Just days before the start of free agency, the Los Angeles Rams have reportedly made their decision on a trio of key defenders.
According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, the Rams are not expected to tender linebackers Christian Rozeboom and Michael Hoecht, as well as defensive end Jonah Williams.
All three players were set to become restricted free agents when the new league year began on Wednesday, but without tenders, they will now be free to sign with any team they want.
"After speaking with league sources, I do not expect inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom, defensive tackle Jonah Williams or outside linebacker Michael Hoecht to receive tenders," Rodrigue writes. "The former UFAs could still return after testing free agency, but a tender would have been about $3 million for one year.
If all three players leave, the Rams would be left with some noticeable holes on defense.
Rozeboom, 27, just broke out for the Rams last season, as he finished fourth on the team with 79 total tackles despite starting just five games. Initially signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Rozeboom joined the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad in 2021 before L.A. re-acquired him later in the season. He may be a late bloomer, but his impact on the Rams' young defense was undeniable.
Hoecht, 26, is another youngster who stepped up for the Rams' rebuilt defense last season. The Ontario native started all 17 games and recorded 81 total tackles and six sacks, fourth-most on the team.
Finally, Williams, not to be confused with the Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman of the same name, started 16 of 17 games for the Rams this season and recorded 49 total tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.
The Rams have more than enough money to re-sign the three defenders with nearly $32 million in cap space, but ultimately, it's up to the players to decide what's next for them.
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