Every team in the NFL had to cut down to 53 players on Tuesday. Now, all of those players will have to go through the waiver process which makes them available to any team. However, while there were some big names released, few players will actually get cut. In 2023, only 2.5 percent of players cut were claimed by another team. The Los Angeles Rams will certainly hope for that to be the case for some of their roster cuts.
It’s worth noting that if a player is claimed off of waivers, that player must
get signed directly to the team’s 53-man roster. They can’t be signed directly to the practice squad. Here is one player that was cut from each team that the Rams should consider signing.
New England Patriots – iOL Cole Strange
Simply for the full circle moment, the Rams should consider putting in a waiver claim for Cole Strange. When the Patriots made the pick in 2022, Les Snead and Sean McVay infamously laughed at the pick, thinking Strange would go much later. Instead, Strange was a first round pick. The former Chattanooga offensive lineman would provide interior depth. Other mentions here are interior offensive lineman Sidy Sow and edge rusher Bradyn Swinson.
New York Jets – WR Malachi Corley
The Rams have wide receiver depth and found similar player to Corley in Brennan Presley. However, Corley is a talent player as a former second-round pick and brings similar qualities of Deebo Samuel.
Buffalo Bills – S Darrick Forrest
When it comes to the safety position, the Rams tend to scout talent well. That was shown this offseason with players like Nate Valcarcel and Tanner Ingle impressing during the preseason. Still, Forrest is a player with experience and a big-hitter at the safety position. Kendrick Green is an honorable mention as a former third-round pick.
Miami Dolphins – CB Mike Hilton
It’s clear that the Rams like what they have in the cornerback position, but Hilton is an experienced slot cornerback. With that said, Hilton lost his role to sixth-round rookie Jason Marshall Jr. which is why he got cut.
Dallas Cowboys – OT Hakeem Adeniji
There are actually a few names that make some sense here for the Rams. La’el Collins was cut along with Saahdiq Charles, Earnest Brown IV, and Robert Rochell. Brown IV and Rochell have past Rams connections. Still, Adeninji is an experienced tackle and someone I liked as a fit in the 2020 NFL Draft. He also has experience in the offense, playing for Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals.
New York Giants – WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Ihmir Smith-Marsette would take over as the Rams’ punt returner, but they do already have Xavier Smith. Still, Smith-Marsette showed some upside with the Minnesota Vikings and in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Cory Durden on the defensive line is another name I like.
Washington Commanders – DE Clelin Ferrell
The Rams have some good depth on the defensive line, but Ferrell is a former top-five pick. His best season came with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
Philadelphia Eagles – OT Hollin Pierce
With the Rams trading KT Leveston, the Rams don’t have any young, developing talent at offensive tackle. Pierce has the traits, but just needs developed. Tanner Ingle and Nate Valcarcel, the Rams have shown the ability to identify young safeties. Hook fits the mold of a safety that plays like a linebacker and was someone I liked during the draft process. The Eagles have some names to watch given the strength of their roster, including Kyle McCord at quarterback as well and Kenyon Green on the interior offensive line.
Baltimore Ravens – RB D’Ernest Johnson
With Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Jarquez Hunter, the Rams are probably set at running back. Still, Johnson does have some experience and upside in the passing game.
Pittsburgh Steelers – DB Sebastian Castro
Again, the Rams are probably set at safety, but Castro is a physical player on the backend with some upside as a rookie.
Cleveland Browns – RB Pierre Strong
Nobody really stands out for the Browns, but Pierre Strong is a versatile piece at running back. The Rams would have gotten a close look at Strong in the preseason.
Cincinnati Bengals – CB Bralyn Lux
There isn’t anybody that really stands out for the Bengals. Desmond Ridder is a former second-round pick at quarterback and may have more upside than Stetson Bennett. The Rams also have some good, young cornerback depth. Bralyn Lux had some good moments in the run game from the slot during the preseason.
Minnesota Vikings – OT Logan Brown
Much like Hollin Pierce, the Rams simply don’t have a developmental option at tackle after trading Leveston. Brown is an experienced tackle with guard experience out of Kansas. Ambry Thomas could make some sense at cornerback as well.
Green Bay Packers – RB Israel Abanikanda
The Rams don’t really need a running back, but Abanikanda is a physical runner. Taylor Elgersma is an interesting name at quarterback as well.
Detroit Lions – EDGE Ahmed Hassanein
Quarterback Hendon Hooker was cut, but he doesn’t fit what Sean McVay would want from a processing standpoint. Hassanein is a versatile edge player that can also slot inside if needed. Hassanein signed an injury settlement, but could be a nice pickup for the future.
Chicago Bears – LB Power Echolas
With the Rams cutting Chris Paul Jr., it’s unlikely that they bring in another rookie linebacker. Still, Echols is an interesting name. Zacch Pickens was cut along the defensive line as well as offensive lineman Ricky Stromberg.
Indianapolis Colts – CB JuJu Brents
The Rams could start collecting talented cornerbacks from the 2023 draft class. They claimed Emmanuel Forbes last season. Drafted in the second round was JuJu Brents from Kansas State. This would be another signing in which if it pays off, could pay dividends.
Tennessee Titans – OT Jaelyn Duncan
Duncan is someone that I saw as a Rams fit in 2023. He fits the mold of a versatile player on the defensive line that can be developed. That’s something that the Rams simply don’t have at the tackle position.
Houston Texans – DL Junior Tafuna
The the very least, by claiming Tafuna off of waivers, the Rams may be able to get some insight into their Week 1 opponent. Tafuna is also a powerful player along the defensive line if the Rams want to add some depth.
Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Javon Foster
Foster was a fourth round pick out of Mizzou last year who didn’t make the Jaguars roster. He was someone that I saw as a Rams fit in last year’s draft. This is another player that brings some developmental upside.
Atlanta Falcons – WR Nick Nash
A lot of Rams fans liked Nick Nash out of San Jose State as he led the nation in receiving yards last season. The Rams found some good wide receiver talent as undrafted free agents in Brennan Bresley and Tru Edwards. Still, Nash in an intriguing option
New Orleans Saints – EDGE Isaiah Foskey
If the Rams need depth anywhere, it’s at edge rusher. While they drafted Josaiah Stewart, he is managing a concussion. Nick Hampton has also been underwhelming. Foskey is a former second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and someone I saw as a fit for the Rams. Marcus Yards brings some explosiveness at running back and Tyreem Powell was cut at linebacker. It’s also worth noting that the Saints cut former Rams players Cam Akers and Jonah Williams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – S Shilo Sanders
Nobody really stands out among players cut for the Buccanners. Former Rams draft pick Jacob Harris was released, but it’s unlikely that a reunion is brewing.
Carolina Panthers – CB Mello Dotson
The Rams do have some good cornerback depth, but Dotson has some length and speed. He was someone that I liked during the draft process.
Denver Broncos – RB Audric Estime
When it comes to Notre Dame running backs, the Rams have had some success. They could reunite Estime and Williams together. AT Perry and wide receiver is also an interesting name.
Las Vegas Raiders – QB/WR Tommy Mellott
Mellott spent the offseason learning a new position at wide receiver while trying to find a role on special teams. However, he is a former college quarterback. This is just an offensive weapon that McVay could have a lot of fun with.
Kansas City Chiefs – WR Elijah Badger
Nobody really stands out for the Chiefs. Badger was an undrafted free agent in this past draft.
Los Angeles Chargers – RB Raheim Sanders
The Rams have needed some explosiveness at running back. While they drafted Hunter, it wouldn’t hurt to add another player in Sanders.
Seattle Seahawks – WR Ricky White III
Nobody really stands out for the Seahawks, but Ricky White III is a solid route runner and special teams players.
Arizona Cardinals – iOL McClendon Curtis
Curtis would bring some serious size to the interior. He went undrafted in 2023 and just got release by his third team.
San Francisco 49ers – TE Bradyn Willis
The Rams could use a developmental option at tight end. Willis could be a decent option as someone with experience in a similar offense.
