May represents an NFL trade month. The Los Angeles Rams joined the rest of the league in watching George Pickens head to the Dallas Cowboys during the week of May 5.
One analyst now urges the Rams to “kick the tires” on bringing in a 140-tackle defender.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report rolled out the list of veterans worth pursuing via trade, especially before the June 1 cap date. Knox calls for the Rams to pursue Germaine Pratt — linebacker and past Cincinnati Bengals captain.
Oct 9, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks to an official after the Dallas Cowboys scored on a first quarter fumble recovery during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Pratt is best known for tallying 143 tackles last season. But is now playing under a new defensive coordinator in Al Golden. Pratt also has one year left on his current three-year deal.
“The Los Angeles Rams may also want to kick the tires on Pratt. They entered the offseason needing to upgrade their defensive back seven, but they didn’t draft an off-ball linebacker before taking Mississippi’s Chris Paul Jr. in the fifth round,” Knox wrote.
Pratt joined fellow star Bengals defender Trey Hendrickson in requesting a trade this offseason. Cincinnati parted ways with popular defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo –who Knox stated shared a close relationship with Pratt.
The Rams addressed a pivotal need at linebacker through Paul. The Rebels LB fell to them in the fifth round — the same round that handed the Rams Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua.
Still, the Rams could use more depth and experience in the ILB department. The inside ‘backers became a glaring weakness that got exposed in losses. Notably the NFC Division round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles when Saquon Barkley ran through them.
Los Angeles, however, is linked as a potential destination for Jalen Ramsey. The former Rams CB himself has risen as a popular trade candidate from the Miami Dolphins.
