Davante Adams’ injury has put the Los Angeles Rams in a tougher spot than they expected, and it may force them to act before the NFL trade deadline.
With Adams potentially sidelined for as long as 10 weeks, the pressure on Puka Nacua and Matthew Stafford only grows. The Rams sit at 2-4, and if they still think a playoff run is in play, standing pat may not be the move.
One name that would instantly change the conversation is Terry McLaurin. He would be the dream fit for Los Angeles, especially if the Washington Commanders keep sliding. Washington has already battled inconsistency, and if the losses pile up, the team could start weighing veteran trade pieces before the deadline.
McLaurin has already been part of trade buzz, though the Commanders have historically been reluctant to move him. They also dealt with a trade request from McLaurin before deciding to keep him, which makes any potential deal a tricky one.
Still, the fit is obvious. McLaurin would give the Rams a receiver who can stretch the field and handle a heavy target load.
Put him next to Nacua, and Stafford would suddenly have two real options, making it much tougher for defenses to key in on one guy. If Washington keeps falling out of the picture, the Rams should at least check in.
Quentin Johnston is a different kind of swing, but he makes sense as a buy-low candidate. The Chargers are winless, and his name figure to come up more often as the deadline gets closer.
Johnston has been up and down in his time with the Chargers, but the physical tools are there. A fresh start could help, and Los Angeles would not need him to be the top target. He would just need to give the offense another big-play threat alongside Nacua.
The most dependable short-term option might be Keenan Allen. The 34-year-old signed with Indianapolis this offseason after a long run with the Chargers and has more than 1,000 career receptions and 12,000 receiving yards. After the Colts’ Week 6 loss to the Titans, they are reportedly leaning more toward selling than buying.
Allen does not have to be the explosive player he once was. His route-running, consistency, and knack for creating separation underneath would give Stafford a steady outlet while the Rams work through Adams’ injury.
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