Les Snead’s wisely resists Jalen Ramsey trade

Snead believes in a new roster construction strategy…

On Monday morning, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers announced a massive trade; sending players Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith plus a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and 2027 fifth-round pick.

After being rumored to Ramsey for much of the NFL offseason, the Los Angeles Rams were left emptied-handed. But the Rams decision not to make a move should not come as a huge surprise. Ever since the end of the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Rams have been changing their modus operandi (M.O.) and that comes from the top by Les Snead. Here is why LA’s willingness to resist a trade package for Jalen Ramsey was the right move after all…

Rams now “Love them Picks”…

Based on the decision to trade their 2025 first round pick and land a 2026 first round pick, a 2025 second round pick, and a 2025 seventh round pick, the Rams value draft capital.

It comes as no surprise since the team has had significant success with Day 2 and Day 3 draft picks like Steve Avila (2nd), Braden Fiske (2nd), Byron Young (3rd), Kam Kinchens (3rd), Kobie Turner (3rd), Cooper Kupp (3rd), John Johnson (3rd), Greg Gaines (4th), Kyren Williams (5th), Puka Nacua (5th), Quentin Lake (6th), Sebastian Joseph-Day (6th), Joshua Karty (6th), Jordan Whittington (6th), and Beaux Limmer (6th). All of these players have played significant snaps or held a role as a starter at some point in time. LA’s ability to draft and develop players may have changed Les Snead’s mind about trading away capital to acquire star players. Jalen Ramsey cost two first round picks but he lasted just three and a half seasons with Los Angeles. LA traded a second round pick for 8 games of Von Miller. Others significant rentals included: Sony Michel (one year for a 4th & 6th), Brandin Cooks (two years for a 1st), Marcus Peters (two years for a 2nd & 6th), and Sammy Watkins (one year for a 2nd). First rounders offer four years of service plus a team option, not to mention that they contain upside and are cheaper assets. It seems that LA has had a hard time rectifying a trade for a player and then giving an extension. Matthew Stafford has stuck with Los Angeles the longest; heading into his fifth season with the Rams but the organization is already making plans for a franchise quarterback once Stafford retires.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad the Rams made those trades through 2017 to 2021. They capitalized on the market at the time. But the market has changed. The Rams appear focused on building through the draft and then supplementing in free agency and trades as necessary. And in their opinion, Jalen Ramsey was not necessary at the expense of draft picks.

If LA didn’t want to pay for Ramsey in 2023, why would they pay his contract in 2025…

When the Rams traded Jalen Ramsey after the 2022 season, Ramsey was making $23 million ($71 million guaranteed from a 5 year deal). Ramsey was seeking an extension and LA’s front office was not going to budge. He was shipped to Miami for a third round pick. Miami handed him a new extension; tacking on 3 years to his megadeal with Los Angeles. The four years left on his deal include cap hits of: $16.6 million, $25.0 million, $26.8 million, and $36.1 million. This does not even include a void year in 2029 that costs $12.3 million. If Los Angeles wasn’t willing to pay a 29 year old Ramsey, why would they want to take on his raised deal at age 31?

Future Assets due for New Contracts

The Rams have tried their hand (more than a fair share of times) at handing out contracts to veteran aged players. While it paid off with the likes of Andrew Whitworth, he is seen as a statistical outlier. Unfortunately, the Rams missed on large contracts and extensions with Bobby Wagner, Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp (post-2021), and Leonard Floyd to name a few. Rather than trying to pony up cash for a 31 year old cornerback (a position that LA traditionally has not valued to pay high dollar), the Rams seem keen on extending their young core. After this season, players like Steve Avila, Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Puka Nacua can petition for extensions. LA will also want to set aside money for Jared Verse and Braden Fiske before too long as well.

Those three reasons are further confirmation that Les Snead made the hard but wise move to resist going after Jalen Ramsey again. In 2019, the moment was right to help Los Angeles win the Super Bowl. This time around, a move like that would seem controversial.