There's 1 Rams move that could turn NFL trade deadline on its head

It's almost impossible to envision Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead hibernating at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. The team has successfully played to a 5-2 record at the Week 8 BYE. From that lofty perch, it makes sense for the front office to view this as a season that could result in another Super Bowl appearance, or perhaps even a Lombardi trophy.

NFL rumors insist that Los Angeles is in the market for cornerback help. While that may be true, recent performances from the secondary may have deflated the urgency. Still, the team was in the market for former defensive back Jalen Ramsey in the offseason. And NFL rumors for LA seeking cornerback help have now been reported by several sources.

It's not as though cornerbacks are in short supply. A recent article listing the Top 25 NFL players who could be on the move at the NFL trade deadline by Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler lists multiple cornerbacks who are up for grabs. But Snead is not about changing for change's sake. He is a 'Go big or go home' guy. And nobody is a bigger name at the cornerback position than New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Rams trade for Jets Sauce Gardner turns NFL trade deadline on its head

While many believe that New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner is on the do-not-trade list of untouchables, every team has its price. The 0-7 Jets team is already salivating over the 2026 NFL Draft. Why not give them more reason to anticipate its arrival?

Specifics of a trade offer are not vital at this point. The Jets need help, and the Rams have picks and a deep roster to tempt them into some discussions that could result in a deal. Yes, it would have to be a solid package, but Los Angeles has the firepower to make that sort of deal.

It is improbable that the Jets would trade Gardner. But the same was said in 2021 about Denver Broncos elite pass rusher Von Miller. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Jets have to be very desperate right now.

Gardner in Los Angeles' defense is the stuff that forms NFL legends. His ability to neutralize opposing wide receivers is common knowledge. Place him in defensive coordinator Chis Shula's platoon, and scoring becomes laborious for any offense.

The team could do nothing and still be quite competitive. And without knowing what it would take to pry Gardner from the Jets, it's tough to truly assess the deal as doable or not. But it's certainly a trade worth exploring for both teams. When it comes to blockbuster trades, Snead is the poster child for making things happen. In terms of improving the roster, Sauce Gardner is the guy.

As always, thanks for reading.