LA Rams acquire RB Sony Michel from the Patriots

The LA Rams have traded for running back Sony Michel from the New England Patriots. Early Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the trade would send the running back to the Rams for two late-round draft selections. This trade comes at no surprise.

The Patriots have plenty of depth at the running back position as shown this preseason. Since last season, third-year running back Damien Harris took over the starting duties and made the most of it. As a result, veteran Sony Michel was projected to do no better than split rushing carries and never get his starting job back.

The LA Rams, this offseason, have dealt with major injuries to their backfield. Projected starting running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles Tendon before camp started, backup running back/kick returner Raymond Calais injured his foot and will require surgery, lead running back Darrell Henderson Jr sprained his thumb and is listed as day-to-day. Henderson shouldn’t miss many games from his thumb injury if any time at all.

But Henderson’s injury, his third minor injury this season, has shaken the belief that the Rams can bubble wrap him to ensure he won’t be injured this year.  The team was in much need of depth and durability at the position, which this trade adds tremendously.

The newest addition to the Rams roster

Sony Michel, a former first-round pick (chosen 31st overall) from the 2018 NFL Draft, has had an up and down beginning to his career. In three seasons, Michel tallied 2,292 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the team in rushing in 2018-2019. During the 2018 postseason, Michel recorded 336 rushing yards and six touchdowns. As a result, it helped the Patriots win their 6th championship.

The one issue with Sony Michel is his health. Since 2018, He has missed ten games and has had a lingering knee issue since his days in college. Michel started his career on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing a knee scope. Since then, that same knee has been a constant thorn in his side.

This offseason, the 5-foot-11 215-pound Michel has looked the healthiest he has looked since his final year at the University of Georgia. He looks faster, stronger, and more decisive this preseason than he has ever looked in the past three seasons. The LA Rams can use his versatility in their backfield. His elusiveness, tough to tackle, and pass-catching ability are perfect for this offense.

While this fills the immediate need, the Rams may still shop for more talent as well.