In addition to making a bunch of selections in this week’s draft, the Los Angeles Rams could look to trade one of their own players in an attempt to acquire more picks and free up cap space.
Last year, they traded Tavon Austin to the Cowboys on the final day of the draft, which was a fairly surprising move at the time. Who on the roster could be dealt this week during the draft? Here are four names to consider.
TE Tyler Higbee
The Rams reportedly tried to trade Higbee last year, seeking a sixth-round pick for the tight end. The Vikings offered a seventh-rounder, but the Rams passed and held onto him. Could they pull the trigger on a deal this weekend in the draft? It’s possible, especially with Gerald Everett looking like a budding star at tight end.
If Saturday rolls around and the Rams can land a sixth-rounder for Higbee, they might just make that trade. It wouldn’t be the wisest move because Higbee is worth more than a late-round pick, but the Rams may not value him as highly.
DL Michael Brockers
Early in the offseason, Brockers looked like a potential cap casualty with his $10.75 million cap hit. He had a down year in 2018 and went unnoticed in several games, leading many to believe he could be on his way out. Les Snead shot down those rumors by saying the Rams weren’t looking to move Brockers, but a lot of time has gone by since then.
If the Rams land a nose tackle like Dexter Lawrence in Round 1, they might feel comfortable slotting John Franklin-Myers in next to him at defensive end. It could lead them to trade Brockers on Day 2 for a mid-to-late-round pick, saving $10 million in cap space.
Depending on how the draft shakes out and possible interest in Brockers, a trade should not be ruled out.
CB Marcus Peters
Trading Peters now after every impact free agent has already been signed would seem irrational. They let the deadline to release him from his fifth-year option come and go, seemingly indicating they’re going to hang on to Peters for another year. Sean McVay said the Rams want to extend him long-term, but a deal has yet to be signed and there are financial benefits to trading Peters.
If he’s dealt, the Rams will save every penny of his $9.1 million salary. A team is unlikely to give up anything more than a third- or fourth-round pick for him, but the cap savings could interest the Rams. This is an extremely deep cornerback class and if Los Angeles finds someone to replace Peters, the veteran could be dealt.
Ideally, the Rams will keep Peters for another year and still draft a cornerback, given Aqib Talib’s expiring contract. Trading Peters now seems short-sighted and may not happen, but never say never.
CB Troy Hill
Hill has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender, signaling that he may not be thrilled with his situation in L.A. The Rams could trade him on draft weekend for a late-round pick, saving themselves the $2 million he’s owed in 2019. The Rams could use depth at cornerback with Peters and Talib becoming free agents after next season, but Hill has had an up-and-down tenure in L.A.
If the Rams want to move on and bring in a rookie to replace Hill as the No. 4 cornerback, it’s possible that could happen. The return would be low, but moving on from Hill would make some sense.
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