The Los Angeles Rams announced that outside linebacker Michael Hoecht has signed his restricted free agent tender.
The tender – right of first-refusal, which the Rams placed on Hoecht on March 13 – is for one year and worth at least $2,985,000, according to a release from the NFL.
Restricted free agents like Hoecht have until Apr. 19 to sign offer sheets, while the incumbent team will have until Apr. 24 to decide to match or not. It appears there was no drama for either side here as the tender has been signed and Hoecht will be back with the Rams for the 2024 season.
Originally entering the league as an interior defensive linemen, the Rams decided to convert Hoecht into an outside linebacker in 2022 after a rash of injuries decimated the roster. It was understandably an adjustment period for the former undrafted free agent, but he took his new role in stride and became a solid contributor over the last two seasons.
Hoecht started all 17 games for the Rams at outside linebacker in 2023 and recorded career-highs in sacks with 6.0 and total tackles with 61.
Hoecht is not the only Rams player that the team tendered as a restricted free agent as they also placed a second-round tender on left tackle Alaric Jackson. Like Hoecht, Jackson emerged as a starter in 2022 and earned the starting job in training camp last season, having a productive 2023 season.
While Hoecht wasn’t expected to have a strong market, the Rams tendering him was an indication they value his experience and skillset. Pass rush was not a strength for the Rams in 2023 though so they will need to be better in that department moving forward, especially with the departure of Aaron Donald.
Hoecht is serviceable in a rotational role and on special teams, but is not good enough to be the full-time starter. The Rams have yet to address edge in free agency aside from tending Hoecht, which means they could be looking at the 2024 NFL Draft to add an impact player.
Although the draft is deep at the tackle and wide receiver positions, there are several intriguing pass rushing prospects the Rams could target with their first round pick.
Rams pay tribute to Aaron Donald with AD in L.A. Times
Replacing someone like Donald won’t be easy, but the Rams will need to try to figure it out after the superstar defensive tackle announced his retirement after 10 seasons.
In the meantime though, the Rams paid tribute to Donald with a full page AD in the L.A. Times.
