Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Rams: Jeremy Maclin deal impossible due to Les Snead

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:18 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Greg Archuleta/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

A Jeremy Maclin-Los Angeles Rams deal is unlikely because of previous moves under general manager Les Snead's regime.

A Jeremy Maclin, Los Angeles Rams pairing would've highlighted the offseason football highlights in Los Angeles. If only…

The Rams are one of several teams with wide receiver corps that Maclin's addition would create an immediate upgrade. Maclin's potential value is such that USA Today's For the Win listed the Rams as one of four teams that need to sign the veteran wide receiver to have any chance to make the playoffs in 2017.

"It's a perfect fit for both sides, but will Maclin be willing to play for a team that hasn't made the postseason in well over a decade?" For the Win asked. "That's the big question. Los Angeles may have to overpay to land him."

"Rams" and "playoffs" are terms that not many consider synonymous for the upcoming season. A Maclin-Rams arrangement, however, almost has had zero chance of taking place since the Chiefs unexpectedly released him, according to CBSSports.com. The issue? Salary cap space.

Or lack thereof.

"This would be a great fit. Maclin would instantly become the best receiver on the team," CBSSports.com reported. "But it probably won't happen. The Rams have the least amount of cap space (less than $2 million) in the entire league. That's what happens when you owe WR1 (Tavon) Austin and WR2 Robert Woods more than $20 million in 2017."

Rams general manager Les Snead enters 2017 on the hot seat. His financial dealings with the team are among the big reasons.

Tavon Austin, who never has more than 58 receptions, 509 receiving yards (both in 2016) or five receiving touchdowns (2015), is in the midst of a four-year, $42 million contract. Robert Woods, who had career highs of 65 receptions of 699 yards and five touchdowns in 2015, signed a five-year, $39 million deal in the offseason to come to Los Angeles. Not to mention cornerback Trumaine Johnson's franchise tag cost of $16.742 million against the cap in 2017.

This comes as the Rams are trying to come to a long-term agreement with defensive tackle Aaron Donald. That means the dream of a Maclin-Rams deal is just that — a dream.

The Rams are 31-48-1 in five seasons under Snead as general manager. Coach Jeff Fisher has a significant part in that underachievement as he had final say in personnel matters. Nevertheless, Snead has to figure out how to get more talent on the Rams sidelines, and their lack of cap space will make coach Sean McVay's rebuilding process that much longer to complete.

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