The Los Angeles Rams typically waste no time holding off on releasing players after preseason games have settled. To some, this may seem like a cruelty, ala a "thanks for nothing, don't let the door hit you on the way out," type of farewell. But the team is giving these players a head start toward the next chapters of their NFL careers. Like any parting, it's better to move on quickly. There is no value to holding on. The best strategy is to pivot toward the future.
An early release gives players and agents to drum up interest elsewhere. It is a jumpstart, an opportunity to get in the queue long before the other hundreds of players swarm NFL personnel offices. And for the rare occasion, the availability of one player can prompt another team to rummage through their roster and perhaps create an opening to claim a player.
The Rams have parted ways with 11 players in this first wave. Rather than speak about all 11, a pattern has formed in this list of names. Of the 11 players released from his list, nine held positions along the line of scrimmage. One inside linebacker, one outside linebacker, one tight end, two defensive linemen, and four offensive linemen. Of the remaining two players, one is an undrafted rookie defensive back, and the other is UFL QB Dresser Winn.
Rams toss intriguing offensive linemen back to free agency market
Many of the names on the list come as no surprise. In fact, hours earlier, the names of three of the first players released were named in a Ramblin' Fan article as well. It needn't have been spelled out by unnamed team sources who work in a position to know. It was simply the deductive reasoning that all fans apply. So, let's run down the list of players already released:
Defense (5)
- UDFA rookie Saf Malik Dixon-Williams
- Veteran ILB Tony Fields II
- UDFA rookie DT Decarius Hawthorne
- UDFA rookie DL Da'Jon Terry
- UDFA OLB Josh Pearcy
Offense (6)
- UFL QB Dresser Winn
- Veteran TE McCallan Castles
- Veteran OL John Leglue
- Veteran OL Mike McAlister
- UDFA IOL Ben Dooley
- UDFA OT Trey Wedig
The most intriguing name on this list is undrafted rookie offensive tackle Trey Wedig. Wedig was one of three undrafted rookies we expected to have a legitimate shot at making the roster. With his release, his chances to do so have dimmed considerably.
He never seemed to gain traction, despite an impressive draft profile. Standing 6-foot-6 and tipping the scales at 310 pounds, he certainly had the size and power that are the prerequisites for success in the NFL. But we never saw that potential delivered to expectations in training camp or on the practice field. So, his name appeared as a player fighting for his NFL career.
Not every player is an ideal fit for any NFL team. Wedig's draft profile touts significant upside, something that speaks loudly to other NFL teams about offensive tackles. There is always a shortage of competent OTs, which creates the opportunity for Wedig to be claimed. If he clears waivers, expect multiple NFL teams to extend a practice squad contract to his agent.
He was originally thought to be in line as the next successor for the right tackle position after veteran RT Rob Havenstein retires. And if Wedig returns to the practice squad, that could still happen. For now, one rookie offensive tackle must await his next opportunity. Hopefully, he gets re-signed to the Rams practice squad. As always, thanks for reading.
