The Los Angeles Rams were busy on the first day of NFL free agency as they signed defensive tackle Poona Ford to a three-year contract while also bringing back backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on a one-year deal.
The Rams additionally signed All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year contract and are said to be close to reuniting with former Chicago Bears center Coleman Shelton.
While the Rams have mostly added to their roster this offseason, they are expecting to lose several players in free agency as well.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, linebacker Michael Hoecht is signing a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills:
The Bills are adding again, this time signing FA Rams LB Michael Hoecht on a 3-year deal worth a max value of $24M.
Hoecht originally signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He started his career at defensive tackle in a reserve role before moving to outside linebacker during the 2022 season.
Hoecht found more success at the position and became a regular for the Rams in 2023. He started all 17 games that season before shifting back to a reserve role in 2024.
The 27-year-old recorded 180 tackles, 13.5 sacks and 26 quarterback hits in parts of four seasons with the Rams (68 games). He should potentially get more playing time with the Bills, especially after the team released All-Pro linebacker Von Miller.
With Hoecht joining Buffalo, the Rams are set to receive a compensatory draft pick depending on any other potential moves they make in free agency.
Rams losses in free agency
Hoecht was among three players from the 2024 Rams roster to find new homes on the first day of free agency.
Tight end Hunter Long signed a two-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars and defensive tackle Bobby Brown III joined the Carolina Panthers on a three-year deal.
The Rams previously traded Jonah Jackson to the Bears for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and plan to release Cooper Kupp if they can’t deal him to another team.
