The NFL offseason is firmly underway with some big names already switching teams or re-signing with their former teams on big extensions. The Los Angeles Rams made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason, agreeing to a three-year deal with one of the best wide receivers on the market in Allen Robinson.
Robinson had a down year with the Chicago Bears in 2021, but it could easily be attributed to a lack of consistency with the quarterback position. With Robinson, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, the Rams have put together one of the best wide receiver cores in the NFL for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
However, rival teams are taking the Robinson signing as a chance to make a deal for receiver and L.A. native Woods, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN:
After signing Allen Robinson today, the Rams begin receiving calls about the availability of WR Robert Woods, who is now a prime trade candidate, per league sources. Woods is coming off a torn ACL, but is expected to be ready by training camp.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
At this point, it’s unclear if the Rams signed Robinson with the intention of replacing Woods. But it does appear that the Rams are at least listening to offers on their do-it-all wide receiver.
Woods has become a fan favorite during his years in L.A., not only because of his connections to the city and USC, but because of his playstyle. Woods is as team-first as a receiver can be, at times acting as another offensive lineman down the field.
When the Rams won Super Bowl LVI, nearly every player on the team said that it would not have been possible without Woods, despite the fact that he tore his ACL midway through the regular season.
The Rams could likely get a relatively strong haul for Woods, even coming off of the torn ACL. So if they get a good enough offer, it would be smart business to accept and move forward with Kupp and Robinson. But if teams don’t meet a certain asking price, going into the 2022 season with all three options couldn’t hurt.
The other factor is Odell Beckham Jr., who the Rams still have hopes of retaining, although he is expected to miss the first half of the season with a torn ACL of his own. If Woods were to be traded, then the likelihood of Beckham returning would increase.
Von Miller signs with Bills
Although the Rams were likely Von Miller’s preferred destination, the star pass rusher wound up signing with the Buffalo Bills on a lucrative six-year, $120 million contract. Now, the Rams must look to fill the hole left by Miller rushing the passer alongside Aaron Donald.
