3 Rams on the Trade Block After the NFL Draft

3. Hunter Long, TE

Remember when Hunter Long was supposed to be one of the brighter up-and-coming tight ends? After all, the former Boston College pass-catcher was taken 81st overall by the Miami Dolphins at the 2021 NFL Draft after amassing nearly 1,300 yards and nine TDs across 28 games with the Eagles.

Long's career was thrown a curveball in March 2023, though. The Dolphins traded the Exeter, NH native and 2023-third rounder to the Rams for veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey. After two disastrous years in Miami, LA fans hoped that a change in scenery would be the key to unlocking Long's potential.

Unfortunately, a lingering thigh injury proved to be just too much of an obstacle to overcome. Long's health issues limited him to just four games during the 2023 campaign, meaning that he's now missed 31 of 51 possible career games for one reason or another.

What's even worse is that he didn't make a single reception throughout his limited playing time. The fact that making an eight-yard reception as a rookie is the only thing he's done in his NFL career is seriously concerning, whether you use his injury history as an excuse or not.

It's just tough to imagine why the Rams would want to keep Long around for much longer. Tyler Higbee is the clear-cut TE1 while Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen have already surpassed Long on the depth chart. A breakup could be mutually beneficial as it'd give the struggling TE a chance to prove himself elsewhere while opening a roster spot for the Rams.

Besides, a trade would also free up over $1.3 million for the Rams. All in all, it seems like a good decision for LA to wash its hands of Long.

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