BOCA RATON, Fla. -- And now, it's time for something different.
For the better part of the past couple of years, NFL owners meetings have covered a variety of topics but none has been more of a hot-button issue than relocation to Los Angeles. There have been long discussions nestled into the itinerary on things like rule changes. There have even been special meetings called specifically to talk about Los Angeles.
At this week's owners meetings here in Florida, Los Angeles will likely come up again, but after the league decided to send the Rams back to the City of Angels in January, it's no longer of primary concern. It's certainly a welcome respite from the contentious and tedious process required to gain the league's approval to move.
Here's a look at what to expect from this week's owners meetings from a Rams perspective:
-- As mentioned above, the Rams are moving to Los Angeles so there are no more battles to be fought on that front. There is, however, some more business that has to be taken care of. While the San Diego Chargers have until next year to decide on whether to stay or join the Rams in Inglewood, it's safe to expect that both Chargers owner Dean Spanos and Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis will be asked about relocation this week. The Rams' position remains the same as they wait to see if another team will join them. It's important from a business standpoint because the Rams can't start selling the Inglewood stadium until they know if they're sharing it per the agreement made with the league. Relocation to other cities also figures to be a topic for Davis and Spanos as San Antonio, Las Vegas and even St. Louis have been brought up in connection to both teams.
-- Rams coach Jeff Fisher announced at last month's NFL scouting combine that he has taken a hiatus from the competition committee so he can focus on the team's move. That means Fisher will have a far more relaxed week in Florida than he did at past owners meetings. Just like at the combine, the lack of those additional meetings means Fisher can kick back a little bit and continue to invest his attention on his football team. Of course, Fisher will keep an eye on proposed rule changes as they relate to his team, but he'll no longer be front and center in such discussions.
-- Fisher is scheduled to speak to the media at the NFC coaches breakfast on Wednesday morning. It will be the first time he's talked since the new league year began, so we should be able to get his thoughts on the team's moves so far, the players they lost and what's still to come in terms of the roster. Also, the Rams plan to be out of St. Louis by the end of next week so we should get an update on how things are going with the move. One more thing: We'll see if there's been any progress on a contract extension for Fisher.
-- Rams owner Stan Kroenke has been more open and willing to speak since he was awarded the right to move to Los Angeles. Does that mean he'll be speaking in Boca? It could. If nothing else, it could be a good chance to hear from him about the state of his football team moving forward now that the relocation process is complete.
-- Although the Rams haven't added but two outside free agents, I'll also try to seek scouting reports on cornerback Coty Sensabaugh and defensive end Quinton Coples from their former coaches. And I'm sure there will be some other news and notes that pop up along the way.