Rams to release WR Ben Skowronek

Skowronek joined the team in 2021. During his rookie campaign, he played all but exclusively on special teams. Things changed the following season concerning his playing time, however. 

Skowronek logged an offensive snap share of 82 percent in 2022, a season in which the Rams dealt with several injuries on both sides of the ball. He totaled 376 scoreless yards on 39 receptions.

Los Angeles had Cooper Kupp available for 12 games this past season, and he and standout rookie Puka Nacua formed an effective receiver tandem. That relegated Skowronek back to a rotational role on offense, although his special teams abilities gave him a heavy third-phase workload. The 26-year-old was a team captain in 2023, but this move will bring an end to his Rams tenure.

Skowronek had one year remaining on his rookie contract, and a release will save the Rams just over $1M in cap space. Los Angeles entered Thursday with $11.3M in breathing space, although a portion of that will be required to sign the team’s rookie class. Moving on from Skowronek will create a bit more flexibility for late offseason additions.

The Notre Dame product will now be free to join a new team as many veterans seek out deals in the post-draft wave of free agency. Skowronek’s limited production will hurt his market, but his experience and blocking abilities could lead to interest from teams seeking out WR depth.