LA Rams front office proving that patience has its place in roster building

When the LA Rams pivoted from 2023 to 2024, many fans implored the team to address the depleted pass rush with veteran edge rushers. Not only did the team's defense struggle at putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but the matter was further complicated by the retirement of All-Pro DT Aaron Donald. While no player, rookie or veteran, can be expected to restore what Donald brought to the defensive front, fans wanted action.

Instant action.

Instead, LA Rams GM Les Snead resisted the urge to go after veteran leadership on the defensive line. Confident in the team's two young star pass rushers, OLB Byron Young and NT/DT Kobie Turner, and eager to match they youthful energy with rookies from the 2024 NFL Draft, the front office focused on the offensive line, secondary, and overall depth throughout the 2024 NFL Free Agency Market

Yes, even Ramblin Fan was pushing for the team to shore up the defensive front this offseason. After months passing, we can officially state for the record: Thank you Rams for not taking out advice on one veteran addition.

The Philadelphia Eagles dangled DE/OLB Haason Reddick open for trade as Reddick was eager to negotiate and sign a new multi-year deal. As the 2024 NFL season got underway, Reddick appeared to be one viable option for the defensive front to bolster quarterback pressure. After all, he had played four seasons in the NFC Western Division for the Arizona Cardinals, he averaged over 10.0 quarterback sacks and nearly 36 QB pressures per season over the past four years, and he was looking to be the featured defender on a team as he entered his eighth NFL season.

The Rams resisted the urge to trade for Reddick, opting to invest in rookies to arm their defense. The New York Jets, buoyed with the return of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, were more than happy to add Reddick to their roster.

Perhaps now they wish that they hadn't:

In the end, the two sides are still likely to ink a contract. After all, holding out is nothing new for a veteran, particularly one like Reddick who plays a physically-demanding position, but is about to turn 30 years old. Reddick knows that now is his last chance to land a lucrative contract with plenty of guaranteed money.

But so far, neither side is budging. While the Rams have their own financial hoops to jump through with finding funds for players, they dodged a huge quagmire by not trading for Reddick on a whim. Reddick has every right to hold out to get his money. And the Jets have every right to expect Reddick to honor the contract he is obligated to already.

But most of all, the Rams are right for not trading for Reddick. This is a young defensive group that is serious about 'we, not me'. And even one veteran holding out this season could be enough to disrupt the chemistry of the group. I'm not saying that players do not have the right to negotiate for as much as they can get in a new contract.

But as the team resumes football at training camp, it's an amazing breath of fresh air for fans to enjoy the passion of young football players without the drama of contracts and salary cap. At least, for now.

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