In need of cap space, the Los Angeles Rams made the difficult decision to part ways with nine-year veteran Michael Brockers. He was their longest-tenured player and after he understandably declined to take a pay cut, the team found a trade partner in the Detroit Lions.
So they shipped him to Detroit in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round pick, saving $6.17 million against the cap. That’s $1.5 million more than they would’ve gotten from cutting Brockers, so the trade makes sense in that regard.
The Lions weren’t the only team interest in Brockers, either – at least according to the man himself. He told Detroit media members Monday that there were other options out there, with the Rams getting calls from teams.
“According to my standards, there were a couple options out there and I think the Rams were getting a couple calls from different teams,” he said. “I think there were different options out there, but just being comfortable with this staff, having familiarity with a couple coaches on this staff, it just made more sense for me to be here.”
The Lions gave Brockers a new three-year deal upon completion of the trade, which was an added benefit for the veteran defensive lineman. But he didn’t necessarily get to pick his destination when the Rams were attempting to trade him.
He’s happy to have landed with the Lions, getting to start over while also having some familiarity with Jared Goff, GM Brad Holmes and DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant.
“Not really, but when you think about the coaching staff, how they value you personally, what you bring, my leadership, it just made me feel welcome,” Brockers said. “Just talking to him a little bit through my agent, just him telling me, ‘The Rams loved you, but I just don’t think they see the value you bring and the Lions are fired up about you.’ And just hearing that, talking to my team, talking to my wife, it just made more sense to start over.”
Brockers said he was surprised by the news of the deal, saying he didn’t expect to be traded or cut this offseason.
“I really didn’t know I would be dealing with it, to be honest with you,” he said. “I just signed a deal last year. I felt really good with the team. … So really didn’t feel like I was going to be dealing with this. It was kind of a shock to me, but I’ve been through it three other times, so I know how to go about free agency and stuff like that. It was a shock, but at the same time, it’s a business. I know it’s a business.”
After nine seasons with the Rams, Brockers will start over in Detroit and try to finish off his career on a high note.
