LA Rams sign veteran RB Royce Freeman following Sony Michel retirement

The Los Angeles Rams have signed veteran running back Royce Freeman following Sony Michel‘s retirement. Michel’s retirement was announced Saturday and the Rams signed Freeman on Sunday.

Freeman played in four games with one start last year for the Houston Texans.

He was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the No. 71 overall pick by the Denver Broncos. He spent three years with the franchise before splitting the 2021 season between the Texans and the Carolina Panthers.

The 27-year-old running back spent part of last season in Houston on the practice squad. He rushed for 117 yards on 41 carries.

The Rams running back room now has Cam Akers, Zach Evans, Ronnie Rivers and Kyren Williams. None of the players have more than three years experience. Akers is entering his third season in the NFL. Williams and Rivers are both starting their second professional seasons. Evans is a rookie who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by Los Angeles.

The Rams announced Michel’s retirement after five seasons Saturday. Head coach Sean McVay announced the news during a media availability.

“I thought just being back around him in these last couple of days, you just appreciate the influence that he has, the way that this guy works,” McVay said. “I think when you look at what he’s done going back to Georgia, throughout his rookie year when he broke my heart in ’18 and did a great job in New England, thought he was a hugely instrumental piece for our Super Bowl team a couple years ago. The epitome of a pro, great competitor, and his next chapter is going to be exciting. He’s got so many that gifts he can offer to people. We’ll wish him the best. It’s a bummer, but his body is feeling like it’s talking to him, and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the competitor that he is. Love Sony, and we’ll continue to stay in touch.”