The Los Angeles Rams have decided to move on from Alex Bachman, waiving the special teams returner as the team looks for a more dynamic option in the return game. Bachman’s limitations in acceleration, top-end speed and elusiveness ultimately made it difficult for him to establish himself as a reliable long-term solution.
Bachman had an opportunity to carve out a role with the Rams by contributing on special teams, but the return game demands more than simply securing the football. Bachman failed
to hit openings quickly, make defenders miss in space, and turn promising blocking into explosive plays.
For a Rams team looking to improve its special teams production, the decision to move on reflects the importance of finding a returner capable of changing field position. Los Angeles has struggled to consistently generate positive results in that phase, making the search for a more explosive option an important roster consideration.
Potential Replacements
The Rams could look internally or explore the available market to find their next return specialist.
Internal options: The coaching staff could turn to players already on the roster who have experience handling kickoffs or punts. Tutu Atwell’s speed makes him an intriguing possibility if the team wants to explore a more explosive option, although his past track record did not appear to yield much either.
External options: Los Angeles could examine available free agents, recently released players or return specialists on other teams’ practice squads. Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts has return experience, quick acceleration and the ability to make defenders miss. Downs also provides a role as a depth wide receiver option as the Rams continue to mull WR3 options.
