Could Rams Sign Commanders' Third-Down Back as Backup in Free Agency?

The Los Angeles Rams may look to the running back position in free agency to take the weight off of Kyren Williams' shoulders. Is Commanders back Antonio Gibson a fit?

It’s safe to say the Los Angeles Rams entered the 2023 season without a set future at the running back position and left it with a rising star at the position.

Few running backs had a better season than Rams running back Kyren Williams, who exploded onto the scene and finished third in the league in rushing despite appearing in just 12 games.

However, Los Angeles isn’t necessarily going to avoid taking big swings at the running back position, and they may look to the discount rack for depth as well.

If general manager Les Snead looks for additional help in the backfield, presumably to lessen the load on Williams’ Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson may fit the bill.

When looking for a backup, Los Angeles may prioritize a type of specialist, rather than a well-rounded back who is a backup who is relegated due to a lack of elite traits. Whether it’s a power back who can handle tough touches in the red zone or a third-down back who specializes in the passing game, the Rams don’t need a lesser version of Williams – a complement to him makes more sense.

Therefore, a former receiver fits the bill. While Williams certainly did enough on third downs and has earned the right to pass protect, Gibson is a more natural receiver and poses more of a downfield threat (as much as you can consider a running back).

Gibson has logged 213 catches for 1,283 yards and seven scores throughout his rookie contract and has seen just 811 rushing yards in the past two seasons. The Rams could conceivably upgrade from Ronnie Rivers as the primary backup, and doing so with a cheaper running back may be more fruitful than searching for one in the NFL Draft.

A Day 3 pick may be better spent on a higher-value position given Los Angeles’ willingness to cycle through depth at the position. The Rams, needing depth along the defense, at quarterback, and on the offensive line, may be more willing to pay for their contingency plan.

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Gibson shouldn’t command a particularly large contract, especially given how many backs are entering free agency, but is good enough at his job to make a legitimate impact. As a highly-graded pass blocker and an experience with both zone and gap concepts, there’s reason to believe the Memphis product could be a good addition in Los Angeles.