Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead spoke to the media on Thursday, mere days before NFL free agency is slated to open.
Coming off an ugly 5-12 campaign a season after winning the Super Bowl, Snead indicates that the Rams remodeling, not rebuilding. Whether that is actually the case remains to be seen. Los Angeles has already released Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner and is likely going to trade fellow star, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, here soon.
There are several other members of the Rams that could also be on the block, including wide receiver Allen Robinson and edge rusher Leonard Floyd. Snead did not mince words in speaking with the media, indicating that they have “probably taken calls on nine players” this offseason.
“We’ve had calls on a lot of our players, probably other places trying to figure out what are we doing big picture and things like that. It’s been a busy offseason discussing players. The nice thing is other teams would like to have a lot of our players, but at this point we don’t want to give away all of our good players.”
Snead on Los Angeles Rams trade talks
Los Angeles currently finds itself $14.54 million over the salary cap. It must become compliant before the start of the new league year on March 15. Trading Ramsey wouldn’t quite do that. Others moves are needed.
Related: Trade scenarios for Los Angeles Rams star Jalen Ramsey
In addition to Ramsey, Robinson and Floyd, the Rams could listen to offers for several other veteran players. That list includes:
- Joseph Noteboom, offensive tackle
- Tyler Higbee, tight end
- Brian Allen, center
- Cam Akers, running back
With that said, Snead made it clear that he views three players as important part of their success moving forward. Obviously, that starts with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron Donald are two others who are unlikely to be moved based on the general manager’s comments.
It’s going to be all about whether the Los Angeles Rams actually believe that they can compete with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West. San Francisco was leaps and bounds better than an injury-plagued Rams squad last season. All things created equal; the gap is still pretty wide even if Los Angeles were to remain healthy in 2023.