The Los Angeles Rams will undoubtedly look to sign Jalen Ramsey to a long-term contract extension after they gave up significant draft assets to acquire him, and they may have to move on from another Pro Bowl cornerback in order to do that.
The Rams are open to trading veteran players prior to Tuesday’s deadline in order to free up money so they can sign Ramsey this offseason, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Aqib Talib is one Rams player who is in the final year of his contract, so there’s a chance he could be moved.
As Schefter notes, the Rams have had some discussions about trading Talib over the past few weeks, but the 33-year-old has been opposed. He is currently on injured reserve with a rib injury but will be eligible to return later in the season.
Although he does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, Talib has told at least one team that he would not show up for them if they acquired him in a deal. That obviously makes it difficult for the Rams to trade him, and it’s unclear if his stance will remain the same now that they have traded for Ramsey.
The Rams have been wheeling and dealing leading up to the deadline, so it would not be a surprise if they made another move or two. Talib helped them get the the Super Bowl last year, but he is likely not in the team’s future plans given his age, injury history, and the presence of Ramsey.
