The Rams walked out of the NFL trade deadline with the bigger question mark hanging over them, even if the Seahawks also stood pat.
Seattle and Los Angeles both had obvious wide receiver issues heading into the deadline, and neither team made a move to patch the hole. But the Rams’ decision not to act lands a little harder because of where they are and what they’re missing.
For Los Angeles, the injury picture is the problem. Puka Nacua is expected back in a few weeks, and Davante Adams could be back around the same time if his recovery stays on track after rupturing his hamstring in Week 6. That still leaves Sean McVay’s offense waiting on its two biggest playmakers, with no added insurance coming through the deadline.
Seattle’s situation is different, but not exactly comfortable. Rashid Shaheed has no timetable for a return, which means the Seahawks will have to lean on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Tory Horton for now. They also missed out on Josh Downs, but they had other options, and that’s part of why it’s fair to wonder why they didn’t make a move either.
Even so, the Seahawks come out of this looking better than the Rams. An argument can be made that Seattle should feel fortunate Smith-Njigba is on the roster. Los Angeles, meanwhile, is banking on Matthew Stafford and the offense holding together without their two top weapons.
There were reasons the Rams may have stayed quiet. Their draft capital is depleted, and salary cap limitations likely played a role. Still, not making a move at all is a real gamble for a team sitting at 5-4, tied with Seattle and with no meeting between the two until the final three weeks of the season.
That’s what makes this deadline sting for Los Angeles. The Rams needed help and didn’t get it, or didn’t go after it. Seattle also came up empty, but at least the Seahawks have a No. 1 target.
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