The Los Angeles Rams made the surprising decision to part ways with one of their former draft picks and 2023 team captains on Thursday.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams were expected to release veteran wide receiver Ben Skowronek, the team’s seventh-round pick in 2021. Instead, the team found a trade partner for the receiver.
Los Angeles’ decision to move on from Skowronek seems to have come out of nowhere. He helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI and served as a team captain last season.
Although the receiver hasn’t lit up the stat sheet, he has been a reliable player for the Rams on offense and special teams.
Over the past three seasons, Skowronek has started 12 games and registered 58 catches for 575 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded 22 tackles during the span.
Los Angeles hasn’t significantly added to its wide receiver room this offseason, either. The team only re-signed free-agent wide receiver Tyler Johnson and drafted Texas’ Jordan Whittington in the sixth round (No. 213) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Skowronek was unlikely to play a major role in the Rams’ offense this season, with wide receivers Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell likely to receive the majority of snaps.
However, head coach Sean McVay has gotten creative with Skowronek in the past, using him as a fullback in addition to his role at wide receiver.
Health doesn’t seem to factor in Los Angeles’ decision, as Skowronek played in all 17 games in 2023.
Skowronek is heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
