They’re at it again.
The Los Angeles Rams’ strategy during the Sean McVay and Les Snead era has centered around acquiring stars via trade. In previous years, the Rams have traded draft capital for the likes of Brandin Cooks, Marcus Peters and Jalen Ramsey. This offseason, Snead made perhaps the most significant trade of his tenure, shipping three picks — including two first rounders — to Detroit for quarterback Matt Stafford.
With the trade deadline a day away, Snead has again pushed his chips into the middle of the table, using what limited draft capital Los Angeles has left to acquire eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller from the Broncos, according to Adam Schefter. The Rams are sending two late-round picks in next year’s draft to the Broncos as compensation. As part of the deal, the Broncos are also reportedly paying $9 million of Von Miller’s remaining $9.7 million salary this year.
Miller, 32, has had a nice bounce back this season after missing all of 2020 with an ankle injury. Through six games Miller has 4.5 sacks and is ranked as the sixth best edge rusher in the league according to Pro Football Focus, right behind Nick Bosa. Miller and his new teammate Aaron Donald are the two highest rated defensive linemen by PFF since 2011.
The trade is another win now move for the Rams, who currently own just two picks in next year’s draft; a fifth and seventh rounder.