The relationship between the Los Angeles Rams and aging receivers is a troubling one.
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Extended Cooper Kupp in 2022 following Super Bowl victory. Added three years onto his deal with two years remaining, committing to him through 2026 to the tune of $110M. Released ahead of 2025 season.
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Same 2022 offseason, signed Allen Robinson in free agency to a three-year contract worth $46.5M. Traded him to the Steelers a year later.
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Inked Davante Adams to a two-year, $44M deal. His status on 2026 roster is uncertain and it’s likely the team will ask him to take a pay cut.
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Re-signed Robert Woods in 2020 to a four-year, $65M contract
Allen, Woods, and Kupp were 28 at the time of their signing. Adams was 32.
It’s clear the Rams need a new number two receiver this offseason. At the same time, alarm bells should be ringing and paying top dollar to a receiver on the wrong side of 28 could be dumb money.
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Has LA learned its lesson with older receivers? We could find out this offseason. The market will be filled with players on the downhill slide.
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Tyreek Hill (32): just released by Dolphins
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DJ Moore (29): could be traded or cut by Bears
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AJ Brown (29): could be traded or cut by Eagles
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Michael Pittman (29): could be traded or cut by Colts
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Jauan Jennings (29): free agent from 49ers
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Mike Evans (33): free agent from Buccaneers
Fans generally clamor for older players because they are household names. Smart money chases ascending players coming off their rookie contracts. You almost never want to be the team to give a receiver their third large NFL deal.
These younger options fills the need for Rams but could come at a premium cost:
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George Pickens: likely to be franchise tagged by Cowboys
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Alec Pierce: unlikely to be re-signed by Colts
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Romeo Dobbs: unlikely to be re-signed by Packers
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Wan’Dale Robinson: similar to Tutu Atwell and would be surprising if he left Giants
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Tutu Atwell: we’ve seen this movie before
There will also be plenty of options for Los Angeles if they elect to fill the position through the first or second round of the draft. Pick #13 could bring the opportunity to select a player the Rams would otherwise have a minimal chance of acquiring normally, such as Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate. LA has a roster built for the future. They can use their draft capital to future proof the core and keep the salary cap sustainable long term.
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Will the Rams once again fall into the trap of signing receivers on the wrong side of age 28 and past their prime? If they haven’t learned their lesson by now, they may never.
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