LA Rams fans social media fury over team's latest move in free agency

If you wanted the LA Rams to address their pass rush this offseason, the team has done so. But if you were among the many vocal fans that insisted that the team land one of the top pass rushers in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market? Well, you are likely stewing in your own juices right now.

One of my 10 Bold Predictions for the 2024 NFL season was a prediction that the team would extend OLB Micheal Hoecht, C Coleman Shelton, and LT Alaric Jackson. So far, two of the three players will be back, and Shelton's future is still to be determined. While the return of Michael Hoecht is a step in the right direction in terms of the team's depth, many fans are already fuming, disappointed, and downright angry with this latest development.

So now the question is, why?

Hoecht may not be a Pro Bowler. He may not even be among the Top 20 outside linebackers in the NFL. But why are fans begrudging a guy who will earn under $3 million to rush the quarterback this season? It's not as though he is responsible for the team's inability to pay other players. Due to the Top-51 contract offset, Hoecht's contract will hit the 2024 salary cap for just over $2 million. That is a steal for the team.

Many of the arguments against extending Michael Hoecht have pointed to his inability to cover wide receivers. But that is more of a scheme problem then a Hoecht problem. Let me explain: Because the Rams show an odd-man front, they rush one of the two outside linebackers on the field on passing plays. Assuming that the defense has OLB Byron Young and Michael Hoecht on the football field at the same time, either Young or Hoecht rushes the quarterback, and the other stays back to cover the flat.