The Rams have indicated that they’re all in for the upcoming NFL season, especially since the 2022 Super Bowl is scheduled to be held at Sofi Stadium. They took the first step towards that goal when they shipped off Jared Goff to Detroit in exchange for Matthew Stafford. Despite the cap space issue on their hands, Los Angeles has made it known that they’re open to still adding to their offense.
The Rams offense just didn’t seem to be at peak production all season as the receiving corp was certainly lacking. It was quite rare to see Jared Goff attempt a deep pass, which took a toll on the rest of the offense, and of course Goff himself. This season may bring a new change to that as GM Les Snead spoke to the media this week about potentially bringing in a deep threat receiver via the draft or free agency.
“I would say this, deep threat can be many things, right? It’s not just speed and throwing the ball deep. There’s an element. If there’s a vertical presence, whether the guy might not be as fast, but he’s tall and big and he can go get a rebound and you can throw the ball up. When there’s an element of a vertical presence and they come in all shapes and sizes, it definitely loosens the defense.”
Stafford has shown that he’s not afraid to move the ball through the air, whether it be deep or short. Adding such a player who can pose a threat down field would add to and already talented offense. Opening up the field would lead to a bigger opportunity fo the run game to build off of last year’s success.
Related: Sean McVay Sees Cam Akers as an ‘Every-Down Back’
While the draft is still a ways off, free agency is slated to start within the next week. With that in mind, there are four free agency receivers who could fit into Snead and the Rams’ plans for the upcoming season.
1. Marvin Jones Jr.
Marvin Jones Jr. is an obvious option for the Rams as he’s already established a connection with Stafford during their time together in Detroit. With the Lions likely headed into another rebuild, Jones staying put is very unlikely. He’s also made it known that he’s open to joining Stafford here in Los Angeles.
Two defenders is not enough to contain Marvin Jones Jr! #MINvsDET pic.twitter.com/T5uV6pBIyY
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 23, 2017
Last season the 31 year-old receiver put together a solid season in which he caught 76 passes for 978 yards and 9 touchdowns. Yes, he’s an older veteran, yet he’s more than capable of still providing enough production for the Rams in the immediate future.
2. T.Y. Hilton
Speaking of an aging veteran, T.Y. Hilton could be another viable option for the Rams. He’s not the No. 1 receiver he used to be with the Colts, but Los Angeles doesn’t necessarily need him to be that same guy.
RIVERS CLUTCH TO TY HILTON 👀
pic.twitter.com/wqQDb2OVkh— PFF (@PFF) December 20, 2020
His ability to still stretch the field and use his 6’0 frame to reign in the ball would work just fine. He still managed to average 13.8 yards per reception last season and has averaged 15.4 yards per receptions throughout his career. Overall he caught 55 passes for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns.
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3. Breshad Perriman
Breshard Perriman hasn’t developed into the type of players many though he would become when he was drafted 26th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2015 NFL Draft. Since then he’s become a journeyman, spending time with the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New York Jets.
Jameis going deep to Breshad Perriman down the sideline! #GoBucs
📺: #ATLvsTB on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/HYJhHN7b2Y pic.twitter.com/riE3QRkiFx— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2019
However, the past couple of seasons has seen him start to show signs of what once was. He’s managed to average 16.8 yards per catch since 2018, which could be enough for the Rams to take a flyer. Because of his history, Perriman should come fairly cheap which be very helpful to the situation in Los Angeles.
4. Rashard Higgins
Since the Rams aren’t necessarily looking for a speedy threat, Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins might be what they’re looking for. The 26-year old had his best season yet last year as he caught 37 passes for 599 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also averaged 16.2 yards per reception once he started to mesh well with Baker Mayfield.
Baker Mayfield to Rashard Higgins!
TD CLEVELAND🏈
(Via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/ihdbRjkHWW— PFF (@PFF) November 10, 2019
The biggest obstacle in the way of this happening would be his desire to remain in Cleveland. However, he has yet to get so much as a glance from the Browns which could end his time in the AFC North.
