The Los Angeles Rams have had a fascinating roster-building strategy over the years, embracing bold trades and quick personnel changes to maintain competitiveness. However, in their effort to continually retool and build a contender, the Rams may have parted ways with certain players prematurely. Here are three players the Rams might regret letting go too soon.
1. **John Johnson III (Safety)**
John Johnson III was one of the Rams’ most reliable defensive players during his tenure with the team. Drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Johnson quickly became a standout in the secondary. His ability to cover ground, play the run, and quarterback the defense from the safety position made him a cornerstone of the Rams’ defense, particularly during their 2018 Super Bowl run.
In 2020, Johnson posted 105 tackles, an interception, and eight pass deflections. But more importantly, he was the Rams’ defensive signal-caller, a role of immense importance, especially in head coach Sean McVay’s defense, which relies heavily on smart, adaptable players on the back end.
Despite his performance, Johnson left in free agency in 2021 to sign with the Cleveland Browns. His departure left a void that the Rams have struggled to fill, especially in the secondary. Though younger players have stepped up, the leadership and consistency Johnson brought to the defense are still missed. In hindsight, the Rams might have been better served by investing in a player of Johnson’s caliber instead of letting him leave for a relatively modest contract with Cleveland.
### 2. **Brandin Cooks (Wide Receiver)**
Brandin Cooks’ time with the Rams was brief, but impactful. Acquired in 2018 to be a deep-threat complement to Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, Cooks brought speed and playmaking ability that helped propel the Rams’ offense to one of the league’s best. He had 1,204 receiving yards in his first season and played a pivotal role in the Rams’ journey to Super Bowl LIII.
Unfortunately, his second season was marred by injuries, particularly concussions, which led to the Rams trading him to the Houston Texans in 2020. While the decision seemed prudent at the time due to his injury concerns and the Rams’ salary cap situation, Cooks has remained productive since leaving Los Angeles. In his first season with the Texans, he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards, and he continued to be a key offensive piece in subsequent years.
Letting Cooks go made sense from a cap management perspective, but his ability to stretch the field and serve as a dynamic playmaker may have been missed, especially as the Rams have dealt with their own injuries and depth issues at wide receiver. As the Rams continue to seek deep-threat options to complement their offense, Cooks’ departure looks more and more like a premature move.
### 3. **Cory Littleton (Linebacker)**
Cory Littleton was an undrafted free agent in 2016, but by 2018, he had become a central figure in the Rams’ defense. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and coverage skills, Littleton thrived as a linebacker who could play both in coverage and close to the line of scrimmage. His breakout season came in 2018 when he posted 125 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions. He followed that up in 2019 with another strong campaign, recording 134 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Littleton’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs made him a rare commodity in a league increasingly dominated by offenses that exploit mismatches in the passing game. However, due to salary cap constraints, the Rams let Littleton walk in free agency in 2020, where he signed a lucrative deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
While Littleton’s production dipped in Las Vegas, it could be argued that he was misused in a different defensive scheme. The Rams have struggled to find a linebacker with Littleton’s skill set since his departure. The drop-off in production at the linebacker position has been noticeable, particularly in pass coverage, which was one of Littleton’s greatest strengths. The decision to not retain him may have been hasty, especially given the importance of versatile linebackers in today’s NFL.
### Conclusion
The Rams’ aggressive roster management has brought them plenty of success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2022, but not without its fair share of risks. In parting ways with players like John Johnson III, Brandin Cooks, and Cory Littleton, they may have miscalculated the long-term impact these players would have on their roster. All three brought a combination of leadership, versatility, and productivity that the Rams have struggled to replace in some capacity. While the team remains competitive, the departures of these players highlight the delicate balance between managing salary cap space and retaining essential talent.