The Los Angeles Rams suffered a major loss before training camps even began this offseason. Running back Cam Akers, who was expected to take over as the lead back full time this season, tore his Achilles working out and is expected to miss the entire 2021 season. Could a trade for New England Patriots running back Sony Michel make sense?
Akers began coming on the second half of his rookie season, averaging 113.1 yards from scrimmage per game the final seven games he played in, including the postseason. Without him, the Rams are going to have to adjust their backfield plans.
Darrell Henderson is one in-house option they could go with. But, if they want to look outside the organization there are some veteran free agents they could target. Adrian Peterson, Le’Veon Bell and LeSean McCoy are all available.
Or, Los Angeles could go the trade route. New England running back Sony Michel is someone they could be interested in if the off-the-street free agents do not pique their interest.
What could a trade for Michel look like? Let’s take a look at a deal that sends the former Georgia product to Los Angeles.
The Hypothetical Trade:
Rams Receive: Sony Michel
Patriots Receive: 2022 Fifth-Round Draft Pick
For the New England Patriots, getting anything in exchange for Sony Michel would be considered a win. The first-round pick from 2018 had his fifth-year option declined by the team this offseason already and there is a chance he wouldn’t make the final 53-man roster heading into 2021 either.
The Patriots used a fourth-round pick on Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson, crowding New England’s backfield even more. With Damien Harris and James White already locked into roster spots, the addition of Stevenson, who plays special teams, could mean the end of Michel’s time in New England.
While the Rams could wait that out, they may have to compete with other running back needy teams for Michel. Trading a fifth-round pick to New England would ensure that they get him.
Los Angeles has shown that they are not afraid to trade draft capital for players that they want. They have aggressively pursued players in the past via trade, with Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford being two of the more recent examples.
While he has fallen out of favor in New England, Michel does have some solid production under his belt in the NFL. He would give Los Angeles some experience in their backfield along with Darrell Henderson to help replace the loss of Cam Akers.
