The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the most active teams ahead of the trade deadline, making a variety of deals, including acquiring star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The acquisition of Ramsey marked a bit of a remodel for the Rams’ secondary as Marcus Peters was sent to the Baltimore Ravens in a second trade. Additionally, Aqib Talib and John Johnson III are both dealing with injuries that forced them to be placed on injured reserve.
By giving up two first-round picks to acquire Ramsey, the Rams signified that they are willing to give him the long-term contract extension that he is looking for.
While no extension is in place yet, the Rams made another trade ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to free up cap space. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, they have sent Talib and a draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for a future draft pick:
Trade: Rams are trading CB Aqib Talib AND a fifth-round pick to Miami for a future pick, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2019
Lindsey Thiry of ESPN is reporting that Los Angeles will be receiving a late-round pick in return:
I'm told that the Rams expect a late-round pick from the Dolphins in this trade. https://t.co/dgn1H6pcQ8
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) October 29, 2019
Considering he is dealing with a significant injury and is in the last year of his contract, it is unlikely that Talib ever suits up for the 0-8 Dolphins.
By trading him though, the Rams now saved around $4.25 million in cap space that can now go towards an extension for Ramsey if they choose. Additionally, this trade also means that the team will get a good look at Troy Hill as their starting corner opposite Ramsey for the rest of the season.
The 33-year-old Talib dealt with a few different injuries that limited him to just 13 games in his two seasons with the Rams. He was an integral part of their defense when healthy though, and should be able to find a solid contract elsewhere when he hits free agency this offseason.
