This player's release proves sometimes Fate saves Rams Les Snead from mistakes

The Los Angeles Rams always have a plan to upgrade the team. From the first contract extension to the last signing of a collegiate free agent after the draft has long-since concluded, Rams GM Les Snead always seems to have his eyes on the prize. He seems to be at his best when the Rams are at their worst. It's when the team suffers multiple injuries that Snead and his band of merry scouts seem to find the purse of gold in overlooked free agents or players on other team rosters who sign up on inexpensive contracts, yet perform at the level of an NFL starter.

Need some examples? How about Austin Corbett and Coleman Shelton as reinforcements to a banged up offensive line in 2019? How about OT Ty Nsekhe and C Matt Skura to reinforce the OL In 2022? How about the successive one year deals to add veteran DB Ahkello Witherspoon to shore up an injury-depleted secondary?

And how about the uncanny way the Rams front office has signed a tarnished free agent quarterback, and restored his luster to allow him to sign elsewhere for more money?

But the Rams' front office does not necessarily have the Midas touch. That is, not every trade or signing turns lead into gold. From the multiple free agents signed for the 2024 NFL season, the Rams have already thrown in the towel by trading two players away. The Rams traded DB Tre'Davious White and a 2027 Round 7 pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2026 Round 7 pick. And the team had just traded IOL Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 Round 6 pick.

Sometimes, even Fate saves the Rams from making a huge mistake

Did the Rams dodge a huge bullet in OLB Von Miller? After winning Super Bowl LVI, the elation that followed as so great that the team was willing to go all in on pairing up Von Miller with DT Aaron Donald. Despite the commitments to 'Run It Back,' Miller opted to sign with the Buffalo Bills in 2022. Since signing on, he has played 36 games and started 11 times in the past three seasons (out of 51 possible games), recorded 14 quarterback sacks, 41 tackles, and 17 tackles for a loss

For comparison purposes, Rams NT Kobie Turner has played in 34 games and started 20 times in the past two years. He has recorded 17.0 quarterback sacks, 119 tackles, and 18 tackles for a loss over that time frame. Best of all, he's done it on a rookie contract.

Recognizing that they are paying for far more than they are getting, the Buffalo Bills have decided to released the 36-year-old veteran pass rusher. In the process, the Bills are saving $8.4 million against the 2025 salary cap.

When the Rams lost Von Miller to the Bills, it certainly seemed to disappoint everyone. And it felt like salt being poured into the wound when the Rams fell to a 5-12 record in 2022. But all things happen for a reason. The Rams were unable to trade for RB Christian McCaffrey, but did manage to get a lot of production out of RB Kyren Williams. The Rams were unable to trade for OLB Brian Burns, but did manage to get similar production out of outside linebacker Byron Young.

When the Rams were unable to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft for TE Brock Bowers or DT Byron Murphy II, they had to stand pat and select OLB Jared Verse. Verse would go on to become the 2024 NFL DROY. So, not a bad consolation prize.

And the team managed to find solid production out of NT Kobie Turner despite losing Von Miller to the Buffalo Bills. It may seem all dark and dismal as a Rams fan sometimes, but I've learned that GM Les Snead does his best when things seem to be at their darkest.

I love where the Rams roster is heading right now. If you are not bubbling up with effervescent optimism, give it time. The Rams are coming off winning the NFC West Title, and could be on the way to even greater glory in 2025. But don't look for the Rams to pursue Von Miller after his release. He opted for the money, and that told the Rams all they need to know.

As always, thanks for reading.

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