Did Sean McVay Use Retirement to Orchestrate Rams Jalen Ramsey Trade?

Colin Cowherd offered his analysis of the Rams decision to move on from key defensive pieces this offseason.

The trade of Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins saw the Los Angeles Rams move on from yet another defender, with other moves headlined by the release of linebackers Leonard Floyd and Bobby Wagner. 

As for why the Rams are choosing to move on from some of their key defensive pieces, well, Colin Cowherd offered his analysis and his answer was simple - Sean McVay. 

"Sean McVay always had power with the Rams, but he's used this retirement for a contract and bigger personnel push on offense," Cowherd said. 

.@ColinCowherd reacts to the Rams trading Jalen Ramsey:

"Sean McVay always had power with the Rams, but he's used this retirement for a contract and bigger personnel push on offense." pic.twitter.com/LhSx82pk7M

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 13, 2023

Essentially, Cowherd believes that McVay is moving off defensive pieces in order to pursue adding pieces on offense instead - citing teams such as the Miami Dolphins and division rivals the San Francisco 49ers, both of which have gone out of their way to add offensive playmakers. 

As for the Rams, well, on offense it was not an easy watch last season after both Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp got injured. To make matters worse, while Cam Akers has shown flashes, the Rams lack an efficient running attack still. 

Keep in mind, the Rams have already proven they can win a Super Bowl with a middle-of-the-road defense - with their 2021 defense 15th in scoring defense after holding opponents to a respectable 21.9 points per game. 

Of course, while perhaps there is some iota of truth to Sean McVay moving off defensive pieces in order to build a better offense, there is likely a much simpler explanation. 

Rather, the Rams are in a tough spot to rebuild their roster. They lacked top-end draft capital, as well as cap space, and opted to move on from players such as Ramsey and Wagner to remedy that and replenish the roster with younger talent. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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