would be wise and draft a RT this year. This Saffold story is going to become a distraction if they do not trade this guy. Couple that with them moving him to RT, this is going to be a problem.

  9. If I’m the rams I give him two options. Play right tackle the best you can and hope to get the type of contract you want in free agency. Or don’t play right tackle and ride the bench all season and make nothing in free agency.

  10. Reminds me of that time my girlfriend stopped returning my calls after Brad Pitt asked her out.

  11. had no idea that Saffold had the maturity of a 15 year old girl. i hope he is aware long is injury prone he’ll most likely being playing LT in week 6 when long is on IR

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