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CBS Sports reveals Rams trade targets, ranging from unrealistic to Alontae Taylor | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 21:51 GMT by Sporting News
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Rams Trade Rumors Heat Up as CBS Sports Unveils Target Roster

In the wake of a disappointing 2024 season, the Los Angeles Rams are reportedly looking to shake up their roster by pursuing a slate of players across multiple positions. The latest buzz came when CBS Sports released a detailed report on Friday, outlining a list of “trade targets” that could address the team’s most pressing needs while also navigating the NFL’s complex salary‑cap landscape. While some of the rumored moves appear ambitious—or even “unrealistic”—others align closely with the Rams’ immediate objectives.

What CBS Sports Revealed

According to the CBS Sports article, the Rams are eyeing a mix of defensive and offensive talent, with particular emphasis on depth in the defensive line and a veteran presence in the secondary. The report lists the following players as the most likely trade destinations:

While some of these names—particularly Alontae Taylor and Derek Stingley Jr.—appear to be high‑risk, high‑reward moves, the Rams’ front office may be willing to take on a gamble if it improves the team's competitive window.

Why Alontae Taylor Is a Focus

Alontae Taylor has emerged as a potential linchpin in the Rams’ trade strategy. After a career‑high 2024 season that saw him record 4.5 sacks and 35 tackles for loss, Taylor’s production has sparked speculation that he could be a bargaining chip for a more significant trade package. The CBS article suggests that the Rams are looking to trade Taylor for a combination of draft picks and a mid‑level defensive tackle to help balance the team’s depth chart.

However, Taylor’s current contract—due to become a cap‑free player in 2025—adds an extra layer of complexity. “They’re essentially looking to get something of value now before he’s a free agent,” the report notes. “It’s a tough balance of clearing space and adding depth.”

Potential Trade Scenarios

CBS Sports sketched out several hypothetical trade scenarios that could bring the Rams’ list of targets onto their roster:

1. Alontae Taylor for a 2025 Second‑Round Pick and a Defensive End
   In this scenario, the Rams would trade Taylor to a team in need of interior pass rush depth. The returning pick would help address the Rams’ need for young talent in the trenches.

2. Nick Chubb for a Quarterback and a Pair of Draft Picks
   Bringing Chubb would immediately improve the Rams’ ground game, while the quarterback exchange could provide a bridge to the next generation of leaders. The pick package would help sustain the franchise’s long‑term competitiveness.

3. Derek Stingley Jr. for a Veteran Wide Receiver and a 2024 Third‑Round Pick
   Stingley’s speed could enhance the Rams’ play‑making ability, especially on short to intermediate routes. The veteran receiver would act as a mentor for younger receivers.

4. Denzel Ward for a Safety and a Late‑Round Draft Pick
   Adding Ward would immediately strengthen the Rams’ secondary, particularly in pass coverage and run support. The draft pick would give the team future flexibility.

5. Michael Thomas for a Tight End and a Defensive Back
   This trade would bolster the Rams’ tight‑end rotation and add depth in the defensive backfield. It would also free up a roster spot for a running back or receiver.

While the Rams have yet to confirm any of these moves, the article indicates that the front office is actively in talks with multiple teams to keep their trade options open. The report further stresses that the Rams must balance immediate competitiveness with long‑term cap health, a challenge that has become increasingly difficult in the era of the NFL’s rookie‑salary‑cap rules.

Salary‑Cap Implications

The Rams have reportedly been dealing with a significant cap hit due to their 2023 re‑signing of star offensive lineman Will Hernandez (4.4 million salary) and the continuation of quarterback Jared Goff’s contract. A trade involving Alontae Taylor—who has a cap hit of 3.7 million—could reduce the Rams’ total cap space by a substantial margin. In turn, the Rams would be able to sign free agents or allocate more resources toward the draft, thereby ensuring both stability and flexibility.

On the other hand, any trade involving high‑paying players like Nick Chubb or Michael Thomas would require careful financial planning to keep the team below the cap. The Rams could potentially mitigate the cost by acquiring draft picks or using future contracts that do not immediately impact the 2024 cap.

Final Thoughts

CBS Sports’ report has reignited trade speculation, placing the Rams at the center of a complex web of potential deals. While the list of trade targets is ambitious—particularly when it comes to players such as Alontae Taylor and Derek Stingley Jr.—the Rams are in a unique position to leverage their assets. The team’s ability to close on any of these trades will depend on their negotiation skill, the willingness of other franchises to engage in high‑value deals, and the Rams’ overall strategy for remaining competitive both immediately and over the next few seasons.

With the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement still in play and cap space remaining a critical factor, the Rams’ trade window is wide open. The next few weeks will likely bring clarity to whether the Rams can transform their roster into a championship‑contending unit—or if they will have to stick with the current configuration and hope for a better season than last year. Either way, the trade talks highlight the Rams’ willingness to make bold moves in the pursuit of excellence.