After the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl, everyone talked about how they wanted to run it back in 2022, although as is typically the case in the NFL, things have played out differently in free agency.
While the Rams were able to retain offensive linemen and also made a splash addition at wide receiver with Allen Robinson, they have also lost some key members of the organization.
The biggest are Andrew Whitworth, who officially retired, and Von Miller, who signed a big six-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Another big loss, especially in the locker room, is punter Johnny Hekker.
After 10 seasons with the team, including four Pro Bowls, four All-Pros and a Super Bowl win, Hekker was released this offseason at 32 years of age in order to free up some extra cap space.
It did not take Hekker long to find a new home as according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, he is signing with the Carolina Panthers:
Panthers are giving former Rams punter Johnny Hekker a 3 year, $7.6 million deal, including $5M fully guaranteed at signing, per source. https://t.co/LKRvbz26Qd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
Hekker will have a familiar face with him in Carolina as former Rams guard Autin Corbett also signed there this offseason.
Where the Rams turn to at the punter position now remains to be seen as they are in search of a replacement for the first time in over a decade.
It’s possible the Rams draft a punter with one of their late-round picks, or there also has been some talk about being back Corey Bojorquez, who was released by the Green Bay Packers. The Rams had Bojorquez in training camp last year and he almost beat out Hekker before ultimately being traded to Green Bay.
