Where are they now? LA Rams 2019 starters who play elsewhere?

Starting defensive backs

I. S Eric Weddle played just one of two contracted seasons with the LA Rams. He has since retired from football.

II. CB Aqib Talib was added to the LA Rams roster via a trade with the Denver Broncos in 2018. That move created a reputable defensive backfield, as Talib joined another addition, former KC Chiefs CB Marcus Peters.  But that marriage didn’t produce the results hoped for. Talib excelled at man, while Peters floundered in the Rams defense until defensive coordinator shifted to heavy doses of zone coverage.

Unfortunately, by week five, Talib suffered a rib injury that ended his season. In the later stage of his career, the Rams opted to trade Talib and a fifth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in a salary dump move. He continues as a free agent today.

III. CB Marcus Peters was added to the LA Rams roster via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.  In the attempt to build one of the most formidable defensive backfields in the NFL, the Rams traded for Peters in February 2018 and then added Talib to the defense shortly thereafter. But the pair never developed any chemistry or repoire. Talib excelled at man coverage. Peters did better in zone coverage. And offenses recognized the Rams struggles pretty quickly in 2018.

The Rams tried to line the same defense up again in 2019, but Talib fell to a season-ending injury, and Peters looked lost once more. Eventually, the Rams traded Peters to the Baltimore Ravens and traded with the Jacksonville Jaguars for CB Jalen Ramsey.  Peters fit the Ravens defense to a tee and has since extended with the Ravens on a three-year deal worth $42 million. He will be a Ravens cornerback for the foreseeable future.

IV. CB Nickell Robey-Coleman was a solid slot cornerback for the LA Rams who contributed a great deal to the Rams’ success. But fiscal shortfalls meant the Rams did not pick up his option year for 2020. So he signed on with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal.  The Eagles have had an excellent play in the trenches over the years, but have struggled to find solid cornerbacks.

If not for their safety Malcolm Jenkins (who has since signed on with the New Orleans Saints), the defense would have been an easy mark for a good passing offense. He is a nemesis of the Saints, a trait that will instantly endear him to the Eagles’ fanbase. Nickell Robey-Coleman should be a solid fit for the Eagles defense, a team in desperate need for a slot cornerback. With the NFC East passing games improving, he will help the Eagles compete for the division title.