Before the Los Angeles Rams discovered the hidden gem that was 2023 fifth-round draft pick Puka Nacua from BYU — who went on to have one of the all-time great rookie wide receiver seasons — L.A. was concerned about who might be the No. 2 option for Matthew Stafford behind Cooper Kupp. One potential option was Tyler Johnson.
The Rams brought in plenty of wide receiver help to see if someone would separate themselves from the pack. Johnson had made a name for himself as a quality option for Tom Brady during his final two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a lost season with the Houston Texans in 2022, he signed in L.A. on a one-year contract. Once Nakua broke out, Johnson found himself at the bottom of the depth chart.
Johnson played in one game last season with the Rams, catching two passes for eight yards and a touchdown against the San Francisco Giants in Week 18, when the Rams rested starters to prepare for the Playoffs. Even still, the Rams liked what Johnson brought to the offense off the field, and are rewarding him for that, bringing him back for another season, via Johnson’s agency Team IFA:
Prior to the NFL Draft, where the Rams have shown interest in possibly taking a receiver, Johnson is considered the sixth receiver on the Rams depth chart. Kupp, Nacua and free agent signing Demarcus Robinson are the three starters, with Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek and Johnson serving as the backups.
If the Rams do end up drafting a wide receiver, it’s like that Johnson will once again be very unlikely to see the field. But the fifth-year veteran is going to continue to work in case an opportunity arises.
Former Rams QB Wentz signing with Chiefs
Carson Wentz, the former No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, served as the Rams backup quarterback for the second half of the 2023 season. But with the Rams turning to Jimmy Garoppolo to be their 2024 backup, Wentz had to find a new home. And he did so quickly, signing a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs to become the new backup for superstar Patrick Mahomes.
Wentz is hopeful to make a return as a starter someday, but has a great chance to back up the game’s best signal caller in 2024.
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