Getty Image / Ric Tapia
Over the past few years, the Los Angeles Rams have had a clear philosophy.
That philosophy was “F them picks.”
They have traded draft picks to acquire key pieces of recent rosters like Matthew Stafford, Von Miller, Jalen Ramsey, and Brandin Cooks.
As a result, they haven’t made a first round pick since they selected Jared Goff 1st overall back in 2016. That streak is expected to continue this year as they don’t currently own a 1st round pick for the next draft.
Now it looks like they may be changing their philosophy.
The Rams were a mess this past season as their offense let them down in a big way. Injuries also really took a toll on the team as Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, and Matthew Stafford all suffered season-ending injuries.
They ended the year with just 5 wins.
Now it appears they may be looking to rebuild. They have already decided to release Bobby Wagner in an effort to create some cap space.
Now it looks like they could trade one of their stars to free up some more cap space.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Rams have had trade talks involving Jalen Ramsey and it is believed he will be traded in the coming weeks.
The #Rams have had trade talks about six-time Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey and league sources now believe it’s very likely Ramsey is dealt in coming weeks.
Ramsey, 28, is due $17 million in 2023 on a front-loaded deal that averages $20M and L.A. is clearing cap space. pic.twitter.com/vTYlX7nn5B
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 25, 2023
Trading Ramsey would save $25.2 million in cap space for the Rams. The move would put them under the cap, freeing them up to make some other offseason moves and should get them their first rounder in years in return.
While this would normally look like a move to start a rebuild, it would be tough for the Los Angeles Rams to fully enter a rebuild. The core of their roster still features plenty of veteran players that it would be surprising to see them move right now.
Whatever their reasoning, it looks like somebody is going to be adding a 3x All-Pro 1st-teamer to their secondary.