Rams finally tap UFL with the latest Rams free agency trio of offensive linemen

Rams reinforcements arrive

The LA Rams front office wasted no time in adding offensive linemen to the mix. For now, where they slide into the Rams depth chart and when we might see them in action is up in the air. But it's quite clear that the team needed to get some fresh blockers in Horns. So that is exactly what the team has done:

The LA Rams signed OTs Matt Kaskey and Conor McDermott, while also adding IOL Alec Lindstrom. The trio are, for now, fresh offensive linemen who will ensure that this team has enough healthy offensive linemen to handle the intensive workload before their Week 1 opener against the Detroit Lions. For now, I would not read more into their signings beyond that. But, anything is possible.

Is there more to the Conor McDermott signing than meets the eye?

While some fans may have hoped for some big ticket recognizable free agency signings, there is more to the Conor McDermott signing than meets the eye. McDermott is a robust 6-foot-8, 310-pound offensive tackle who can play on either side of the football, but who has spent more of his NFL career at right tackle. He has been a solid, ir not outstanding, offensive linemen who has seen plenty of action over his seven NFL season career.

Appearing in 55 games, and starting 17, McDermott has been a vital plug-and-play swing tackle for several NFL teams, including the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and finally the New England Patriots. Because he has starting experience, you have to believe that a strong showing for the Rams could put him in place to bump someone off the 53-man roster. Versatility is paramount for effective backups, and his history has been a glowing representation of exactly that.

With the team in the last contract year of both offensive tackles Alaric Jackson and Joe Noteboom, Conor McDermott could be a third option if he plays well. His most active season was 2022, in which he played 437 offensive snaps, was called for four penalties, and allowed just one quarterback sack. In 2023, he played 227 offensive snaps, committed three penalties, and allowed two quarterback sacks. He earns consistently respectable grades from Pro Football Focus, scoring 67.8 in 2023.

While I am not sliding him into a 53-man roster slot just yet, I am open to the possibility. The team must optimize every roster slot, and a swing tackle who has solid NFL experience can be vital for the team's success if he has a good showing. Right now, four offensive tackles on this team are banged up. So having a healthy option for the near-term and long-term future may be a very wise path to take.