Scott Fitterer accidentally set the LA Rams down a new path to success

Christian McCaffrey vs this Rams running back

There is a certain art form to deal-making in the NFL, and Rams GM Les Snead is a Picasso of the NFL deal. When Snead pulls the trigger on a blockbuster trade, you can believe they make headlines. The Rams pulled off trades for All-Pro DB Jalen Ramsey, and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. But throughout those deals, Snead almost always improves the team.

But the deals are so lucrative, so over-the-top, that even years after an offer is made, we are compelled to look back and shake are heads at any NFL GM who was unwilling to do that trade. Nobody wants to give up more value than they get. But how did the Rams do in the reality of not landing RB Christian McCaffrey in 2022?

Let's find out.

The best way to do this is to compare Christian McCaffrey's history with the San Francisco 49ers, and to pit him against the Rams young running back, Kyren Williams. We can do this with a simple data table:

Based on this data alone, I say the Rams made out far better. Keep in mind that Williams saw almost no action in his rookie season. And his 2023 season was marred by only playing in 12 of 17 games. In 2024, Williams is still going strong, while McCaffrey remains on IR.

Take note too that I did not cite any value of those offered draft picks, nor compare Williams rookie contract to the huge paychecks cashed by McCaffrey. Ultimately those are factors that tip the scale overwhelmingly in favor of the Rams. The curious thing is, Kyren Williams was on the Rams roster when the team offered a very valuable package to acquire McCaffrey.

The Rams didn't need McCaffrey, it seems. They matched McCaffrey's level of production, at pennies on the dollar.