Why’d Rams Sign RB Freeman as Michel Replacement? McVay Reveals

The Los Angeles Rams were blindsided shortly after the start of training camp with running back Sony Michel’s decision to retire, just a handful of weeks after re-signing with the organization.

Michel, 28, had a productive 2021 season with the Rams, logging 845 yards and four touchdowns on 208 attempts en route to a Super Bowl title.

And while Michel had a down 2022 with the cross-town Chargers, there was optimism that he could help spark a Rams rushing attack that ranked just No. 27 league-wide last season.

But it wasn’t meant to be - and the Rams acted fast in filling his void, announcing the signing of veteran ballcarrier Royce Freeman a day later.

So, why Freeman? Rams coach Sean McVay explained to reporters earlier this week - and made sure to preface that director of pro personnel John McKay had a big part in the decision.

“He's a guy that's played, done some things similar to what we might've asked of Sony, and that was really what went into it,” McVay said. “And he's a guy that some people had some familiarity with. I was a fan of his game from seeing him from afar and the way that he handled himself and that was it.”

McVay added that he’s liked the glimpses he’s seen on Freeman thus far, only adding to his confidence that the rushing attack won’t skip a beat without Michel.

The Rams will be Freeman’s fourth professional team, as he spent the first three years of his career with the Denver Broncos before splitting 2021 between the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, then returning to Houston last season.

Across five seasons, Freeman has played in 65 games with nine starts, taking 394 carries for 1,473 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s added 85 receptions for 519 yards and a score, proving to be a versatile option out of the backfield, largely in a complementary role.

In Los Angeles, Freeman joins a running backs room led by Cam Akers that also includes Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers and rookie Zach Evans; in essence, there’s plenty of youth - and lots of opportunities to fight for touches.

Can Freeman fill the Michel-sized void in Los Angeles’ rushing attack? Only time will tell - but McVay certainly seems optimistic that his skill set will fit in just fine.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft