The Los Angeles Rams have tendered exclusive rights free agent running back Ronnie Rivers. An exclusive rights free agent is any player who has played less than three seasons in the NFL whose contract has expired.
If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum, based on his credited seasons, the player cannot negotiate with other teams.
The Rams have decided to do that with Rivers, who was third on the team is rushing yards last season. In two seasons with the Rams, Rivers has totaled 150 rushing yards on 41 carries while also adding another 51 receiving yards on 10 receptions.
Rivers will now have the inside track on being the Rams’ backup running back behind Pro Bowler Kyren Williams, who had a breakout season last year. As a team, the Rams ranked 11th in the NFL in rushing and will look to build on that next season and Rivers has proven to be a solid complimentary back to Williams.
The team will also have second-year back Zach Evans under contract, so the running back position is not a huge need going into the draft and free agency.
Sean McVay discusses Rams’ offseason needs, likelihood of keeping first-round pick
The Rams are looking to build off a promising season last year and this offseason will be crucial in doing so. The Rams currently have a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 and of course have other avenues of improving the roster this offseason and head coach Sean McVay discussed what the Rams will address this offseason.
“Oh that’s a big if,” the Rams coach said when asked about possibly having their first round pick this year. “Here’s what I would say, that’s exactly what we’re working through right now. Figuring out the best way to try to be able to use those different avenues to create as competitive of a team as we possibly can and try to improve.
“I think there were a lot of positive steps last year and you do look at it from a scenario of, alright, how do we wisely do that? How do we make sure that we’re identifying the types of players, whether that be via free agency, there are obviously trades as a possibility and then Les and his group do such a great job of being ahead of the curve in regard to what the landscape of the draft looks like.”
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