5 LA Rams players who are unlikely to return in 2021

Running back

There are far more tasks assigned to a running back than just running or catching the ball. Just aks running back Malcolm Brown, as he has been the duct tape of the LA Rams offense for several years.  Brown shows up large at critical moments of the game.  He makes a clutch catch for a first down. He rushes the ball when the Rams are pinned deep in their own territory.

Brown is a true contributor to the football team. He willingly takes on the dirty jobs. He will block blitzing defenders. He will carry the ball for short-yardage situations against a loaded box. In a scoring drive, other rushers may pile up yards. But it’s  Brown and his four-yard carry during a third and three situation that kept that drive going.

It’s a fantasy football league now. And fantasy football is driven by scoring, yards gained, and to a lesser extent by the number of receptions. Fantasy football does not value the contributions of a player like Malcolm Brown.  With no way to value his contribution properly, fans simply overlook his worth. But why will the Rams let him walk?

Well, it’s the simple matter of the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. While Brown is ideally suited for his ‘dirty jobs’ role with the Rams, he no doubt wants a larger role in the offense. Meanwhile, the Rams are likely seeking cheaper alternatives for his slot.  In this offseason, the two sides won’t agree on a price. Since the Rams control the purse strings, Brown will need to shop his wares elsewhere for a bigger paycheck.