Better bargain shopper: Seattle Seahawks or Los Angeles Rams?
By Jake Luppino
Big time trades
Before discussing the bargain deals for both the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, we should first take a look at some of the more aggressive moves these two teams have made over the years.
Los Angles Rams – Aggressive Trades
Sean McVay took over the Rams in 2017. Ever since his arrival, the Los Angeles Rams became a winning team, no doubt about that. But, they also became very aggressive in the trade market. Since 2017, the Rams haven’t had a single first-round pick. Colin Cowherd wants to discuss poor investments from the rich kid who inherited wealth? Look no further than the Los Angeles Rams. They have consistently reached in trades in a desperate attempt to capture a Super Bowl.
- Traded 2016 & 2017 1sts for Jared Goff.
- Traded 2018 1st round pick for Brandin Cooks.
- Traded 2019 1st round pick for 2nd and 3rd round picks from Atlanta.
- Traded 2020 & 2021 1sts for Jalen Ramsey.
- Traded 2022 & 2023 1sts for Matthew Stafford.
“When the Rams go for a big trade, it’s not to compensate for mistakes and a lifestyle they can’t live up to” — Colin Cowherd.
That sure looks like overcompensation to me. They have completely mortgaged their future and thus far, haven’t gotten the return that they were expecting on their investment. Now, Los Angeles did make the Super Bowl in the 2018-2019 season. But, the offensive genius that is Sean McVay failed to score a touchdown as they lost 13-3 to the New England Patriots.
Seattle Seahawks – Aggressive Trades
The Pete Carroll, John Schneider regime has been known for drafting well in the late rounds and acquiring talent at a great price close to the trade deadline. In terms of aggressive trades, mainly dealing with 1st round picks, we haven’t seen Seattle do much of that. Over the last decade, they have made two big deals involving first-round picks.
- Traded 2015 1st and C Max Unger to New Orleans for TE Jimmy Graham and a 4th round pick.
- Traded 2021 & 2022 1st round picks along with others for SS Jamal Adams.
On the surface, the Jamal Adams deal isn’t looking that great. But, he’s only in his second year with the team and has plenty of football ahead of him. While many may not like it now, I believe you still need to give it time. Now for the Graham trade, I will be the first to admit I was not a fan of trading Unger for a TE that didn’t necessarily fit the scheme. Graham did not want to run block, but he became accustomed to the Seattle offense and started to put up big numbers before his departure.
In totality, if we are going to try and determine who has taken bigger swings and missed. Or, who has done a worse job of overcompensating for their failures, the trades would point towards the Rams. Remember, Pete Carroll has reached two Super Bowls, winning one. You can very well make an argument that he should have two. Sean McVay has reached one Super Bowl and there is no telling on when he will get to his next one.