LA Rams may regret not tapping this new source of talent in 2024

When it comes to innovative strategies, thinking outside of the box, and deploying cutting edge technology to build a better NFL team roster, I wouild consider the LA Rams atop their peers. After all, this is a team that frequently sets the next 'trend' for other teams, taking the first high-risk, high-reward gambles that seem to pay off more often than not. And that can be said whether the team is trading away draft picks for instant impact players, or using those pick to add passionate young stars on the rise.

So why did the same Rams front office abstain from the latest hot trend of finding and adding players to an NFL team's roster?

The newly formed United Football League has made a significant impact on NFL team rosters. As of July 29, 2024, 28 former UFL players had signed contracts to compete for a roster spot in the NFL, and more are signing every day. In fact, some teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks have signed multiple UFL players to compete for a roster spot in the 2024 NFL season.

But so far, the Rams have abstained from signing any UFL players. And that is despite the ringing endorsement of former Rams DC Wade Phillips for some NFL team to sign WR Hakeem Butler. Butler eventually did sign with an NFL team, the Cincinnati Bengals.

It's not as though there has been no activity from the Rams free agency arena so far. With the season-ending injury to CB Derion Kendrick, the team did sign former Lions free agent DB Jerry Jacobs to take over. And there have been enough bumps and bruises to warrant the team shopping for a fresh face, set of legs, and training camp competitor.

But so far, there has been no interest from the Rams front office for UFL players. And that could prove to be a faux pas on the team's part.

If one of the primary attributes for players added to the roster is passion, then the UFL seems like the mother lode of the stuff. This is a football league made up of players who play competitive football in the spring, and who deliver an entertaining and compelling reason to tune in and watch. From the looks of the number of players getting a shot to compete in the NFL, many NFL general managers think so too.

Perhaps the LA Rams may regret not tapping this new source of talent in 2024. But for now all they are saying is: No thanks, we're good.

As always, thanks for reading.