The NFL running backs fraternity is going to hate this, but … the Los Angeles Rams may have just fortified the argument that solid backs are affordable and interchangeable.
The Rams’ submission before the football jury? Literally hours following the weekend retirement of Sony Michel, the Rams on Sunday signed veteran Royce Freeman.
Freeman, who played the last two seasons with the Houston Texans, has credentials. He was a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and at 6-0, 235 can play with power.
A 2018 first-round pick by the New England Patriots, Michel retires at just 28 years old, seemingly in the middle of his prime. He retires with 3,243 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, plus two Super Bowl rings, one with New England in 2018 and another with L.A. in 2021. Although his career was brief, Michel made the most of his time time in the league.
Freeman joins a room featuring Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans and Ronnie Rivers. The Rams suggest they might add another running back for camp.
"The epitome of a pro, great competitor and his next chapter is going to be exciting," Rams coach Sean McVay said of Michel. "He's got so many gifts that he can offer to people and so we'll wish him the best. It's a bummer, but his body's feeling like it's talking to him and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the competitor that he is."
So Michel’s body is saying “no.” And the Rams just “yes” to Royce Freeman.
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