The Los Angeles Rams are facing some major cap issues after acquiring star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this season.
Los Angeles’ decision to trade for Ramsey without an extension being in place magnified this further. He’s slated to become a free agent after next season and has made no promises.
It’s in this that the Rams are reportedly open to trade fellow Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib and other veterans to free up payroll.
“The Rams still could be open to moving on from veteran players in the last year of their contracts as part of an effort to free up more money for a player like Jalen Ramsey,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Schefter specifically mentions Talib as a possibility. Though, that might be a hard sell. Talib, 33, is currently on injured reserve with fractured ribs. He’s also slated to become a free agent after the season.
The Rams will not acquire anything of substance for him. Rather, it would be about shedding his contract.
While the report does not mention other players by name, receiver Robert Woods could be on the block, too. He’s slated to count a combined $18.4 million against the cap over the next two seasons. Los Angeles has Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp ahead of Woods on the depth chart.
At 4-3, the Rams have to walk a tightrope here. They are still in contention for a playoff spot. However, selling off important veterans would hinder the team moving forward.