LA Rams clear edge. Panthers, Broncos, and Bears trade? Oh my . . .

When it comes to the LA Rams and the actions taken by the front office, one thing seems to be consistent with the majority of surprise moves made to reinforce the roster. What do I mean? Well, over time, the 20/20 hindsight analysis of the Rams’ most significant moves could have been predicted with a careful study of the tea leaves, so simply following the trail of breadcrumbs that had led to that event.

Okay, so what are the tea leaves telling me? Well, if I’m reading things correctly, the LA Rams are prepared to make a move, perhaps a trade before the NFL trade deadline. So where will the LA Rams be looking to improve?

I don’t mean to sound repetitious, but the trail of breadcrumbs leads me to conclude that the LA Rams will seek a pass rusher at the trade deadline. What leads me to that conclusion? Well, for starters, the LA Rams just unloaded DE Takk McKinley, bringing their roster for outside linebackers down to three healthy players: OLB Leonard Floyd, OLB Justin Hollins, and OLB Terrell Lewis.

More Rams on the move

So who was moved this time?  The secret to what comes next can often be found by who is inbound and outbound, right?

So we have a backup DB and starting OT going to Injured Reserve. Haley is out for 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Noteboom is lost for the season.  The Rams have replaced an OT spot with a free agent. But the team also waived an edge rusher, DE/OLB Takk McKinley, at a time when the team need’s all the help possible in getting after quarterbacks.

We know that when the LA Rams roster was down to three healthy outside linebackers in 2021, the Rams shocked the entire NFL by trading for veteran OLB Von Miller. At the time, the Rams only had Samsun Ebukam, Leonard Floyd, and Terrell Lewis.  Right now, the Rams’ edge rushers are not only in a razor-thin position on the LA Rams roster, but the group is significantly underperforming its historical production at getting to the quarterback.

So where else could the LA Rams target before the trade deadline? Some suggest running back. Others swear that the Rams must trade for a big-name offensive lineman. Finally, others think that the Rams need to get a top-notch receiver.  Here’s why I don’t think that happens: