The Los Angeles Rams have developed a reputation for being one of the most aggressive teams in the league when it comes to shaping their roster.
Since Sean McVay took over the head coaching job, general manager Les Snead has not been shy about exploring the trade market for upgrades. Since 2017, the Rams have traded away several draft picks in exchange for players like Brandin Cooks, Marcus Peters and most recently Jalen Ramsey.
After trading Peters to the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles was not done making moves as they then dealt cornerback Aqib Talib along with a fifth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2021.
McVay discussed Talib’s influence on the team during his time with the Rams, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“Aqib has meant a whole lot. He’s meant a whole lot to our team,” McVay said. “I think just the confidence, the swagger, the veteran leadership that he’s brought – he’s been, really, a big part of what’s gone on since he got here and he’s been nothing but positive since he got here. Like I’ve said, I think he’s a Hall of Fame player.”
The head coach continued to heap praise on Talib as he mentioned all the areas the veteran had an impact on:
“Sometimes … (it) needs to be done,” McVay said. “But again, like I said, I can’t say anything but great things about the human and what he’s meant to our locker room, the positives he’s brought to this team and what he’s meant to us the last year and a half.”
Talib was placed on injured reserve after suffering a rib injury in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks but now heads to Miami where he is unlikely to actually suit up for the rebuilding roster.
The defensive back was in the last year of a six-year contract and the move could be an indication that the front office is gearing up to sign Ramsey to the massive extension he is due. The Rams traded two first-rounders and an additional fourth-round pick to acquire the star defensive back and it would be wise to lock him up to a deal sooner rather than later.
In just a matter of weeks, Los Angeles has retooled its secondary and will surely miss Talib’s experience and leadership both on and off the field. However, with Ramsey in tow, Wade Phillips should be able to scheme up several new looks to give opposing defenses some headaches.
