The trade deadline is less than a week away and as always, the Los Angeles Rams are in position to be buyers rather than sellers before 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 10. Having lost several players to injury, they could look to replace them with some outside help – whether that's at wide receiver with Davante Adams out, or along the defensive line after losing Poona Ford for the season.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell went through 18 contenders and revealed who should be aggressively adding, who should be selectively adding, who should only be adding the right player and who shouldn't add at all. The Rams fell into the first category as a team that should be aggressively adding, specifically targeting wide receiver help with Adams out.
Barnwell also floated the idea
of trading for a kicker, given the revolving door Los Angeles has had at the position.
When it comes to a "luxury target," Barnwell sees Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as an option.
Luxury target: The exciting trade would be for Brian Thomas Jr., who would be a major short-term upgrade on Atwell as the downfield threat and the potential replacement for Adams as the X receiver after the veteran's contract expires this season. We know James Gladstone has Snead's number, given that Jacksonville hired its general manager out of the Rams organization, but the Jags also might not want to enrich a potential Super Bowl opponent.
On the cheaper end of the spectrum, Jets wideout Isaiah Williams could be a possibility, especially given his ability to return kicks and punts. That's been another sore spot for the Rams, so he could solve that problem for them in addition to adding receiver depth.
Bargain target: Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams isn't going to be the focal point of the offense, but the 5-foot-10 player out of Illinois did manage 34- and 73-receiving yard games for the Jets earlier this season. Perhaps more importantly, he's a capable return man who can contribute for the Rams on special teams, meaning he can be active on game days when Adams and Nacua are in the lineup.
And finally, Barnwell mentioned Titans kicker Joey Slye as someone the Rams could look at.
"The Rams could also look at Joey Slye of the Titans as a veteran kicker who has missed just one of his 25 attempts this season," he wrote.
Sean McVay has said the Rams aren't necessarily looking to add wide receiver help because Terrance Ferguson is nearing a return and Adams will be back at some point this season, but he also didn't rule it out. Thomas would be a major addition, acquiring the 2024 first-rounder from the Jaguars, as the receiver has endured a rough stretch since the start of last season.
The Rams are lacking draft capital after trading for Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett, so that could steer them away from a big name like Thomas. A modest trade for Williams or even Josh Downs would make sense, though.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: ESPN analyst names 3 potential trade targets for Rams
