Seahawks accidentally saved Rams from distressing turn of events

The Los Angeles Rams worried that they might lose a key piece of the front office, assistant general manager John McKay, to the Vikings' lead GM vacancy. After impressing in his first year in the role with the Rams, McKay was one of five candidates to receive a second interview for the Minnesota job. Angelenos began to fear his departure.

Instead, the unlikeliest of sources has supplied the proverbial ram in the bush. Minnesota ultimately hired Seattle's Nolan Teasley, as reported Saturday by NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Rams fans will take it. While the Seahawks lose Teasley, their own assistant GM since 2023, the Horns get to keep McKay for the time being. 

Given his success as a talent evaluator in LA, not having to find a replacement just yet comes as a significant relief. Thanks for the bailout, Seattle.

Rams keep McKay thanks to Seahawks' unintended gift

McKay has steadily climbed the ranks in the Rams' organization. After starting out as a scouting assistant in 2016, he moved up to become an assistant director of the pro scouting department. In 2021, he assumed the position of pro personnel director before being named assistant GM ahead of last season. As Les Snead's right-hand man, McKay has played an important role in maintaining the talent pipeline.

It's not such a surprise to see the Vikings give Teasley the nod. He has more experience in an assistant GM's chair, as well as 13 total years of experience in Seattle. The Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl. The hire makes sense. 

That said, there's a reason McKay emerged as a finalist for the opening. The Rams have established a consistent culture and influx of young talent, particularly in the later rounds of the draft. McKay has had a hand in those decisions throughout his time on the staff. The franchise holds not only its players but also its coaches and front office members to a standard of excellence. You don't earn a promotion from Horns higher-ups for nothing. 

While the Rams are safe from losing McKay for now, it's difficult to imagine that he won't be in the mix again next cycle following another successful season in Los Angeles. In addition to advising on personnel decisions, McKay is also a regular presence in front of the media. He is well-spoken and attentive. As far as assistant GMs go, he might be one of the more well-known names in the business. 

The league clearly suffers from a shortage of competent GMs. Coming from the Rams' respected organization, McKay should profile as an attractive candidate for teams in need, especially as he gains experience. For the 2026 season, however, it appears the Seahawks have inadvertently bought their NFC West rivals at least another year with McKay in the building. 

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