Best, worst offseason moves for L.A. Rams

BEST | Signing Michael Hoecht

Bringing back Hoecht is just the kind of under-the-radar move the Rams need. The 25-year-old linebacker joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He started last season as a defensive lineman but found a home at outside linebacker late in the year.

Hoecht had 36 tackles, a forced fumble and 4.5 sacks in 2022. With fellow linebackers Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd gone, the team desperately needs experience at the linebacker position. As an exclusive rights free agent, Hoecht will earn the league minimum next year and could be a bargain for a rebuilding defense.

WORST | Ignoring the Running Back

Of three running backs currently on the roster, only Cam Akers has an NFL touchdown. Akers had seven scores and 786 yards last season, but was also suspended from the team for several games. Kyren Williams was drafted to be the RB2 last year but he started the season injured and never seemed to recover. A low-risk, high-reward veteran like Rashaad Penny would’ve been a great insurance policy for the Rams.

WORST | Jalen Ramsey Trade

L.A. traded for Ramsey midway through the 2019 season. In four years as a Ram he had 242 tackles, five forced fumbles and 10 interceptions. He was instrumental to the team’s 2021 championship but his 2023 salary became detrimental to the salary cap. So the team made a deal with the Miami Dolphins.

The Rams received a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long for Ramsey, which isn’t much for a three-time All-Pro with six Pro Bowl appearances. The 28-year-old cornerback had four interceptions last season with career-highs in tackles, solo tackles, assists, forced fumbles and sacks. Their new tight end has one catch in nine career games. Even with a third-round pick, the Rams were absolutely robbed in this trade.