The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the busiest teams during the NFL offseason as they had several players set to hit free agency. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson seemed like a foregone conclusion to leave given he had played on the franchise tag two years in a row and he eventually signed a lucrative deal with the New York Jets.
However, the Rams front office was able to replace Johnson after it swung blockbuster trades for cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. Both defensive backs are high-profile players who have knacks for making plays and shutting down opposing receivers, things Los Angeles lacked during the 2017 NFL season.
According to Myles Simmons of Rams, general manager Les Snead discussed what having a player like Talib means for a young roster:
I think I’ve mentioned before, last year we brought in some key guys like Big Whit, Connor Barwin, John — some older guys to help mentor our younger guys,” general manager Les Snead said. “I don’t want to say older as a negative because those guys actually helped us on Sunday immensely — but as they’re in the final chapter of their careers, [and] it’s the wisdom they pass on to the next generation. It’s invaluable, and I think that’s what Aqib has the chance to do with Marcus — and the rest of our secondary, for that matter.”
Although Talib is already 32 years old, he still has proven to be productive player on the defensive end and will likely be a positive voice in the locker room. With a brash and often times emotional player like Peters now in Los Angeles, the team will lean on Talib to ensure that those feelings are utilized in a positive manner.
With Wade Phillips in control of the defense and reunited with Talib, it is not hard to imagine the Rams establishing a secondary that makes life difficult for opposing offenses. It will be interesting to see the revamped defensive unit in action once the 2018 NFL season rolls around.
