What Does it Mean? | LA Rams

What does it all mean? What is the LA Rams front office telling us?

From Super Bowl to what would have been the 6th overall pick in the NFL Draft if first round picks still existed in Los Angeles.

So what happens next? Well we are firmly planted in the off-season and moves have begun. Today I am going to look at the moves the Rams have made so far and try to dissect what it means.

Rams and Bobby Wagner ‘Mututally Agree’ to Part Ways

This news came early on and surprised quite a few fans; myself included. I’m extremely curious to hear what the conversation between the team and Wagner was, because it’s just hard to believe that both sides realized that BWagz in LA was a bad thing. Wagner had one of the best seasons a Rams linebacker has ever had in the history of the franchise. If I HAD to guess, I’d guess that Wagner was unhappy with being on a team who only managed to get to 5 wins while I can imagine that from the Rams perspective, the team had a player who had one of the best seasons at the position in team history and still only managed 5 wins. While the offense was really the main reason for lack of wins with the injuries seen on that side of the ball, the Rams defense also didn’t give too many short fields to the offense and seemed to be on offense for extended periods against teams with strong game managing coaches.

So what does this tell us? It tells us that the Rams likely want to get a little younger and cheaper on defense and Wagner probably wants another crack at snagging a ring before he hangs it up. I of course hate to lose a guy like Bobby Wagner because he’s genuinely one of the best guys in the NFL. I also really like some young guys on this roster though and am really excited to see what Ernest Jones does in that position now that he’s had that season with Wagner. Jones is in a really good position to explode as a leader of the team right now. Jones has always had the skills and now he has the opportunity and a solid year of learning from one of the best ever. It’s never fun to see a future Hall of Fame player leave your team, but it also just feels right. Best of luck to Bobby Wagner in his future, but it’s Ernest Jones time!!

Rams Allow WR Allen Robinson Permission to Seek Trade

I was so excited to see Allen Robinson sign with the Rams last year. It was the perfect situation for him. He had never been on an offense as explosive as the Rams. He filled a need after losing Robert Woods and Odell Beckham Jr. He was the perfect fit to pair with Kupp and it just… didn’t really work. I’m not sure why the Stafford -> Robinson combination didn’t work; I really thought it would, but it just wasn’t really there.

What does this mean? The Rams giving ARob permission to seek a trade I think is them admitting they were wrong on him. Say what you will about this Rams team, but Les and Sean together are quick to admit their mistakes and move off of them. The Rams are clearly in a position where there will be quite a bit of dead cap eaten in 2023 and ARob COULD be added to that list even if he’s unable to find someone to trade for his services with the Rams.

Rams Release LB Leonard Floyd

So far the Rams have only made one addition (we’ll talk about it soon) but that was for the offense. Leonard Floyd leaves the Rams after being productive his entire time in LA. Floyd came in after the Rams moved on from Dante Fowler and was pretty much the perfect replacement for that departure. Floyd will forever be a Super Bowl Champion as a member of the Los Angeles Rams and that will never go away. Flo was always liked by the fans and the Rams don’t currently have anyone on the roster who is just a clear cut replacement.

What does this mean? This move coincides with the Wagner move in my opinion. This is another move that shows us that the Rams want to get a little younger and cheaper on defense. While Flo was an important piece of the last few seasons, with the other moves being taken into consideration, it makes sense that it’s time to move on at this position.

Rams Trade CB Jalen Ramsey to Dolphins

Ramsey has been a pretty critical part of the Rams defense since he arrived from Jacksonville. Ramsey had an immediate impact on the Rams defense and had some really impressive seasons. Last season was one that certainly felt like a step back based on some of the larger plays that were given up, but make no mistakes, Ramsey still had an incredible season. There is something to be said, however, that if reports were true that he was looking for a different contract, the push for a cheaper younger defense would lead to moving off of him entirely.

What does it mean? If I had to guess, the Dolphins didn’t have the best offer on the table. I’m guessing the Rams asked Ramsey a few teams he’d like to play for and then took the best offer of those teams. Really it just feels like maybe the team and Ramsey had decided that it’s run it’s course. It’s not exactly good for the Rams, but it’s also always better to move on from a player a year too early than a year too late. Although the return felt like it should have been so much more, Les Snead isn’t known for trading players away to acquire assets, it’s more of a trade a player to where he’d like to go and get his numbers off your books.

Rams Trade for TE Hunter Long

If the name Hunter Long doesn’t ring any bells, well join the club. Long was a third round pick by the Dolphins in 2021 and has just one career reception for 8 yards. Long was First Team All-ACC in his final year at Boston College, but with one career reception in the big leagues, there’s definitely questions on what he can bring to the Rams offense that guys like Tyler Higbee and Brycen Hopkins don’t.

What does this mean? Well honestly it feels like a pretty low impact move at this point and I’d love to someday say how bad a butchered that comment. I’d say it means that the Rams and Dolphins probably had some kind of conversation that led to an asset being included that wasn’t just a third round pick. Do you ever wonder if Les Snead is ever looking over an offer and thinking “if I said yes to this the fans would lose their minds!” because I’d guess not. Rightfully so. Who am I to argue with a guy who helped build a team who put a trophy in the case? Just feels a lot like the Rams give up a lot to acquire big name talent but then sell for pennies. Again.. it wasn’t about what the Rams got back, it was more about what the Rams let go of which was a lot of money. The bill is being paid for the Super Bowl, but damn it that day was awesome.

Rams One of Teams Present at Odell Beckham Jr.’s Workout

While I’m really not sure the Rams can afford what OBJ is reportedly asking for ($20 mill/yr) I’m not sure the Rams are going to be pulling the trigger on this move outside of a pretty incentive laden contract. OBJ was on pace to be heavily in the conversation for Super Bowl MVP before he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl after a pass that was a little behind him made him turn awkwardly.

What does it mean that the Rams were at OBJs workout? Well it tells me that they aren’t just full on closing the door for a return to Los Angeles if the financials can work out. The Rams were open about having eyes on both Odell Beckham Jr as well as Robert Woods. Bobby Trees has already found a new home in Houston so a reunion for OBJ doesn’t seem too far fetched if the money is able to work for the Rams. OBJ and Kupp as a WR combo gives this Rams fan images of many high fives.

Rams Bring Back LB/DL Michael Hoecht

Michael Hoecht has really shown his value especially this last season. Hoecht (pronounced Hoyt) has spend the bulk of his career on the defensive line, but due to injuries saw time as an edge rusher and performed well. While he is used to being on the line, it was clear that there was still some learning of the position that was happening, Hoecht played well on the outside. His pass rush skills were present, but it also was clear that at the EDGE position he still needed to refine some skills.

What does this mean? I’d say that Hoecht returning shows that the team is impressed by his ability to be versatile and can really play anywhere up front. I also wouldn’t be shocked if in a pinch he was required to play MLB and make a play or two in that spot. Hoecht is just a football player and is the perfect piece for your front 7 because he can do so many things.

As of now, these are all the moves that we are aware of. When more discussions are had and moves made, maybe I’ll hit a part two.

Do you agree? Do you disagree? Let me know and let’s talk

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