Falcons gave the Rams a trade template they would be foolish to forget

For a brief moment, the Los Angeles Rams seemed like potential suitors for disgruntled Chiefs tackle Wanya Morris, who sought a bigger role than Kansas City could offer. The Falcons put an end to the speculation by scooping Morris off the market in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick, with a 2027 seventh-rounder coming back from the Chiefs.

While the Rams missed out on that opportunity - and it's debatable whether Morris, a little-used backup last season, is worthy of such strong language - Atlanta did give them a blueprint for how to address the tackle position via trade. 

A potential suspension for left tackle Alaric Jackson Jr. has made adding an insurance policy a somewhat pressing concern. The Rams don't have to purchase one via trade, and indeed there is more upside in pursuing free agents like Taylor Decker, Matthew Stafford's former Lions teammate, if the front office is willing to foot the bill. 

In a trade, on the other hand, Los Angeles can't afford to splurge at the expense of their already depleted draft assets. Doing so would be foolish. Settling for a low-profile player like Morris is probably the Rams' most prudent path. 

Rams should make a note of Wanya Morris trade details

One way general manager Les Snead could land a starting-caliber lineman would be by packaging a decent player of the Rams' own. Defensive tackle Tyler Davis, who impressed as a sophomore but occupies a position where Los Angeles has little need, is one candidate. Snead could also look to sell off one of his five tight ends, likely one of the room's pending free agents in Colby Parkinson or Davis Allen. 

Of course, those players are ready-made contributors in their own right. While the Rams may be able to do without them, throwing them overboard out of desperation would be rash. Parting with Davis or Parkinson would require the right trade, not just any move to salve uncertainty on the offensive line.

In a worst-case scenario where Jackson misses time and the Rams can't get their hands on a better option, rookie Keagen Trost could seize a starting spot opposite Warren McClendon. That's far from ideal, but if he can prove himself worthy, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

Free agency may well be the more advantageous route. Earlier this offseason, the Rams sacrificed seven draft picks, plus young star Jared Verse, to acquire Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett. The outgoing capital includes two first-round picks and three Day 2 selections.

Even at the cost of cap space, paying up for a free agent makes more sense than cutting bait with more valuable draft picks. Moreover, NFL rules only allow teams to trade draft assets three years out into the future, further skimming Snead's stack of chips to work with.

That's why, if the Rams do explore trade options, they would be wise to heed Atlanta's example. Maybe they could chase bigger fish than Morris, but in a draft-capital-based deal, swapping Day 3 picks for a borderline starter or depth piece feels like the ballpark Snead should be operating in. 

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