In January, the Rams’ Super Bowl aspirations were cut short after they failed to defeat the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game played on Seattle’s home turf.
Despite Matthew Stafford’s 374-yard, three-touchdown performance and the Rams’ three sacks on Sam Darnold, the Seahawks’ quarterback, aided by wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, dismantled the Rams’ defense whenever he had sufficient time in the pocket. Darnold and Smith-Njigba connected for 10 receptions, totaling 153 yards and one of Darnold’s three scoring throws, which naturally led Rams General Manager Les Snead to emphasize the need for secondary reinforcements on Tuesday.
“Is there an All-Pro that one could acquire?” Snead pondered, according to Nate Atkins of TheAthletic.com. “That would be ideal.”
While no All-Pros are currently accessible via free agency, a trade remains a viable option, especially with the Rams possessing two first-round selections this year. Snead, famous for his “f—k them picks” mantra during the construction of the Super Bowl LXI-winning Rams, stated on Tuesday his desire for “a player who will provide us with a significant advantage and create a tangible impact.”
Atkins points to Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie as a potential Rams acquisition, given his pursuit of a new contract and his previous connection with Rams defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake during his collegiate career. McDuffie, an acknowledged All-Pro, means that further clarity on Snead’s intent to pursue him for Los Angeles should emerge in the near future.