Conflicting Rams rumors over WR Ben Skowronek changes everything

Depending on who you trust, today's reports about the fate of LA Rams WR Ben Skowronek have taken several twists and turns. The initial reports of Rams rumors centered on the imminent release of WR Ben Skowronek. That seemed a bit confusing, as the team loves to fill the locker room with high-quality guys and Ben Skowronek was a 2023 team captain. While his tenure in the Rams offense may have fallen short of expectations, he was up for anything.

As a result, the Rams offense deployed the 6-foot-3 224-pound wide receiver in any number of differing roles and positions on the offense. Because he is a large and physical wide receiver, Skowronek allowed the team to use him as a wide receiver, a tight end, and even as a blocking back. It was his versatility that may not have shown up in his statistics, but certainly allowed the Rams offense to click and confuse defensive coordinators.

And yet, the Rams willingness to part with the three-year veteran who possesses noteworthy height is itself a tale worth telling (and we plan to get to that soon). But just when the dust seemed to be settling on Ben Skowronek's fate, here comes another sand-devil of a rumor to stir thing up again.

Per NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, the Rams are rumored to be sending WR Ben Skowronek to the Houston Texans in a trade scenario whose details are yet to be reported. While the something for nothing scenario of his outright release seemed to be a bit confusing, this new rumor that includes some form of trade seems to fit existing logic:

So what are the LA Rams getting for him? Perhaps more than you might imagine. In a breaking article reporting this latest development on NFL.com, the Rams may be getting picks in Rounds 6 and 7 in 2026.

"WR Ben Skowronek has been acquired via trade with the Rams in exchange for a late-round pick swap in 2026, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported, sources. The Texans will send a 2026 sixth-round pick for Skowronek and a 2026 seventh-rounder, per Rapoport."

- Around the NFL staff

But I believe that may be a bit suspect. Notice the term 'pick swap,' in the report? I suspect that the Rams are sending Ben Skowronek and their Round 7 pick from the 2026 NFL Draft to the Houston Texans in exchange for the Texans' Round 6 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Moments later, my suspicions have been confirmed:

No matter how you look at it, whether two picks or an upgraded pick for a player who was rumored to be released is not a bad development. In the end, we'll simply need to await confirmation and further details. Stay tuned.

And thanks for reading.