The Los Angeles Rams announced they signed free agent offensive linemen Connor McDermott, Matt Kaskey and Alec Listrom.
In a corresponding move, the Rams waived tight end Neal Johnson and defensive back Kenny Logan Jr.
The signings come in the wake of a few injuries during training camp, as Jonah Jackson (shoulder), Alaric Jackson (ankle) and Rob Havenstein (foot) are currently sitting out.
All three are currently considered week-to-week, and while their respective injuries aren’t deemed to be serious, their designations suggest that they could miss Week 1 of the 2024 season and potentially beyond. The Rams have already been hit hard with the injury bug, and losing any of their projected starters could set them off on the wrong foot.
McDermott is the most experienced of three signings as he most recently played for the New England Patriots during the 2023 season, starting five of the six games he appeared in. Prior to that, he spent time with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. McDermott is making his return to Southern California as he played at UCLA before declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft.
McDermott has spent the most time playing either tackle spot, but also has some experience kicking inside to guard. If Havenstein or Jackson is forced to miss time, McDermott projects to step in.
Kaskey is no stranger to the Rams organization as he originally signed with them after going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, he was eventually cut and landed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. Kaskey would spend three seasons with Carolina before signing with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL in 2023.
Kaskey later ended up with the Los Angeles Chargers, but got waived again. He then went on to have a second stint with Birmingham this past year.
Lastly, Lindstrom also spent time in 2024 in the UFL though he played for the Memphis Showboats. Originally an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys out of Boston College and stayed on their practice squad before suffering two consecutive back injuries.
Lindstrom is traditionally a center, but could play inside at guard if needed.
Matthew Stafford believes Rams’ tight end room is deepest it’s ever been
With the Rams’ offensive line already ailing, head coach Sean McVay might need to lean on his tight ends more to help with blocking and pass protection. However, Matthew Stafford sounded like he has confidence in the group as he called it the deepest it’s ever been.
