His former college teammate, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze wanted to have a similar impact. Nacua and Odunze were teammates during the 2020 season when the Rams star was still at Washington before he (Nacua) transferred to BYU.

Odunze is on track to finish third in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and tied for the sixth-most touchdown grabs by a Bears rookie in franchise history, per Stathead. But he wanted more.

“My goal was to go attack Puka Nacua, my former teammate’s Rookie of the Year performance and year. So, came short of that by a good margin,” Odunze told reporters on December 18. “But I feel like I went out there, and I did what I can, and made mistakes, and tried to improve on those things, and continue to do so. But at the end of the day, I could just put my best foot forward and do whatever I can to help this team and to try and reach some of those goals.”

Nacua caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and 6 touchdowns last season.

“That’s why you set those things,” Odunze said. “Because sometimes you fall short and then reassess like, ‘Okay, I fell short. What do I need to go do to make my next goal, which is going to be even bigger than that?’ Realize that and it’ll come to fruition. So those are all things that happen. But so far, I’m grateful for where I’m at”.

Nacua and Odunze combined for 15 receptions, 223 yards, and 1 touchdown, with the Rams star sporting a 9-151-1 line.

Puka Nacua More Effective After Historic Rookie Season

GettyPuka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.

Nacua broke the rookie receiving yards record, which had stood for 63 years, last season. He also broke Miami Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle’s record for most receptions by a rookie in the same contest, a 21-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.

His overall numbers are down this season. But that is largely due to missing games with injuries after he played in all 17 contests as a rookie.

Nacua is averaging more yards, receptions, and yards per reception per game.

Given his production, the Rams are getting a steal in Nacua, who is in Year 2 of a four-year, $4 million contract, although Over The Cap projects Nacua’s value at $3.5 million annually. That would still put him toward the lower end of wide receiver contracts.

He will be among the more notable names to watch once he gets closer to his current deal’s expiration.

Sean McVay’s Comments Bad News for Former Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr.

GettyFormer Los Angeles Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr. looks on before a match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United.

In addition to Nacua, the Rams still have veterans Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell as well as promising rookie Jordan Whittington at quarterback Matthew Stafford’s disposal.

With that stable, Rams head coach Sean McVay shut down any potential reunion with former LA wideout and Super Bowl champion Odell Beckham Jr.

McVay previously said they had not discussed Beckham. But he left the door open by adding the qualifier “yet,” leading to further questions about the wideout. Beckham secured his release from the Dolphins on December 13.

McVay took it a step further on Thursday.

“We haven’t talked about that,” McVay told reporters on December 19. “I love Odell. It’s not something that I think is something that we’re looking at right.”

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A return could lead to another ring. However, chances of either player landing back in LA for the stretch run were already slim given the time of the season and both players’ situations. Following comments from head coach Sean McVay, those chances got even slimmer.

According to McVay, neither player has come up inside the Rams’ offices.

“I have a really special relationship with Aaron,” McVay told reporters on December 16. “He has done so much, and he put so much into everything, I would almost feel disrespectful reaching out to him just based on the principles and knowing him the way that I do. If that was something that he got interested in, then that would, obviously be something that you’re open – always open to.

“I almost feel like it would be disrespectful to approach that subject with him just based on our conversations and the clarity and you know the completed-ness that he felt like he had when he stepped away when he did. And I don’t think there’s anything but positive vibes, and I don’t think he could have any regrets based on the way he handled every single day of his career.”

The idea of Donald making his return has made the rounds in recent weeks, including from former NFL offensive lineman Justin Pugh.

“If the Rams make the playoffs, I think Aaron Donald comes back and plays and goes on a run,” Pugh told SportsCasting’s DJ Siddiqi in an interview published on December 12. “Why wouldn’t he? That dude can come straight off of the couch and be the best player in football tomorrow. I think they’re better than Seattle, I think Seattle ends up faltering a little bit.”

The Rams have $3.2 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. But Donald is on the Rams’ books for two more seasons anyway as a dead charge unless he returns. He and Beckham have earned $261.1 million in their careers, with Donald clearing $162 million and Beckham $99.1 million.

That could keep their cost down for an opportunity with a contender like the Rams.

However, returning to the Rams for another run to the Super Bowls could prove tricky even if Donald wanted to.

‘Too Late’ for Aaron Donald to Return to Rams

GettyFormer Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald waves to the crowd before a game against the Miami Dolphins.

“Regardless of whether it does or doesn’t make sense for the Rams, or whether Donald would or wouldn’t be ready to go without much practice, it’s too late,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on December 13. “The Rams placed Donald on the reserve/retired list on July 26. Per the NFL, the deadline for emerging from the reserve/retired list is the final business day before Week 13.

“In theory, the Rams could release Donald from the reserve/retired list and then sign him as a free agent. However, he’d have to pass through waivers. Surely, another team would make a claim.”

Florio noted the then-San Diego Chargers claiming Deion Sanders to prevent him from joining the then-Oakland Raiders and returning to the league in 2002.

McVay is not planning on lobbying Donald beyond his comments, though.

“I know he’s really happy doing the things that he’s doing right now, and he stays up with what we’re doing, and he still physically looks like he could go do some really special stuff on the field,” McVay said. “But that wouldn’t be something that would come up out of respect for him and in our relationship.”

Donald was a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro in 2023, tallying 8.0 sacks in a bounceback campaign.

Adding him would bring some teeth to a defense with the seventh-fewest sacks in the league.

Odell Beckham Clears Waivers Amid Rams Link

GettyFormer Miami Dolphins WR Odell Beckham Jr. #3 warms up before playing the Buffalo Bills.

Beckham has played nine games with the Miami Dolphins this season, catching nine passes for 55 yards.

The Dolphins waived him on December 13, and he has been linked to the Rams.

“Odell Beckham Jr.’s release is expected to be official today,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted on December 13. “If he clears waivers, he will be free to sign with any team. Two teams he has played with before, the #Rams and #Ravens, are currently in playoff contention …”

NFL insider Josina Anderson suggested Beckham rest and prepare for 2025 on December 16.

However, Super Bowl champion St. Louis Ram D’Marco Farr suggested adding Beckham could do more harm than good.

Beckham is a three-time Pro Bowler.  He has battled injuries in recent seasons. Beckham missed the entire 2022 season after tearing his ACL in the Super Bowl with the Rams.

Beckham has not had more than 565 receiving yards in a season since 2019.

“That’s not something that we’ve talked about yet,” McVay told reporters about Beckham on December 16 when asked directly. “You know the respect that I have for him, but that hasn’t been something that we’ve discussed.”

That is far from a ringing endorsement like Donald got. But it also does not close the door on Beckham rejoining the Rams.

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Williams played a key role in the victory, tallying over 100 yards for the third this season and the second time in the last three weeks. To add insult to injury, Williams believes the first season-sweep in 18 years stamps an official changing of the guard in their 75-year history.

Williams says the Rams are the “big brothers now.”

“Oh, that’s awesome you said that,” Williams told reporters on December 12 when asked how it felt to sweep the 49ers. “It means everything, honestly. Because literally on the way here, our pilot said, ‘Go sweep the Niners.’ And when he said that I was like, ‘Dang, we really could sweep the Niners.’ I don’t think I’ve done that since I’ve been here.’

“Being able to do that, knowing how good of a team they are and knowing the history with just the two organizations, I know it’s huge. And it shows that we’re the big brothers now.”

The Rams have now won three straight meetings against their NFC West rivals. The 49ers had won three straight before that, though. That streak is separated from another of six straight dating back to 2019 by one Rams win. San Francisco also leads the series 78-71-3 all-time.

The Rams still have bigger goals anyway.

Kyren Williams, Rams Draw Rave Reviews

GettyHead coach Sean McVay and Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate after beating the Seattle Seahawks.

The Rams are one win away from beating ESPN’s preseason projections for them from September. Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk remained high on the Rams’ postseason chances even after their Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Faulk said the Rams can be a “scary team” that others would not want to face in the playoffs.

“Where they sit currently, they’ve proven that they can go on winning streaks and they just have to continue to stack more wins and learn through the losses,” Faulk told RG.org’s DJ Siddiqi in an interview published on November 29.

“They can get hot like they did last year and be a scary team that you don’t want to face in the playoffs.”

“I believe that with Coach [Sean] McVay and his players and watching them play this season, it can easily happen as it can go the other way,” Faulk said. “If I had to pick and choose, looking at what I see this year and how they will respond after a loss, I look at this as a playoff-caliber team.”

Faulk noted that the Rams’ youth makes them unpredictable.

That includes projecting their postseason outlook. However, he insists the Rams have the “DNA to be a playoff team” this season. Following their win over the 49ers, they are in the driver’s seat of their playoff future.

In an interview with Siddiqi for SportsCasting published on December 12, former Rams offensive lineman Justin Pugh expressed his belief that they are built to do even more.

“I think the L.A. Rams win the NFC West,” Pugh told Siddiqi. “I think they’re one of those teams that if you sleep on them, they’re going to make a run. You’re going to see the L.A. Rams win their first playoff game. I do not want to play the L.A. Rams  — Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupper, Kyren Williams, Matthew Stafford, offensive line. They don’t really have much of a weakness and that’s a scary team to play. They have the pedigree — Matthew Stafford can make every throw on the field. If you get a quarterback playing lights out at this time of the year, good luck.”

Rams ‘Control Destiny’ in Push for Playoffs

GettyHead coach Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.

McVay opened his postgame press conference by showing appreciation for his team’s resolve during a run that has seen the Rams win three straight games and four of their last five.

“What a job by our group tonight,” McVay told reporters on December 12. “So much respect for the 49ers, and I think what’s really cool is this team has found a bunch of different ways to be able to win football games.”

NFL Network’s Peter Schrager praised McVay and the Rams’ resolve and resilience.

“It was a tough game. Obviously, we didn’t start the way we wanted to on the offensive side of the ball. I thought our defense played fantastic, really, all night. It was just one of those games,” Stafford told NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz after the game. “ You could feel it early it was going to be a battle, it’s going to be a low-scorer. And just, we made up plays there at the end to win it.

“We gotta find a way to get better, obviously. It wasn’t great today. But we’re finding ways to win football games. Whether it’s scoring 44 last week in a shootout or leaning on our defense in the run game this week in the rain and finding a way to win, that’s what it’s all about in December.”

Williams, McVay, and the Rams face the New York Jets in Week 16

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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Forbes was picked up by the Los Angeles Rams just 2 days after he was released by the Commanders on November 30.

“Rams claimed former Commanders’ first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. on waivers, per source,” Schefter wrote on his official X account on December 2.

Forbes was a first round pick (No. 16 overall) by the Commanders in the 2023 NFL draft — the final first round pick of head coach Ron Rivera’s era.

“He was a guy that we liked and had a familiarity with just based on the evaluation coming out of Mississippi State,” Rams head coach Sean McVay told ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “And then I thought there was some good tape that he’s put out there when we’ve gone against them, particularly later in the year last year.”

Forbes is under contract through 2026, with a fifth-year option for 2027 that now belongs to the Rams.

Commanders Head Coach Shared Message to Forbes

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn shared the message he gave to Forbes when he was released, clarifying that the move came in part largely because the Commanders were about to have to make room on the active roster for cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who they obtained in a trade on November 5, but has been out the last 5 games with a hamstring injury.

“I had a chance to visit with (Forbes), and I explained to him sometimes that the change of scenery is good, and I’ve seen other players go to other clubs, and it turns out differently, and sometimes that’s a good thing,” Quinn told Riggo’s Rag. “And I said that that can happen with you too. And so, I wanted to make sure he heard that from me, and there was even guys on his own team here that had started somewhere else as a first-round player and all of a sudden, just a different scenery and different shift. The new system can help. And so, we wanted to wish him best on this football journey wherever that goes from here.”

Forbes Addressed Release With Bible Verse

Forbes’ only public comments since his release came via a post on his X account , where he shared the bible verse: “Job 8:7-17” followed by 2 prayer hands emojis.

According to BibleGateways.com, the verse reads: “Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.”

Forbes’ release represents the latest in a long line of failed first round picks for the Commanders under Rivera, who was the head coach from 2020 to 2023 and oversaw four drafts.

Of the four first-round picks Rivera had a hand in — Forbes, wide receiver Jahan Dotson (2022), linebacker Jamin Davis (2021) and defensive end Chase Young (2022) — none still play for the Commanders.

Dotson was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in August 2024, Davis was released in October 2024 and now plays for the Minnesota Vikings and Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2024 third round pick and now plays for the New Orleans Saints.

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The Commanders cut Forbes, the No. 16 overall pick of the 2023 draft, on November 30.

Their decision represents a turning of the page, as general manager Adam Peters & Co. clean out players drafted by the previous regime. Forbes was the final Commanders’ first-round pick selected between 2019 and 2023 on the roster.

“A fresh start,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said in his post on X reporting the news of the Rams’ move.

It is a needed reset for Forbes. He posted the Bible verse Job 18:7-17, which describes the fate of the wicked, following his release. Forbes is in Year 2 of a four-year, $15.4 million rookie scale contract.

The Rams are on the hook for $915,000 of that this season, per Over The Cap.

Rams Land Former Commanders Draft Bust Emmanuel Forbes Off Waivers

Forbes has 7 total tackles and 1 interception this season, starting one of the six games he has played in.

He started six games as a rookie, finishing the campaign with 38 combined stops, 11 deflections, and 1 pick. But opposing quarterbacks have completed 6-of-8 passes (75%) in his direction this season, per Pro Football Reference.

He allowed 60.7% completion as a rookie.

Pro Football Focus ranked him the 32nd in defensive grade among second-year cornerbacks out of 34 qualifiers. PFF also ranked him 31st in coverage.

“Forbes is long, can run and has a talent for taking the ball away, which means he has a chance to become a coveted cornerback,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlien wrote pre-draft in 2023. “He pounces on quick-game throws and has the ball skills to take the ball away.

He notably got his first career interception against the Broncos.

“He’s highly capable in all forms of zone coverage and operates out of press-man, but is inconsistent matching the release and staying in phase with routes through sharp cuts,” Zierlien wrote. “Forbes could become an early starter with quality ball production, but teams might need to expect some up-and-down performances.”

Zierlien noted Forbes’ slender frame and lack of playing strength as potential issues then.

Forbes’ size has proven problematic on more than one occasion. But he is young enough to improve, and the Rams did not surrender draft capital to land him.

Rams Cut Former UDFA to Add Emmanuel Forbes

GettyCharles Woods #21 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Rams had to make a corresponding roster move, so they parted with defensive back Charles Woods, per the team on December 2.

Woods, 24, has played in nine games this season. He has not been targeted on defense, logging most of his snaps on special teams. The Rams start Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake at safety with rookies Kamren Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough mixing in.

Woods could still be a candidate to return to the Rams’ practice squad if he goes unclaimed.

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Now, it is explaining starting wide receiver Demarcus Robinson’s arrest for suspected DUI in the early morning hours following the loss.

According to the initial report from TMZ on November 25, Police in LA stopped Robinson for speeding at over 100 miles per hour at 5 AM local time. The wide receiver made note of his NFL status and also refused to complete field sobriety tests, leading to the arrest.

“I did see [Robinson’s reported speed]. I want to be able to gather all the appropriate facts from the total report, and see what that is, and then be able to move forward accordingly” McVay told reporters on November 26. “But always have safety and good decision-making in mind, and that certainly is concerning. We’re going to see. I want to be able to gather all the appropriate information before I commit to something one way or the other.

“I do know that we’ve made the league aware. There’s a process that they go about. And then I’ll have more information for you guys as I get the appropriate facts and deal with this in the best way that we think is in alignment with … how we want to operate.”

McVay went on to suggest Robinson’s status for Week 13, and possibly with the Rams beyond that, remains up in the air.

“What I’ll be able to do tomorrow [November 27] when we reconnect, is have a lot more clarity as it relates to his status, how we’ll move forward, and things of that nature while still being respectful of [the legal process]. Obviously, as you guys know the legal process is a much more patient deliberate process. I won’t want to get into the specifics of the semantics as it relates to that,” Mcvay said.

“I will give you clarity on you know how we’re approaching it as it relates to Demarcus and his status with our group moving forward.”

Sean McVay Defends Demarcus Robinson After Arrest

McVay repeatedly said that he wanted to wait until he had all the pertinent details about the arrest. Then he would make any decisions on Robinson’s availability for Week 13. The Rams have a road tilt against the New Orleans Saints.

He also expressed disappointment with what Robinson did but defended him as a person.

“You want to demonstrate grace. But also an understanding of the severity and the seriousness of what could have occurred, especially if it relates to affecting yourself or anybody else in a negative way when those things take place. I do believe that Demarcus has a good heart and never would have any ill intentions,” McVay said.

“Clearly, there was a decision that’s not in alignment with the things that we want to be about. I know he was remorseful about that. But I think it’s been good that we have had few and far between conversations of this nature. I am grateful that nobody was injured or harmed in the process of this. But I think that’s a credit to the people and the surrounding things.”

Robinson participated in a press conference with teammate Kamren Curl on November 25. No questions about the arrest arose, though, as the details had yet to emerge.

“I don’t think this makes him a horrible human,” McVay said. “I think he made a bad decision. And I think we are fortunate that there … wasn’t anything else that occurred as it relates to affecting anybody else in a negative way or himself from just an overall safety and health perspective.”

McVay leaned into the Rams letting the situation play out on all fronts.

Sean McVay: Rams Awaiting Full Details of Demarcus Robinson’s Arrest

GettyDemarcus Robinson #15 of the Los Angeles Rams watches a pass play during a game against Minnesota Vikings.

“I’ll let the legal process kind of take place,” McVay said. “[I] do want to acknowledge that we were made aware of it. What you’ve seen out there is accurate. And then, we’ll proceed as we gather more information accordingly.

“He shared what had occurred. Obviously, we expect better from him. And then, want to continue to gather all the appropriate information with the legal things that are involved in that. But just being made aware of that situation, and we, obviously, have higher standards for what we expect of him and in the decision-making process as [far as] those things are concerned.”

Robinson caught a touchdown in the Rams’ loss to the Eagles and has started all 11 games the team has played.

Robinson leads the Rams with 6 touchdown receptions.

He is also third in targets and fourth in receptions and yards. Losing him would be a big blow to the Rams as their season hangs in the balance.

McVay said the incident was brought to his attention on Monday, November 25. But he did not divulge much else. He did say that would be able to provide further clarity on the entire situation during his next press availability.

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According to the report, police pulled Robinson over “shortly after 5 AM” on Monday for driving “over 100” miles per hour. He refused field sobriety tests, leading to the arrest.

The report also states Robinson noted his profession and team to officers during the arrest.

“An officer observed Robinson’s white Dodge sedan speeding at the alarming rate. The officers conducted a traffic stop and noticed Robinson appeared to show signs of impairment, raising suspicions that he was under the influence of alcohol,” the report reads. “He was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI and transported to a station for processing.”

Robinson caught two passes for 15 yards and 1 touchdown on three targets in the Rams’ 37-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on SNF.

Robinson, 30, has 26 receptions for 384 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns through 12 weeks.

TMZ notes Robinson was released to a “responsible party” after receiving a citation for his offense but had not returned attempts to make contact for comment about the incident.

Demarcus Robinson Has Stepped Up for Rams in 2024

GettyDemarcus Robinson #15 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown pass in front of Isaiah Rodgers #34 of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Originally a fourth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, Robinson spent six seasons with KC, winning a Super Bowl following the 2019 regular season. Robinson spent the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens.

He has already set a new career high, starting 11 games this season.

That has been key for the Rams. They have dealt with injuries to both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua this season.

Robinson is also on track to set a new career-best with 34.9 receiving yards per game. He ranks 20th with 14.8 yards per reception among qualified players and 15th among players with at least 50 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

Robinson, who has earned $11.7 million in his career, is on a one-year, $4 million contract.

Robinson leads the Rams in receiving scores, is third in targets, and fourth in both receptions and yards.

Demarcus Robinson’s Arrest Could Provide Opportunity for Rookie Teammate

GettyJordan Whittington #88 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the New England Patriots.

Robinson’s arrest could jeopardize his availability, whether it is due to a league or even a team-mandated suspension. That would be a blow to the Rams’ offense.

It would also be an opportunity for the Rams’ other wideouts to step up.

Young veterans Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson are obvious candidates given their experience. Atwell, 25, has 30 grabs for 423 yards, while Johnson, 26, has 256 yards on 22 receptions. Neither has scored in 2024.

However, rookie sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington (18-201-0) could be a dark-horse candidate to replace Robinson if the latter has to miss time over the incident.

Unlike the diminutive Atwell, Whittington offers a similar physical profile to Robinson.

Unlike Johnson, Whittington is under contract after the 2024 season. With quarterback Matthew Stafford in the twilight of his career, it makes sense for the Rams to aim for a postseason berth this season.

It also makes sense to see what they have in Whittington and whether he can be an eventual replacement for Kupp, who is 31 and has a lengthy injury history, alongside Nacua.

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The winners of two Super Bowls and two NFL Championships (prior to the 1970 merger), the Rams have been a reasonably successful franchise.

Paramount to that has been consistently impressive quarterback play, from Bob Waterfield to now-Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford — and the many in between.

Here are Heavy’s picks for the 10 best Rams quarterbacks of all time:

10. Vince Ferragamo (1977-1980; 1982-1984)

GettyVince Ferragamo.

Vince Ferragamo went from benchwarmer to Super Bowl starter in the space of just a few games, when he had to replace an injured Rams QB Pat Haden for the final five games of the 1979 season, having spent the prior two years of his young NFL career as a backup. In his first starts as a pro, Ferragamo played very impressively, going 4-1 in the regular season before coming to the brink of handing them a true Cinderella story against the dynastic Pittsburgh Steelers, who they ultimately lost to in the 1980 Super Bowl. Ferragamo followed this up with a nice second season in 1980, going 11-4 and throwing for 30 touchdowns, although after briefly leaving the NFL and the Rams to try his hand in the Canadian Football League, he was never quite the same player.

9. Pat Haden (1976-1981)

GettyPat Haden.

Ferragamo’s predecessor, who gets the nod ahead of his successor here by a whisker. Originally a third stringer, Pat Haden came in mid-way through the 1976 season and impressed en route to going 5-1-1. In fact, even with a strong showing and an NFC Championship appearance, the Rams decided to bring in an aged Joe Namath as their starter in 1977, whom Haden took over from once Namath realized his body had little left. Despite only starting 60 total games in his career, he led the Rams to the conference championships on 2 different occasions, the second occurring in 1978 against the Dallas Cowboys.

8. Marc Bulger (2001-2009)

GettyMarc Bulger.

One of the many great underdog stories in Rams history, Marc Bulger went from a sixth pick stranded on the practice squad to starting in seven straight seasons in the NFL. A good QB who collected multiple Pro Bowls and put up strong individual numbers, Bulger was never able to overcome a franchise that was at the time in heavy dysfunction, playing under four coaches in seven years. As a result, Bulger never won a playoff game, despite posting 0.500 or better records as a starter in four of his seven years playing.

7. Jared Goff (2016-2020)

GettyJared Goff.

After what was a historically bad start in the National Football League — going 0-7 with 5 touchdowns and 7 picks — the Rams scrapped head coach Jeff Fisher for offensive wonderkid Sean McVay. Under McVay, Jared Goff turned into a Pro Bowl caliber QB, reaching the 2018 Super Bowl, which he lost in a defensive (snoozefest) battle to the New England Patriots, 13-3. But successive seasons of good, but not elite, play convinced the Rams brass to take a swing at the stronger armed veteran Matthew Stafford in a trade that sent Goff to the Detroit Lions.

6. Jim Everett (1986-1993)

GettyJim Everett.

Jim Everett’s final few years at the Rams do not do a proper service to his initial fast start. Everett pushed the Rams into the playoffs in three out of his first four years at the team — and almost into the Super Bowl in 1989. Sadly, despite keeping strong performances — such as a 1990 Pro Bowl appearance — Everett was unable to bring the Rams back to the postseason, with his final four years in LA all ending as losing ones. A big, prototypical quarterback who ultimately never quite got to the place he desired, Everett still had a good career in Los Angeles and is without doubt one of their top all time QBs.

5. Norm Van Brocklin (1949-1957)

Wikimedia CommonsVikings GM Bert Rose (L) with then-head coach Norm Van Brocklin (R) in 1961.

The winner of the Rams’ second NFL Championships in 1951, Van Brocklin is best known for holding onto the record for most passing yards in a game — an incredible 554 in that ’51 championship winning year. Van Brocklin spent the majority of his storied career with the Rams, obtaining six Pro Bowls and three second-team All Pro nods in his nine years in Los Angeles — generating both team and individual successes during his spell at the Rams.

4. Bob Waterfield (1945-1952)

GettyBob Waterfield, circa 1955.

Waterfield split the snaps with the man who would prove to be his future successor, Norm Van Brocklin, en route to winning the 1951 NFL Championship. The Hall of Fame QB spent his entire 8-year career with the Rams and was appointed to an All-Pro team in five of them, in addition to receiving the NFL MVP in 1945. One of the original pioneers of the game, Waterfield was an athletic, impressive competitor who helped generate sparkling initial success upon the Rams franchise.

3. Roman Gabriel (1962-1972)

Wikimedia CommonsRoman Gabriel, 1970.

Former MVP Roman Gabriel did close to nothing in the playoffs during his 11-year run, reaching the postseason twice and collecting an 0-2 career record in it. However, this does not tell the entire story: only contributing from the bench for his first four seasons, Gabriel finally managed to scoop the starting job in 1966, after which he led the Rams to six consecutive winning seasons. In the modern era, Gabriel would have likely had a crack at generating more playoff success, but at the time only four teams moved on from the regular to the postseason. Regardless, Gabriel is unquestionably one of the greatest Rams quarterbacks — indeed Rams, period — whose dual-threat capabilities and improvisational skill helped LA become one of the consistently best franchises in football in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

2. Matthew Stafford (2021-Present)

GettyMatthew Stafford.

The first of two Super Bowl winners — it was always going to come down to these players at the end of the list. Matthew Stafford’s career with the Rams has actually been somewhat mediocre outside of the the 2021 Super Bowl victory, although much of that comes down to injuries that have haunted the team for the past three seasons. The decisive, large-armed Georgia quarterback finally fulfilled his promising talent when he moved from Detroit to LA, and came ultra close to going on a second playoff run in 2023 only to be closely beaten by, ironically, the Lions. Stafford’s best days are probably behind him, but his composure and professionalism in continuing to play well and persevere in the face of a challenging past three years has earned him the respect of the entire organization and more, and for the elusive second Lombardi Trophy he delivered in 2021, he gets No. 2 on this list.

1. Kurt Warner (1998-2003)

GettyKurt Warner.

The true underdog story, so much so that they even made a film about it. Kurt Warner, coming undrafted out of college, had to try his hand in the arena football league and NFL Europe before being signed by head coach and GM Dick Vermeil. After an injury to incumbent starter Trent Green, Warner shocked the NFL world by going 13-3 and picking up an NFL MVP in 1999 for an offensive that was so powerful it was given its own nickname — the “Greatest Show on Turf” — winning the 2000 Super Bowl. Warner went on to win a second MVP in 2001, but the Rams were defeated by the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots in the 2002 Super Bowl through a last-minute Adam Vinatieri field goal. Although Warner’s final two years in St. Louis did not go as he would have wanted them to, Warner put up the single best seasons of any Rams QB, ever, and thus is the No. 1 pick on this list.

The list isn’t over yet! See our pick for Number 11 HERE. Sound off to let us know who we missed!

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We might have an answer on Smith’s noticeable drop off in production in that stretch after the Eagles announced Smith won’t be available for a Week 12 road game against the Los Angeles Rams in front of a national television audience on Sunday Night Football.

“Smith did not participate in Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions due to the injury, and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters earlier Friday he was still waiting to see how Smith was feeling before determining the receiver’s status for the prime-time affair,” Around the NFL’s Nick Shook wrote. “Smith didn’t practice Friday, either, and was the only Eagles player ruled out for Sunday.”

The Eagles are 8-2 headed into Week 12 and in contention for the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

Smith’s Notable Drop in Production Last 2 Weeks

While Smith is second on the Eagles behind A.J. Brown with 41 receptions for 516 yards and 4 touchdowns, he’s had a noticeable dip in production the last 2 games with just 6 receptions for 43 yards and no touchdowns on 9 targets.

Smith is in his fourth season with the Eagles after they selected him No. 10 overall in the 2021 NFL draft. Smith left the University of Alabama as one of the greatest wide receivers in college football history, winning a pair of College Football Playoff national championships and becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 2021.

With the Eagles, Smith has been nothing short of dynamic, and is on pace for his third consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards in 2024. After putting up 81 receptions for 1,066 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023, the Eagles rewarded Smith with a 3-year, $75 million contract extension in April 2024.

He’s also been incredibly durable despite his 6-foot, 170-pound frame, and Sunday’s game will be only the third he’s missed in 4 seasons.

Eagles Should Turn to Rookie WR to Step Up

The Eagles have been lacking a reliable third option at wide receiver all season, where they’ve tried to shoehorn former first round pick Jahan Dotson in alongside Brown and Smith after they traded a 2025 third round pick and two 2025 seventh round picks to the Washington Commanders in exchange for Dotson in August 2024.

Because Dotson only has 9 receptions for 106 yards and no touchdowns through 10 games — below even his middling pace for 2022 and 2023 — it might be a good idea for the Eagles to get some targets for 6-foot-7 rookie wide receiver Johnny Wilson.

The Eagles took Wilson in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft after spent the first 2 seasons of his college career at Arizona State before transferring to Florida State, where he was a 2-time All-ACC pick in 2022 and 2023.

Wilson had 84 receptions for 1,514 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in his final 2 collegiate seasons, and did so while missing 3 games due to injury in 2023.

In 10 games, Wilson only has 2 receptions for 14 yards and 1 touchdown on 7 targets.

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Just a few weeks after signing him to the practice squad, the Buccaneers promoted veteran cornerback Troy Hill to the active roster on November 18 — Hill played for the Carolina Panthers the last 2 seasons.

“The Bucs made a roster move on Monday, signing cornerback Troy Hill to the active roster from the practice squad and waiving safety Kaevon Merriweather,” Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds wrote. “The 33-year old Hill was signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on October 30. The Bucs have been playing without starting cornerback Jamel Dean since he injured his hamstring in Week 6 at New Orleans and was placed on injured reserve. Dean returned to practice on Monday as the team opened his 21-day practice window and he said he felt great and did a lot of running during the bye week to work on his cardio and conditioning with the expectation that he’ll come off I.R. and start on Sunday at New York against the Giants.”

Hill led the NFL in defensive touchdowns in 2020 and has played 119 career games for 6 different teams since starring at Oregon in the mid-2010s. He last played for the

Hill Carved Out NFL Career After Going Undrafted

Going undrafted out of Oregon in 2015 didn’t stop Hill from crafting out a decade-long NFL career.

Hill played for 3 teams as a rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots and St. Louis Rams before catching on, and lasted 6 seasons with the Rams and moved with the team to Los Angeles.

In 2020, Hill had his best NFL season with the Rams, starting all 16 games with career highs in tackles (77), pass deflections (10), fumble recoveries (2) and interceptions (3) while racking up 119 interception return yards and leading the NFL with 2 defensive touchdowns.

In an interesting pro sports quirk, Hill also made a nice chunk of cash in 2020 when he switched jersey numbers twice. He was paid $32,000 to give up his No. 32 jersey to free agent safety Eric Weddle and switched to No. 20 … which he was paid $20,000 to give up for cornerback Jalen Ramsey after a midseason trade.

Hill’s big season in 2020 led to the biggest payday of his career when he signed a 2-year, $9 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in March 2021.

Buccaneers Clinging to Playoff Hopes

The Buccaneers are 4-6 after 4 consecutive losses and clinging to their playoff hopes after a spate of injuries and fielding one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

How bad have the Buccaneers been on that side of the ball? Headed into Week 12, they are ranked 31st in the NFL in team defense and have given up 21 passing touchdowns through 10 games — 30th in the NFL.

One thing the Buccaneers have going for them is that they’ve been in this position before. They were 6-8 in 2022 and rallied to finish the season 8-9 and sneak into the NFC Wild Card Round. The Buccaneers were 4-7 in 2023 before they went on a late-season run to finish 9-8 and win the NFC South Division.

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After not giving up a passing touchdown in the first 3 games, Tampa Bay has given up 15 passing touchdowns in the last 5 games, including 9 in the last 2 weeks in back-to-back losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons.

So, the Buccaneers need help in the secondary. Any help. That’s why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed Los Angeles Rams cornerback Tre’Davious White as a possible trade target for the Buccaneers ahead of Week 9 and the NFL trade deadline on November 5.

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Unfortunately, some cliches are true. And in the case of the Washington Commanders, the cornerbacks room continually gets singled out as the weakest link.

With the Commanders a surprising 6-2 and their success arguably the biggest story in the NFL midway through the 2024 regular season, it might behoove them to trade for a proven cornerback ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 5.

It just so happens there’s one of those available and recently given free reign to seek a trade with Los Angeles Rams cornerback and 2-time NFL All-Pro Tre’Davious White.

Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed on October 28 that the team had given White permission to find a team willing to deal for him.

“He’s been such a pro about the way he’s handled obviously a not-ideal situation for him,” McVay told the Rams’ official website. “If you guys saw the way he’s practiced, the way that he’s been a pro in every sense of the word, and approaches some things where, he hasn’t been active the last three weeks. Guy wants an opportunity to be able to compete, and we love him here. We’d like to be able to keep him here, but if that is something that he and his agent want to be able to explore, we’re obviously respectfully understanding of that. And so the answer is yes, we’ve allowed them to be able to talk to some teams to see if that’s a possibility.”

White signed a 1-year, $4.25 million contract with the Rams in April 2024 and has been a healthy scratch the last 3 games after starting the first 4 games, where he had 12 tackles and 2 pass deflections.

White Was One of NFL’s Best Cornerbacks

White was a first round pick (No. 27 overall) by the Buffalo Bills in the 2017 NFL draft and was one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks for the first part of his career.

After making the PFWAA All-Rookie Team, White earned back-to-back NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and 2020, including leading the NFL with 6 interceptions.

White signed a 4-year, $69 million contract extension with the Bills before the 2020 season — also the last time he had multiple interceptions in a single season. Of White’s 18 career interceptions, 15 of them came in his first 4 seasons.

Injuries have been an issue, including a torn Achilles tendon in Week 4 of the 2023 regular season. After only missing 3 games in his first 4 seasons, White missed a total of 30 games over the next 3 seasons, including playing just 10 games across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Commanders CBs Could Ruin Dream Season

Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder singled cornerback out as the Commanders’ No. 1 weakness headed into a Week 9 road game against the New York Giants.

“The Commanders have a legitimate shot at winning the division or at least making the playoffs as a wild-card team this year,” Holder wrote. “But the defense’s cornerback room could ruin those hopes, so it’d be smart to add a veteran ahead of the trade deadline … “

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That might mean making a move before the NFL trade deadline on November 5, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks the 3-time defending NFC South Division champions should make a move for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver and former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp.

The Buccaneers are in dire straits with their wide receivers after Chris Godwin suffered a season-ending dislocated left ankle against the Ravens and Mike Evans is out until at least after the Week 11 bye with a hamstring injury.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an obvious potential landing spot in the wake of Chris Godwin’s season-ending ankle injury,” Knox wrote. “Tampa needs receiver help, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen coached Kupp as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2022.”

Knox listed the Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs as the 2 likely trade destinations for Kupp, who was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 and Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player. The Chiefs made a move to obtain Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on October 23.

Kupp acknowledged the trade rumors on October 22.

“I’m aware of it, but at the end of the day, I mean, I’m going to be where my feet are,” Kupp told ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “That’s all I know. I have a job to do here. And I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can … And whatever happens outside of that, I’ve got to control what I can control. And right now that means being the best L.A. Ram that I can be.”

What Bucs Would Have to Give Up for Kupp

The Buccaneers might be more concerned with the financial implications of trading for Kupp than the price in terms of bodies, which would likely be a 2025 fourth round draft pick.

Kupp would cost approximately $10 million (or less) for 2024, depending on if the Rams are willing to pick up part of his salary. Moving forward, he’s due approximately $20 million each of the next 2 seasons.

The Buccaneers already have $112 million tied up in contracts to Godwin and Evans, with Godwin in the final season of a 3-year, $60 million contract and Evans in the first season of a 2-year, $52 million contract signed in March 2024.

Kupp Hasn’t Been Able to Stay Healthy

Injuries have defined Kupp’s career since he had one of the greatest seasons for any player in NFL history — regardless of position — in 2021.

In 2021, Kupp became only the second receiver in NFL history after Hall of Famer Jerry Rice to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP honors in the same season. He also led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16) while setting an NFL record with 33 postseason receptions.

Following the Super Bowl win, Kupp signed a 3-year, $80.1 million contract extension with $75 million guaranteed but has missed 21 games due to injuries since then. He hasn’t played in 2024 since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2.

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The Commanders are in a good position to make a big move before the November 5 trade deadline — one that could change their fortunes and jumpstart the Jayden Daniels era.

One move they should consider is a blockbuster trade for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a Super Bowl MVP and former NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Kupp would be the perfect compliment to veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin and, if Kupp can stay healthy, might push the Commanders from being playoff hopefuls into being actual NFC contenders.

The price might not be prohibitive, and especially if the Commanders push things closer to the November 5 NFL trade deadline. The Rams are 1-4 headed into a bye in Week 6 then return for Week 7 to face the Las Vegas Raiders at home. Losing that game would almost certainly push them so far out of the playoff picture as to make them sellers in the trade market.

Kupp would be expensive but not out-of-this-world expensive at approximately $10 million (or less) for 2024 and approximately $20 million each of the next 2 seasons. In return, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to send the Rams either a second round pick or possibly 2 picks in the mid-late rounds.

Injuries Have Taken Kupp Off Table for Rams

Injuries have defined Kupp’s career since he had one of the greatest seasons for any player in NFL history — regardless of position — in 2021. And it’s that one season that has so many still believing he could be a dominant player again one day.

In 2021, Kupp became only the second receiver in NFL history after Hall of Famer Jerry Rice to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP honors in the same season. He also led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16) while setting an NFL record with 33 postseason receptions in leading the Rams to a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI with 2 touchdowns, including the game-winning score.

Since that magical year, Kupp has missed 16 games for a variety of injuries. He signed a 3-year, $80.1 million contract extension with $75 million guaranteed in June 2022 and his season ended in Week 10 with a high ankle sprain that required surgery. In 2023, Kupp started the season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and didn’t return until Week 5.

In 2024, Kupp has already missed 3 games due to a high ankle sprain and is scheduled to return in Week 7, according to ESPN.

Commanders Offense Has Great Balance

While the Commanders’ success seems entirely centered around how brilliant Daniels has been through the first 5 games of his NFL career, it’s worth pointing out that brilliance has come with balance.

Washington’s ground game is led by running back Brian Robinson (325 yards, 5 touchdowns) and Daniels (300 yards, 4 touchdowns), which are similar to the numbers for McLaurin, the leading receiver with 36 receptions for 303 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Even more encouraging? McLaurin already has two 100-yard receiving games, exceeding his total for the entire 2023 season — a year in which he still managed over 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth consecutive season.

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Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox placed Wilson at No. 8 in his latest rankings of NFL trade targets on Oct. 2, listing the Los Angeles Rams as the top possible trade destination for Wilson, who was the No. 2 overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL draft.

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A screenshot of the post hit X. “Vacay mode activated,” says the caption on the picture, which show McVay’s wife, Veronika Khomyn McVay, in a bathroom wearing a purple bikini. The photo includes a small boat emoji.

The Instagram page for Veronika Khomyn McVay is set to private. It links to a GoFundMe page for a Ukraine aid program.

Veronika Khomyn McVay Appears to Have Taken the Photo on a Yacht, Reports Say

Outkick reported that Veronika McVay posted the bikini photo to her Instagram story on the weekend of June 30 and said it appeared to be taken on a yacht. The story is no longer visible on her page.

According to Outkick, the pair have been married for two years.

Before she set her account to private, Veronika McVay shared other swimsuit photos and pictures showing her vacationing with Sean McVay, according to The New York Post.

The couple also made no secret of their engagement on social media at the time.

According to The New York Post, Veronika revealed on Instagram that the couple was engaged while vacationing in France in 2019. The Post described McVay’s wife as a model who was “linked” to the coach since 2011.

TMZ reported that the couple was married in 2022 in a ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, that included a Vince Lombardi trophy cake.

After he guided his team to the Super Bowl in 2022, Veronika wrote on Instagram, in a post no longer visible, “I’ve watched this guy grind nonstop. Day in and day out. No breaks,” according to TMZ.

“He always puts everyone else first, and winning this Lombardi trophy for his team, his family, his friends… is a dream come true!!!” she wrote, TMZ reported. “I love you babe, you deserve this times a million. Victory tastes pretty [expletive] good!” the post continued, according to TMZ.

Sean McVay & His Wife Veronika Welcomes Their 1st child Last Fall

In October 2023, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Jordan John McVay, according to the Rams’ Instagram page.

“On an off day too. Legendary. • Congratulations, Coach + Veronika!” the post read, sharing a picture of a small jersey.

“Everybody kind of tells you what to expect, and it couldn’t even be as good as everybody says,” McVay said to ESPN. “And they certainly talked about what a special moment it was. Just amazing how well my wife handled it and what a stud she was throughout that whole process, and even yesterday. The people were amazing in terms of the nurses and the doctors, and their help.”

According to People Magazine, Veronika, who was born in the Ukraine, came to the United States in 2009.

She is listed as a realtor on her website.

“Veronika was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the US in 2009. In her early years, she traveled extensively with her father, a construction entrepreneur,” her bio there says.

“This gave her a broad perspective on culture and the specific needs of a wide variety of clients. Because of her global upbringing, she built a strong character, work ethic, and values relationships with clients,” it says. “Veronika completed her bachelor’s degree in international business from George Mason University and her master’s degree in global management from Arizona State University. She has built a strong professional resume through a foundation of service and leadership skills.”

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In taking Jared Verse with the No. 19 overall pick of the 2024 draft, the Rams made their first first-round pick since 2016, when they selected Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick.

It remains to be seen if the pick will pay off. However, going back to their old ways of trades sending away draft capital could help the Rams maximize their title window with 36-year-old quarterback Mattew Stafford.

They already have a stacked wide receiver room with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua among the top 1-2 punches in the league. But Kupp’s injury history suggests they can use reinforcements.

Las Vegas Raiders wideout Davante Adams could offer that and then some.

“The Rams admittedly don’t really need Adams,” Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport wrote on June 14. “Adding Adams to that mix would give Matthew Stafford the most dangerous trio of wide receivers in the league.

“It wouldn’t be cheap—but there’s no general manager in the NFL more willing to deal first-rounders than Les Snead.”

Rams get:

– Davante Adams

Raiders get:

– 2025 first-round pick

Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection, earning each distinction with the Raiders in 2022. However, the Raiders’ change from Derek Carr to Jimmy Garappolo and then rookie Aidan O’Connell led to a dropoff in Adams’ production.

The former Green Bay Packer, Adams, was visibly frustrated at times last season.

Adams has rejected trade speculation, suggesting he would have been traded if he wanted one.

“If I wanted to be gone, I’d be gone by now,” Adams said, per the Athletic’s Tashan Reed in April. “This is where I want to be.”

Insider Expects Raiders to be Sellers at 2024 Trade Deadline

GettyWide receiver Davante Adams #17 of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Despite Adams’ wishes, the Raiders could be positioned to move off some of their more expensive contracts, and the 31-year-old Adams could be a candidate.

“I … believe that the roster is a ways off, and the long-term quarterback for Pierce and first-year GM Tom Telesco isn’t on the roster,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on June 13, “so there’s a pretty logical scenario out there where they become sellers at the deadline.”

That could put the Raiders and Rams on aligning paths toward a trade.

“Want to seriously threaten a loaded San Francisco 49ers team in the NFC West in 2024?” Davenport wrote. “This is the kind of move it’s going to take.”

Rams Can Create Cap Space to Accommodate a Trade

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams.

Adams logged 372 fewer receiving yards in 2023 than in 2022, while his 67.3 yards per game were his fewest since the 2017 season. He is entering the third year of a five-year, $140 million contract and carries a $25.3 million cap hit in 2024.

The Rams have $8.6 million in cap space, per Over The Cap.

Getting the space to bring on Adams and the $17.5 million he would still be owed could prove tricky. The Rams have some viable pathways to doing so though.

Including Demarcus Robinson and backup offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom would add $9 million in salary from the Rams side. That clears enough room to bring in Adams. They could then restructure his contract, similar to what the Houston Texans did with Stefon Diggs.

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Their selection of Florida State Seminoles edge defender Jared Verse was their first first-round pick since 2016. The pick also drew rave reviews from former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, winner of six Super Bowls and architect of the last modern dynasty.

“I really like Verse,” Belichick said during the “Pat McAfee Show” on April 25. “He … can play outside, can play inside. Powerful, explosive. There’s so much to like about this guy.”

Verse is coming off of back-to-back 9.0-sack seasons at FSU, tallying 29.5 tackles for loss in that span. Right away, lofty expectations were placed upon him with Aaron Donald’s retirement still on the minds of some.

“Jared Verse was instrumental to helping get @FSUFootball back to one of the top teams in the nation,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III posted on X on April 25. “Now he will be charged with helping to create a pass rush with the impossible task of replacing Aaron Donald’s production. Jared Verse about to have NFL OL SINGING THE BLUES.”

Donald contemplated retirement for some time before making it official this offseason.

He leaves with 111 career sacks in 10 seasons, including 8.0 in 2023. His departure seemed to signal the need for a 1-for-1 replacement, like Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II.

However, Rams general manager Les Snead noted that Kobie Turner’s versatility allowed them some flexibility. Turner was the No. 89 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He finished his rookie season with 9.0 sacks, the most for a Ram since Donald in 2014.

Verse is not the same kind of player as Donald.

Rams Getting ‘High-Impact Player’ in Jared Verse

GettyJared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams.

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds, he is more of an edge rusher who can slide inside on passing downs than someone who routinely flips between the two roles.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called Verse a “high-impact” player.

“Talented edge defender with the field demeanor, athleticism and skill set to rack up statistics in key categories fairly early in his NFL career,” Zierlein wrote. “Verse dominated at Albany and then showed an ability to do the same at Florida State. He’s twitchy and compact, with explosiveness featured at the point of attack and in his upfield burst as a pass rusher.

“Great with his hands and does a nice job of diagnosing plays quickly and staying out of the clinches of offensive linemen looking to snatch him up. Verse’s ability to threaten the edge only bolsters his hellish speed-to-power bull-rushing ability to run tackles deep into the pocket. He can play up or down and should be in consideration for all defensive schemes looking to add a safe, high-impact edge.”

Kobie Turner Reached Out to Jared Verse

GettyKobie Turner #91 of the Los Angeles Rams.

The transition from college to the NFL can be a daunting one. Turner made it look easy, especially considering his draft slot. He is doing his part to ensure Verse’s transition goes as smoothly as possible.

“‘Woo!!!’ Jared Verse says this is a ‘dream come true,’” The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue reported on X. “Kobie Turner has already reached out.”

This is encouraging for LA with Donald’s departure creating a leadership void on defense.

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It might be prudent of General Manager Les Snead to plan for the future and The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, projects him to do just that with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 19 overall pick.

“Going into Aaron Rodgers’ age-36 season, the Packers made a forward-thinking pick and drafted their quarterback of the future (Jordan Love) in the back half of Round 1,” Brugler wrote on January 16. “Going into Matthew Stafford’s age-36 season, the Rams might be in a position to follow the same approach.“

The 6-foot-3 McCarthy completed 72.2% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions this past season. He also ran a pro-style offense under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

He did not earn any individual awards in 2023. But he led Michigan to a national championship.

McCarthy’s draft stock has risen quite a bit over the last year. There are questions about his modest production on a team known for its defense, though. This would also be the highest the Rams have selected a quarterback since Jared Goff went No. 1 overall in 2016.

They have drafted one quarterback since, spending a fourth-round pick on Stetson Bennett in the 2023 draft.

Bennett is currently on the reserve/non-football illness list.

The Packers selected Love with the No. 26 overall pick in 2020. He was the first quarterback taken that year. But he did not see the field as a rookie, logging his first action in 2021 when he logged one start in six appearances.

Love had to wait until this past regular season – with Rodgers traded to the New York Jets – to make his next start.

He finished second in touchdown passes and has Green Bay in the Divisional Round.

Matthew Stafford’s Future Plans Could Impact Rams Draft

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams.

“Who knows when Stafford will hang ’em up,” Brugler wrote. “But with his injury past, the Rams at least need to consider it.

Stafford confirmed his “plan right now” is to return for the 2024 season after the Rams’ loss to the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round. He has consistently shut down under retirement talk and is under contract through 2026.

Despite eight games last season, Stafford has also been durable during his Rams tenure.

He missed two games this past season. But he logged a full slate of games in 2021 as well as in 2020 while still with the Lions.

Stafford is 24-17 in his Rams career, with that injury-marred 2022 (3-6) suppressing his record down. There is no reason to jettison him or overreact to his age at this point. Especially because the Rams are flush with resources this offseason.

With their first first-round pick since 2016, will they indeed follow the Packers’ blueprint?

Rams Projected to Attack Secondary in 2nd Round

GettyEnnis Rakestraw Jr. #2 of the Missouri Tigers.

The Rams are set to lose several veterans to free agency in the secondary, including 17-game starter Ahkello Witherspoon at cornerback.

Brugler projects they soften that blow with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. with the No. 52 overall pick.

“One of the draft’s more physical corners, Rakestraw plays with the mentality and toughness to make plays against both pass and run,” Brugler wrote. “His injury feedback might directly impact where he is drafted, but the Rams could use a corner with his athleticism and compete skills.”

The Rams still have youngsters Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick under contract. Perhaps they feel less inclined to spend such an early pick on a cornerback. But the defense ranked 20th in passing yards allowed and 22nd in passing touchdowns allowed. It wouldn’t hurt to add a lengthy, rangy defender on the backend.

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The Athletic’s Mike Sando wondered if the Rams could entertain a trade for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the No. 5 overall pick of the draft in 2020 who is heading into the final year of his four-year, $30 million rookie contract.

He also carries a $23.2 million cap hit thanks to his fifth-year option.

For comparison, Stafford is in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract. His cap hits are $49.5 million, $50.5 million, and $49.5 million over the next three seasons.

“Who would trade for Tagovailoa,” Sando wrote as part of a roundtable discussion with various anonymous team executives. on January 15. “Could the Rams be interested if Matthew Stafford retired? Trading Tagovailoa for Stafford would be even better if the right set of circumstances made it feasible.”

Stafford has already said he plans on coming back next season. But he added the caveat of “right now” in terms of his intentions for the 2024 campaign.

That could open the door for the Rams to at least explore their options.

For the time being, the first reason the Rams would look to acquire Tagovailoa is off the table.

“My plan is to be back,” Stafford told reporters after the game. “You’re going have to deal with me for another year. So have fun with that.”

Additionally, the Rams set up nicely for the future. They own their first-round pick for the first time since 2016. They are also in line for the 11th-most cap space with a slew of avenues to unlock more wiggle room, per Spotrac.

The need to potentially save on money at quarterback doesn’t stand up.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier also said he wants to keep Tagovailoa “long term” following his team’s playoff exit. The Dolphins have explored other options in the past, though.

Would Rams Trade Matthew Stafford to Dolphins for Tua Tagovailoa?

GettyTua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins.

In two more games this season, Tagovailoa threw for 659 more yards, five more touchdowns, but also three more interceptions. He also completed 69.3% of his passes to 62.6% for Stafford. This is despite his passes traveling further through the air per attempt.

That is the case for making the trade.

The Rams could justify going with the younger player who struggled in cold weather environments because of where they play. But Stafford is still playing at a high level.

It could take something like Stafford’s retirement for the Rams to explore this path. A more likely route could be using one of their draft selections on a developmental quarterback. That would come with hopes that Stafford can continue to perform as he did when healthy this season.

After both teams exited in the first round, there is less reason for the Rams to explore this than the Dolphins who could view Stafford as a superior cold-weather option.

Rams Coaching Shuffle Under Way

GettyDefensive coordinator Raheem Morris of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams have already lost Defensive Line Coach Eric Henderson to USC as their new co-defensive coordinator, per the Associated Press and ESPN on January 15. L.A. finished in the top half in both Pass Rush Win Rate and Run Stuff Win Rate in 2023, per ESPN.

But things could get even tougher for the Rams.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris is kicking off his slate of interviews for a head coaching job with the Carolina Panthers on January 15.

“#Rams DC Raheem Morris, who has requests for four interviews, begins his interview schedule with the #Panthers tomorrow, source said,” Rapoport said in a post on X, Formerly Twitter. “He also has slips from the #Commanders, #Chargers, and #Seahawks.”

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Atlanta Falcons also requested an interview with Morris, whose previous head coaching experience includes the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“#Falcons are expected to request an interview with #Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris for their head coaching position, per sources,” Fowler said in his post on X on January 11. “Morris was with Atlanta in a variety of roles from 2015-20, including assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and interim head coach.”

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The 2024 season will be here soon enough, and one question loomed large even in the immediate aftermath of a playoff game.

Will quarterback Matthew Stafford return in 2024? He’s shut down retirement talk before.

He completed 69.4% of his passes for 367 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the loss. Stafford is also coming off a strong finish to the season, completing at least 70% of his passes and/or throwing multiple touchdowns in each of the last six games.

“That’s my plan right now. Yeah, my plan is to be back,” Stafford told reporters after the game. “You’re going have to deal with me for another year. So have fun with that.”

Stafford — who is in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract — had 3,965 passing yards on 62.6% completion with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.

He also earned his second Pro Bowl selection.

Stafford had alluded to a potential return in a previous answer about his outlook on the team’s future. The Rams are set up for an eventful offseason with draft capital and cap space to address whatever areas they wish.

“Every team is different, right? You could ask me that question last year and nobody would have guessed we were sitting right here doing this right now,” Stafford said.”Next year it’ll be a bunch of new guys, I’m sure, like it is every single season. We’ll have to figure that out and figure that journey out when we get there.”

Stafford also had an injury scare during the game that he addressed postgame.

“Tried to run a double post, [Detroit] played a little bit of quarters, did a nice job kind of funneling it back to the backside safety. And then [I] threw it to [Cooper Kupp] underneath. Took a shot to the ribs and to the head. But felt fine. Came back in felt good at the end.”

Matthew Stafford Calls Out Rams’ Offense Stalls in Red Zone

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams boasted the eighth-best scoring offense this season. They also ranked fourth in red zone percentage and eighth in red zone touchdowns.

But, in Sunday’s loss, they were 0-for-3.

“There’s plays out there we could have had,” Stafford said. “Couple chances in the red zone, we didn’t score touchdowns. And in a game like this, against an offense like that, that’s playing at that clip, you’re going to need to score touchdowns when you get down there.

“Our defense did a great job in the second half holding them down. But we just didn’t make enough plays in the red zone.”

It didn’t help that a Rams defense that allowed the 11th-fewest touchdowns and the 15th-lowest conversion rate in the red zone allowed the Lions to go 3-for-3, though all three were in the first half.

And only one of those scores came via former Rams quarterback Jared Goff’s right arm.

Matthew Stafford: Lions Fans ‘Should Be Proud’ of Jared Goff

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams.

Reporters asked Stafford about the chants for Goff during the game (and in the locker room) and if his name ever rang out in his former home stadium that way. After joking about not remembering due to his age – he turns 36 years old on February 7 – Stafford praised Goff’s play.

Goff finished the game with 277 passing yards on 81.4% completion in the game, throwing just that one touchdown but with zero interceptions.

“I almost hope they would [cheer Goff], right? … He’s their quarterback,” Stafford said. “He’s playing great, he led him to a win today. I’m happy for him. I thought he played excellent today. He’s leading an offense that’s playing at a really good clip right now, and they should be proud of him. They should be cheering for him.”

He also wasn’t concerned with the fans’ boos towards him in his return.

“It was a playoff game. I’m not surprised that they were excited about cheering for their team. And I’m not too worried about anybody’s personal feelings towards me that was sitting in the stands.”

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But general manager Les Snead is not shy about making significant moves, and he could have an opportunity to pounce on one with Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

“The Las Vegas Raiders … continue to weigh a potential pursuit of [Jim] Harbaugh,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero wrote on January 13. “However … there remains support … for interim coach Antonio Pierce — including in the locker room, with All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby expressing he will explore a trade request if Pierce isn’t retained.”

Pierce has already interviewed with the Tennessee Titans.

The Rams have the draft capital to test that notion, such as in this hypothetical trade proposal for this offseason.

Rams get:

– Maxx Crosby

Raiders get:

– 2024 first-round pick
– 2024 second-round pick
– 2025 first-round pick
– 2025 third-round pick

There will be no shortage of suitors for Crosby if he indeed hits the trade block. A three-time Pro Bowler, he is coming off his second consecutive season of double-digit sacks. It is the third such campaign of his career, and he has never missed a game in five NFL seasons.

He is heading into the third year of a four-year, $94 million contract.

Crosby confirmed that he would explore all of his options if Pierce left during his podcast.

“I’m going have to consider everything. Honestly, nothing’s off the table,” Crosby said on “The Rush with Maxx Crosby” on January 13. “I made it loud and clear that I want to be a Raider for life. I want to be here, I want to win here, I want to retire here. But if you go and start from scratch again, I got to consider everything. I mean everything.

“I want to be a Raider, for sure. But if we go in a different direction, then there’s nothing that’s off the table.”

Maxx Crosby Could Ease Burden on Aaron Donald

GettyAaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams.

The 26-year-old former No. 106 overall pick in 2019, Crosby, tallied 14.5 sacks this season. Los Angeles hasn’t had a double-digit-sack performance since Aaron Donald had 12.5 ahead of their Super Bowl run in 2021.

Rookie Kobie Turner led the team with 9.0 this season. And Leonard Floyd, now with the Buffalo Bills, led the team with 9.0 last season.

Floyd (2020) was the last EDGE defender to record double-digit sacks in a Rams uniform.

Dante Fowler did it the season before that, so it’s not a lengthy drought. But it shows how the Rams have relied on Donald to generate pressure since then, something Crosby would undoubtedly help with.

Rookie Byron Young (No. 77 overall) tied Donald with 8.0 sacks this season. And third-year man Michael Hoecht set a career-high with 6.0 sacks, starting all 17 games this season.

Donald, 32, has contemplated retirement in recent offseasons. An extended run this postseason could be all the push he needs. Even if he returns for an 11th season, the Rams could take a significant burden off of him by adding the threat of Crosby on the outside.

Rams Cap Sheet Sets Them Up for Blockbuster Trade

GettyMaxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Los Angeles is absorbing salary cap punishment this season and clearing the decks for next season,” wrote ESPN’s Adam Schefter in September. “After this season, in which the youth movement already is underway, the Rams will have a surplus of draft picks and cap space, allowing them to approach this year and their future differently.

The Rams carried $79.3 million in dead money on their books in 2023, per Spotrac.

They will have $48.2 million in cap space this offseason and could be in a unique position to acquire a player they can continue to build around on defense if he wants out of Las Vegas.

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Youngsters Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua both earned Second Team honors.

Aaron Donald is the team’s lone First Team honoree. But the accomplishment put him among some exclusive ranks.

Donald is one of eight players in NFL history with at least eight selections, per Pro Football Reference. He trails just four players for the all-time lead. Whether or not he gets to the top – he needs two more – is uncertain as he has contemplated retirement in recent seasons.

But rookie defensive lineman Kobie Turner has already made up his mind.

“The BEST to EVER do it,” Turner said in a quoted post of the Rams acknowledging Donald’s achievement on X, formerly Twitter on January 12.

Donald also earned his 10th straight Pro Bowl selection this season, finishing with 8.0 sacks on the season. It is his ninth time recording at least that many sacks in his 10-year career, and it was a step up from his 5.0-sack campaign in 2022.

This was a big season for the third-round rookie Turner, as he led the team in sacks this season.

“With 9.0 sacks in the regular season, Kobie Turner leads the team in sacks. He is the only rookie in franchise history to be the sack leader,” the Rams social media team wrote in a post on X on January 10. “Additionally, he is just the third DT in the past 20 years to have 9+ sacks as a rookie.”

It was a good year for several Rams youngsters. Their efforts underscore the job General Manager Les Snead has done to replenish the roster in the wake of their victory in Super Bowl LVI.

Rams: All-Pro RB Kyren Williams an ‘Undeniable Talent’

GettyKyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams.

Williams finished the season with 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He is the first Rams running back to cross the 1,000-yard mark on the ground and the first to earn All-Pro honors since Todd Gurley in 2018, per Stathead.

Williams, 23, is also the first since Gurley in 2019 to log double-digit rushing touchdowns.

“An undeniable talent,” The Rams social media team said in another post. “Congratulations to @Kyrenwilliams23 on being named AP All-Pro Second-Team!”

Williams also earned a trip to the Pro Bowl Games this season. He joins Donald, Nacua, and Matthew Stafford on the NFC roster.

Puka Nacua Matches Hall-of-Famer With All-Pro Selection

GettyPuka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams.

Nacua became just the seventh rookie in franchise history to earn All-Pro honors, and the first since Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis in 1993. Like Williams, Nacua is a fifth-round pick, making him just the eighth rookie drafted in the fifth round – and the 18th player drafted in that round or later – to earn a slot.

He is the first skill position player drafted in the fifth round or later to make it at his natural spot since Bobby Hunt with the Dallas Texans in the AFL circa 1962.

Nacua, 22, finished the campaign with 1,486 yards and six receiving touchdowns on 105 targets.

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“Of course,” Goff said, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard on January 10. “I think it’ll never leave me, and I think that’s a good thing.”

Goff was traded, along with a bevy of draft picks, for Matthew Stafford.

Goff led the Rams to the Super Bowl in 2018. But he is hungry for a playoff win in Detroit now. It would be the Lions’ first since the 1991 season.

“I so badly want to win a playoff game for this city that hasn’t had one in so long,” Goff said. “We’ve got a home playoff game for the first time in so long and that’s so much more important than anything personally for me. I want to be a part of this win and do my job the best of my ability.”

The 28-year-old Goff led his team to a better record by two games this season. But it is Stafford who will represent the NFC as one of three quarterbacks in the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.

Goff completed 61.1% of his passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his first time out against his new team. It was a 28-19 Rams home win in Week 7 of the 2021 season. He will surely be seeking redemption for that as well this time out.

“Ton of respect for him and him as a player and everything he’s done, he’s a Hall of Fame player in my book and I saw this as an opportunity for me to build my own legacy and being at the ground floor of something special and something that we can hopefully build to even more special than right now.”

Goff and Stafford, both former No. 1 overall picks in their respective classes, are forever linked by that trade. This season, Goff finished with better overall statistics. But he and Stafford – who missed two games – finished with similar per-pass numbers.

Matthew Stafford Embracing ‘Bad Guy’ Role

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams.

This is a homecoming for Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in 2009 (2016 for Goff). He spent the first 12 years of his career in Detroit. Stafford went to the postseason three times with the Lions, and they never advanced beyond the Wild Card round.

He led the Rams to their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history in his first season under center in 2021. And he enters this contest ready for whatever may happen.

“I’m not expecting anything,” Stafford said, per Grant Gordon of NFL.com on January 10.

“The biggest thing for me is just to go and experience whatever that experience is gonna be. I understand what the people of Detroit and the city of Detroit meant to me in my time and my career, what they meant to my family. I hope they feel that back, but at the same time I’m not a stranger to the situation and understanding that I’m the bad guy coming to town.”

Rams Enter Super Wild Card Showdown vs Lions as Hotter Team

GettyHead coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams.

Stafford went on to explain how proud he was of the team. They overcame a 3-6 start to go 7-1 in the second half of the season.

That makes the Rams the hotter team versus a Lions squad that is 5-3 over its last eight games.

Stafford completed 68.3% of his passes for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in his first meeting against his former team. This could turn out to be an explosive Wild Card matchup.

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Kobie Turner has broken out with a team-high 6.5 sacks. Fellow rookie Byron Young has tacked on six sacks. Even Jonah Williams is enjoying career-high numbers with 43 total tackles.

But even Ram fans believe this sudden charge to the postseason can use some help. And a familiar face once paid $24 million just became available.

Super Bowl Winning Rams Defender Stunningly Waived

Sebastian Joseph-Day, best known as “Bash” during the Rams’ Super Bowl 56 run, is now a free agent after the L.A. Chargers waived him on Friday, December 22.

Joseph-Day became a part of the Bolts’ plans to clean house, but unfortunately he won’t be involved in their future. The former Ram once signed a three-year, $24 million deal after helping guide the Rams to the Vince Lombardi Trophy. In signing with the Chargers, he rejoined former Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

The Chargers, however, are undergoing sweeping changes up and down the roster.

L.A. fired Staley after nearly three seasons on December 15. That was following their 63-21 debacle against the Las Vegas Raiders. Staley and the Chargers dropped to 5-9. Now, “Bash” is the latest former Ram to jam from the Bolts.

Fans Call for Rams to Resign Joseph-Day

While the Rams have discovered future front seven stars in Turner and Young, there are fans who believe the now 8-7 Rams can use added strength along the line.

“Come on back,” said one fan on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Reunite with Rams maybe? Hope he can get some playoff run this year. Love Bash,” another fan posted on the social media site.

One fan got confused by the move.

“How do you waive the workout partner of Aaron Donald?” the fan asked. “Serious questions: What made him untradeable to a post-season contending team? Still owed $2.5M from guarantee. Who do you think made the call on this?”

Other Bolt fans, though, saw this coming. Joseph-Day’s ties to Staley likely led to his waive.

How ‘Bash’ Fared in L.A. After his ‘Rams House’ Days

“Bash” flashed some moments in the powder blue.

He delivered a career-best 56 total tackles in his reunion with Staley for 2022. But that included thrashing the trenches with an astonishing nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He eventually worked his way to defensive captain.

However, this season witnessed a dip in productivity. Joseph-Day settled for only 31 total tackles. He snatched just 15 solo tackles. And his tackles for a loss dropped to three. His lone highlight? Delivering a career-high 11 quarterback hits.

His last game is officially that infamous 42-point beatdown he and the Chargers endured in Las Vegas. Joseph-Day collected three tackles, two solo stops and one assisted stop.

Is There Room for ‘Bash?’

Joseph-Day played for a defense that imploded in 2023. A defense the Rams once ran, and still use through Raheem Morris.

Staley’s unit fell to 29th in yards allowed. Including the Raiders game, this defense allowed 20 points or more in 10 of 14 games. The Chargers also squandered late leads against the likes of the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans and the Green Bay Packers.

“Bash” was an immensely popular member of the Rams’ locker room. He also formed a strong tandem with Donald and tacked on nine career TFL’s for the Rams with six sacks.

Should the Rams lure him back in, it’s likely Joseph-Day becomes a rotational piece as the team likely would want to avoid stunting Turner’s growth. But he’s got knowledge of this defense already and has played with Morris. And by bringing him in, the Rams have someone who can add past championship experience in a room that has guys he won the title with.

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The Los Angeles Chargers have cleaned house. They removed head coach and former Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley on Friday, December 15 following their 63-21 meltdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. General manager Tom Telesco was also dismissed.

But now, multiple changes are imminent for the rest of the 2023 Chargers staff. One analyst believes this is perfect for the Rams and Sean McVay, by suggesting they make a run at one high-profile assistant constantly mentioned as a future head coach: Kellen Moore.

Why the Rams Should Make a Run at Kellen Moore

Brock Vierra of Rams Wire on USA Today fired off the suggestion on Saturday, December 16 just two days after the Staley firing broke. Vierra believes Moore would be perfect as a quarterbacks coach on the Rams staff.

Vierra feels that Moore’s youth and knowledge, plus past as an NFL quarterback, makes him perfect for the “Rams House.”

“Moore might have failed as a strategist but he’s still a young, knowledgeable coach who has playing experience,” Vierra wrote.

Moore suited up for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys in his truncated NFL career. Coaching, though, became his calling and dove straight into it in 2018. Vierra thinks Moore and Matthew Stafford would click.

“He has an understanding of the entire responsibilities of the quarterback position and his familiarity would serve Matthew Stafford well,” Vierra said.

The Rams analyst adds that he doesn’t believe Moore and Stafford would have a clash of personalities.

“You’re not asking Moore to teach Stafford how to be a pro,” Vierra said. “You’re allowing a former NFL QB to give a current starting QB a different perspective on a universally understood situation.”

Overall: “Stafford needs a partner and Moore fits his needs.”

Why Adding Moore May Not be the Best Idea

While there’s the allure of adding a high-profile name across the league to McVay’s staff, there’s still the reality this move may not be in the best interest of both sides.

For starters, the Rams would have to make room for Moore. Or, allow some of them to pursue other NFL jobs.

L.A. already has Zac Robinson in place as QB coach and passing game coordinator. Robinson is considered very beloved in the Rams facility and likely only leaves if he’s offered an offensive coordinator job.

Mike LaFleur presents another dilemma for the Rams. He’s the offensive coordinator already in place and, like Moore, has his area of expertise in the passing game. With LaFleur’s help, the Rams have improved their air attack to 12th in total yards through the air.

Moore, 35, has grown used to calling the shots on offense — which makes him doubtful to take a step back. Still, it’s understandable why his name would be linked to the Rams. Moore in a room with McVay and LaFleur is an explosive idea for those who love offense. And the Rams have an offensive identity under McVay.

Still, Moore could still be in the fold for some NFL openings. The Raiders and Carolina Panthers are already in a position where they’ll more than likely conduct a head coaching search by season’s end. Perhaps there’ll be more openings on “Black Monday” when other teams announce head coach firings. The idea of the Rams preventing Moore from drifting away from L.A., though, is appealing.

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But this doesn’t apply to breakout stars Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua. Kevin Dotson is the Ram predicted to earn a new four-year deal worth $69 million by Pro Football Focus.

Kevin Dotson Predicted to Earn Nearly $70 Million

The national analytics website placed the offensive guard as the 23rd most important free agent for the upcoming free agent cycle on Wednesday, December 13.

L.A. needed renewed toughness in the trenches. Injuries and inconsistency ravaged a once consistent unit. Even while addressing the offensive line in the draft, the Rams still needed some helpful muscle. The Rams addressed it by rolling the dice on a late August 2023 trade on the eve of the season. Turns out, Dotson’s addition helped rearrange the Rams offense.

“Dotson was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. And what first appeared like an odd fit should have instead been a signal that head coach Sean McVay was reinventing his offense to much success in 2023,” wrote PFF analyst Brad Speilberger.

McVay altered the blocking schemes further once the towering 6-foot-4, 321-pounder got inserted into the lineup.

“McVay has pivoted from a wide-zone rushing attack to a heavy gap scheme, and Dotson has been a picture-perfect fit,” Speilberger wrote.

Dotson’s Impact is Visible, Even in Non-Glamorous Position

So Dotson isn’t pulling off acrobatic catches like Nacua. Or breaking off long scampers like Williams.

That’s because he’s responsible for doing the dirty work for them and the entire offense.

The fourth rounder from the 2020 NFL Draft has turned to violent brute strength to open lanes for Williams. The second-year running back has posted four 100-yard outings this season — all with Dotson paving the way.

Here’s proof of No. 69 applying aggression to give Williams running room against the Cleveland Browns.

Even fans of the Steelers has witnessed a completely different Dotson in his new surroundings. The former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun, though, is doing more than trouncing defenders in the ground attack.

L.A. needed extra protection for Matthew Stafford, especially after the beating he took in 2022. Dotson has only allowed three sacks on 390 pass block attempts per PFF.

“He has always been a strong pass protector, which has carried over, as well,” Speilberger wrote.

More astonishing for Dotson? He faced the NFL’s best defense in the Browns — and didn’t allow a sack. The Dallas Cowboys weren’t successful shedding past him either in another sackless game. Even the Philadelphia Eagles and their lineup of fierce rushers could surpass the presence of Dotson.

Could Dotson Become Most Coveted NFL Guard in Upcoming Free Agent Cycle?

Judging by PFF’s rankings, the Rams will have the most wanted interior offensive lineman for the ’24 free agency period. Dotson is the lone guard ranked in the top 25 by PFF.

The Rams ended up taking on $2,250,000 in Dotson’s base salary after the trade. He becomes an unrestricted free agent for 2024.

But he’ll be a part of a solid group of guards and centers who’ll command attention in the next period. Three-time Pro Bowler for the New Orleans Saints Andrus Peat will be a UFA. Connor Williams, who was putting together a Pro Bowl caliber season with the Miami Dolphins before his ACL tear on Monday, December 11, is another UFA.

Still, Dotson’s nastiness and consistency with the Rams has elevated his name — and created the belief he’s due for a major financial reward very soon.

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The Baltimore Ravens snatched the upset bid from L.A. thanks to Wallace’s 76-yard walk-off punt return touchdown. However, Wallace earned an assist from a visible illegal block in the back by Charlie Kolar. He was never flagged on the play.

More than 24 hours after the missed non-call, Sean McVay addressed it one more time on the Coach McVay Show.

Is Sean McVay Moving on From the Call?

McVay now describes the moment as “wasted energy.”

In other words, McVay never looked for a penalty in that sequence.

“There’s going to be things like that that sometimes benefit us and sometimes don’t,” McVay explained. “Our job is to try to take out the margin for error for imperfect situations.”

In McVay’s mind, the Rams didn’t need to place themselves in a position where they’re punting away in overtime.

“There was a lot of opportunities to be able to make the play on that given punt return that wasn’t just exclusive to the block in the back,” he said.

He’s looking more at this error…the missed tackles.

“We had six missed tackles on that play,” McVay stated. “We didn’t get the location where we wanted.”

McVay, again, believes venting and hoping for the yellow marker would be a waste of time for him.

“We’ll learn from it, we’ll move on. I could sit here and be upset about it but it is wasted energy,” McVay said.

Rams Pull Off Crucial Special Teams Move After the Loss

Meanwhile, McVay and the Rams did address the special teams unit after the overtime loss at M&T Bank Stadium. It involves a roster change.

And it also witnesses a free agent pickup leave immediately.

Mason Crosby is officially a former Ram. The kicker had his deal terminated by the Rams on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 12.

This move points to L.A. re-trusting Lucas Havrisik again. Originally on the hot seat, Havrisik hit three field goals from 27, 51 and 36 yards in Baltimore. And every kick sailed down the middle of the uprights in rainy conditions. He also nailed two point after attempts.

Crosby entered the picture as a veteran option. The 39-year-old spent 2007 to 2022 with the Green Bay Packers, including winning the Super Bowl in the 2010 season. The idea was to create new competition for the football version of the three-point play. But now, Crosby returns to the free agent market.

He wasn’t the only free agent decision the Rams made. Seeking long snapper depth, the Rams signed Carson Tinker. This won’t be the first time Tinker gets a locker room inside the team’s Thousand Oaks facility. Tinker was on the roster that went on to win the Super Bowl in the 2021 season.

Tinker’s re-addition comes off the heels of long snapper Alex Ward going on injured reserve Tuesday. Ward suffered a stinger in the Ravens loss.

McVay and the Rams witnessed their three-game winning streak snap in Charm City. Now, they’ll aim to rebound in returning to Inglewood to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, December 17.

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However, one NFL contender he’s familiar with recently rejected a possible reunion.

Lions Shut Down Potential Reunion With Ndamukong Suh

In an interview with Spencer Raxter of the Woodward Heavyweights podcast, former Detroit News columnist Terry Foster revealed Suh had expressed interest in a return to the Detroit Lions.

Such a move would’ve been a full-circle moment for Suh.

“Suh reached out to the Lions about playing here, but he reached out to like four or five other teams also,” Foster said on The Woodward Heavyweights podcast. “So, he made the initial offer about coming here. Suh has been in Detroit a lot over the last few months. He has investments here. He’s embracing this community more than he did when he was a player because when he was a player, he wanted to get the hell out of here.”

Foster further detailed Suh’s reported renewed interest in the Lions.

“But now I think he sees a Lions team that is confident, that can win and that he could be a guy that could be a 20 to 25 snap per game defensive tackle in that rotation. So he does have an interest in coming here,” Foster said.

Yet, Detroit “slammed the door shut” on a possible reunion, Foster said.

This signifies that old wounds still linger. The viewpoint of the Lions, per Foster, is that Suh didn’t fit the new culture in the Motor City and came off as a “me” persona.

Suh spent five seasons with the Lions before parting ways in March 2015. Suh established himself as an All-Pro but developed a penchant for bad behavior including earning fines and suspensions.

He later signed a mega six-year, $114 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. But Suh lasted just three seasons and was eventually released. The Rams later swooped him up in 2018 and became a beloved fixture of a Wade Phillips-led L.A. defense. Suh delivered 59 total tackles, 36 solo stops and 4.5 sacks.

Suh is best known for forming what fans called “the human traffic jam” with Aaron Donald for stuffing running lanes.

Rams Are Proving That Ndamukong Suh Isn’t Needed

One Rams defender is showing that there’s no need to add an extra defensive lineman. Including Suh.

Rookie Kobie Turner has emerged as an underrated impact defender. The former Richmond and Wake Forest defensive lineman has snatched 48 tackles, 24 solo stops and has punished five ball carries behind the line of scrimmage. Turner has also posted 5.5 sacks — enough to take second on the Rams.

Furthermore, Turner is only a half of sack behind the Rams’ current leaders Byron Young and Donald.

Turner’s presence has reignited the pass rush. Four different Rams have grabbed more than four sacks as Turner helps free them up. L.A. has tallied 29 sacks with four games left. They settled for 38 last year during the 5-12 campaign.

Turner had produced 3.5 sacks in the past two games before the Sunday, Dec. 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. “The conductor” is already best known for swooping up two sacks against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 26.

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Tylan Wallace, however, snatched away the attempt of an upset of the Baltimore Ravens. He accelerated 76 yards for the final walk-off punt return touchdown in the 37-31 overtime win on Sunday, December 10.

However, one analyst was quick to point out that the Rams’ loss ended in controversial fashion.

Refs Missed Crucial Penalty on Punt Return Touchdown, Analyst Says

Discovered by senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson, the officiating crew missed a block in the back on the return. Robinson catches tight end Charlie Kolar pushing at the back of the potential saving tackle.

“Another bad one for the officials. Missed block in the back by the Ravens on their game-winning punt return TD,” Robinson said on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Had the officiating crew captured that moment, the play would’ve placed the Ravens inside their own red zone, wiping the touchdown away. Wallace still managed to break away from other tackle attempts to end the game.

That wasn’t the only critical call that viewers identified in the interconference showdown.

Fans Call Out Holds, Including Against Aaron Donald

In further observing the game-clinching play, another questionable call occurred.

Cornerback Derion Kendrick (No. 6) is first seen double teams near the play. But later bear hugged.

“There’s also a holding on the bottom left of the video,” one fan posted.

Those missed calls dictated the end. But there were other calls fans were quick to point out.

One involved three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. As the interior defender continues to command attention, fans remain watchful of where the opposing hands are. And here, the account for the Rams Brothers podcast identifies a missed holding call in this three-against-one scenario.

Donald occupied three blockers that play. One fan believes blockers now have to resort to a new tactic to counter Donald.

“Rams game was full of terrible non-calls. Bear hugging Aaron Donald is apparently a legal way to block him,” the fan shared.

Was There a Strong Reaction From Sean McVay and the Rams?

Sean McVay did share a strong message postgame. But it was directed more towards the effort on display at M&T Bank Stadium.

“What a hard fought game by two teams. I thought that was two really good teams going at it,” McVay began postgame. “Credit the Ravens for making enough plays to finish the game. But I love the way our group competed. There’s a lot of things we can learn from. But there was a lot of great plays made, a lot of resilience, a lot of grit shown by this team today.”

McVay was more pleased with the effort and energy in taking the high road after the game. His offense tallied 410 total yards and delivered three touchdowns in five red zone attempts. The Rams also controlled the clock by posting a better time of possession (34:35) than the Ravens (27:43).

But, did McVay see a block in the back and hold on the final play?

“I saw a good return, and a lot of missed tackles,” McVay said. “I have to go back and look at it. Obviously, my mindset is on, there’s certainly things we can learn from to not be in that punt situation.”

The Wallace return put an end to the Rams’ three-game winning streak and placed them at 6-7. L.A. remains in the hunt for a wildcard bid. McVay is energized about how this team will react.

“I’m looking forward to being able to respond to them,” McVay said. “We’re going to move forward the right way.”

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