The Los Angeles Rams are facing a monumental offseason after injuries derailed the 2022 campaign to become the worst Super Bowl title defense in NFL history. But with Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey all figuring to be healthy entering 2023, their fortunes could quickly change.
Ramsey has been the biggest wild card of this group, as he has already made several comments that place his status with the Rams in doubt. Ramsey has a cap hit of $25.2 million for the 2023 season before a potential opt-out in 2024.
Even with Ramsey under guaranteed contract with the Rams in 2023, there is an air of uncertainty surrounding his future in L.A. He continued this by responding to a recruitment effort from Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, via Twitter:
lol much love to @JaredGoff16 & @amonra_stbrown … tried my hardest to get y’all in them playoffs this year. I won’t comment on my future tho. We shall see 😂 https://t.co/JByQFEAvjh
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) February 21, 2023
Trading Ramsey is likely to be in consideration this offseason, despite the fact that he was the team’s only superstar to make it through the 2022 season without suffering an injury. Trading Ramsey before June 1 would save the team $5.6 million, but trading him after June 1 would save them $17 million, according to OverTheCap.
If Ramsey and the Rams can agree to a restructured contract, it would save the team nearly $11 million this season, but would cause further cap complications in future years.
Given that the Rams do not have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it would make more sense for the Rams to attempt to gear up for one last Super Bowl run with the core of Stafford, Kupp, Ramsey and Donald. However, if the team believes they can compete without Ramsey, they could trade him for a solid draft pick and save significant money in the process.
Mike LaFleur excited to work with Stafford
Based on the comments from the Rams new offensive coordinator — Mike LaFleur — it appears Stafford is going to the be the Rams starting quarterback in 2023. LaFleur spoke about Stafford, saying that he’s ready to build a relationship with him and is “in awe” of what he’s done throughout his career.
LaFleur is going from Zach Wilson to Stafford, a huge leap in terms of accomplishment and arm talent. If the Rams do decide to make one last run, LaFleur is ready for the challenge.
