Rams’ blockbuster trade hopes just got surprising twist from NFL insider

When it comes to blockbuster trades, some NFL general managers have what it takes to wade into the eye of the hurricane, while others do not. Los Angeles Rams' general manager Les Snead not only has the mindset for landscape-altering trades, but he also seems to relish the opportunity to pull them off. For many fans, that sits just fine.

For those expecting a one-shot fix-it move this season, one NFL Insider simply doesn't see it happening. In his most recent article, Sports Illustrated's NFL Insider Albert Breer says he doesn't see the Rams putting a lot of current currency into trading for a superstar right now, even at cornerback.

Breer emphasizes the team's current focus on the potent defensive front. In his eyes, that has come at a cost to the team's secondary. He describes Los Angeles's secondary as speed bumps rather than shut-down defenders. In short, the defense rides on a powerful pass-rush, and defensive backs are intended merely to confuse the quarterback and harass receivers.

Why Rams could reinforce struggling secondary anyway

That makes some sense — if it was stated as soon as Ahkello Witherspoon fractured his clavicle and was sent to Injured Reserve. The team immediately responded by signing free agent cornerback Tre Brown, a defensive back drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Brown has yet to see any playing time with this defense, just yet. But it's a safe bet that he soon will. In the meantime, the team has a strong group of safeties in Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, and Quentin Lake, all of whom have shown remarkable coverage skills early in 2025. The secondary is also counting on Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to settle in until Witherspoon can be medically cleared.

While LA's pass defense was exposed by a surgically precise offensive assault from the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5, the team is not about to throw in the towel just yet. The secondary allows 215.4 passing yards per game, ranking 18th through five games. But it has allowed just seven passing touchdowns, which is 11th-best. The defense also has three interceptions (13th-best) and 15 quarterback sacks (third-best).

So no, it's not time to panic. After all, this is a team that's simply two blocked field goals away from an undefeated season.

While a blockbuster trade is unlikely, non-headliner ideas are still very much in play. Keep in mind that the team traded disappointing veteran cornerback Tre'Davious White mid-season in 2024. While those types of trades are certainly on the table, the opposite is a possibility as well. The team doesn't need a shutdown cornerback. But reinforcements are always an option.

The Rams face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, and then travel to the United Kingdom to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in Week 7. With a Week 8 BYE, the schedule is set up perfectly for the front office to make any necessary personnel moves before the NFL Trade Deadline on November 4, 2025, at 1:00 pm PT.

Are moves critical for LA's chances for success in 2025? Not at all. But if the right player at the right price becomes available, Snead will do what he does best: Make the right decision. Buckle up, fans. It's about to become that time of year once more. As always, thanks for reading.