5 of the worst moves made by the LA Rams this offseason

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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LA Rams News Rams Roster Sony Michel
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

No Sony?

It was apparent to many that the Rams would never have won the NFC West, and may not have won it all, if not for the late-season heroics of veteran running back Sony Michel.  While the LA Rams often appear to play a game of roster building strategy like chess masters toy with the chessboard, the LA Rams’ acquisition, use, and an eventual parting of ways with Michel seemed to be all based on reaction and afterthought.

When it became clear that the LA Rams would need reinforcements to shore up the running back position, the team spared no expense to acquire a veteran running back with post-season experience. That eliminated the low-risk high reward option of claiming a running back from the NFL waiver wire.

That meant the NFL trade market. The LA Rams agreed to acquire a rotational running back from the New England Patriots in the form of Sony Michel. To do so, the Rams traded a 2022 sixth-round pick, and a 2023 fourth-round pick. Michel delivered when the team afforded him the opportunity.

It was not until the LA Rams suffered the third consecutive defeat that Michel was given the chance to take over the running game for the team. He responded over the last six games by putting up 540 yards and three rushing touchdowns in just 129 carries. But as quickly as the Rams promoted Sony Michel, they were just as quick to demote him. He carried the ball just 26 times for 80 yards in the playoffs.

That rapid demotion as soon as RB Cam Akers could step onto the field was a harbinger of things to come. Despite spending two draft picks to acquire him, the team failed to re-sign Sony Michel. He has since signed on with the Miami Dolphins. This one is a bit of a head-scratcher.