The Los Angeles Rams dodged a bullet after they managed to keep veteran defensive tackle Michael Brockers in free agency.
The Rams had endured their fair share of turnover to the roster with the departure of a number of key starters this offseason. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was not shy bout expressing his distaste with the moves on social media.
Of course, news of Brockers signing with the Baltimore Ravens had seemingly become the final straw until the deal fell through and he ultimately re-signed with the Rams on a three-year contract worth up to $30 million. It seems Donald had been giving the team the silent treatment up to that point.
Head coach Sean McVay joked during an appearance on ESPN Los Angeles that he noticed Donald had been a bit upset prior to Brockers’ return, via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry:
“I know Aaron finally was talking to me again once we got Michael back,” McVay said, with a slight chuckle. “He was a little upset with me I think for a couple days.”
Brockers added that he is happy to continue playing alongside Donald now that he is back with the Rams:
“That’s my brother,” Brockers said. “You know, what we’ve built over these six years has been special. … So for me to, you know, see a guy like that and him want me to be here, want me to be a part of, you know, this journey and be a part of his journey, as well, because we play together — so you know for me to sit back and tell my kids that I played with one of the greatest 3-techs that ever played football is going to be awesome.”
Brockers’ comments are certainly understandable considering he had spent his entire career with the Rams after being taken with the 14th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The fact that he gets to play such an integral role as part of a formidable, interior pairing with Donald is a nice perk.
While he has never been one to put up eye-popping numbers as evidenced by the 63 tackles and 3.0 sacks he registered in the 2019 NFL season, the impact Brockers has as a stalwart against the run goes far beyond the stat sheet.
Despite the loss of linebackers Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency, the Rams were able to fortify their personnel up front with the addition of former Detroit Lions defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson as well. This should help to pay huge dividends in maintaining the tremendous strides they made in the run game last season.
