There is talk the LA Rams may have to part ways with their wide receiver Van Jefferson. Veteran NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler broke the news to ESPN that the Rams have discussed a possible trade with Jefferson’s agent, and that the 27-year-old wide receiver is considering playing for a different team.
Fowler tweeted, “#Rams are looking into trading wide receiver Van Jefferson, per source. L.A. has been in contact with Jefferson’s agent, with the player open to a new home. Jefferson was a big part of the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run but hasn’t been featured this year and played 2 snaps Sunday.”
#Rams are looking into trading wide receiver Van Jefferson, per source. L.A. has been in contact with Jefferson’s agent, with the player open to a new home.
Jefferson was a big part of the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run but hasn’t been featured this year and played 2 snaps Sunday. pic.twitter.com/RC6fQHQLzl
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 10, 2023
In the last game in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jefferson played only two short periods of time and could not catch the ball. As of this season, he has caught the ball eight times, gaining a total of 108 yards, but he has not scored any touchdowns.
One possible reason for Jefferson’s lackluster performance could be rookie rookie Puka Nakua’s excellent first year. Additionally, wide receiver Cooper Kupp is scheduled to return soon, so Jefferson may not get as much playing time in the Rams’ offense.
#Rams are looking into trading wide receiver Van Jefferson, per source. L.A. has been in contact with Jefferson’s agent, with the player open to a new home.
Jefferson was a big part of the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run but hasn’t been featured this year and played 2 snaps Sunday. pic.twitter.com/RC6fQHQLzl
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 10, 2023
The Los Angeles Rams have decided that they will trade Van Jefferson, their wide receiver, and a seventh-round pick in 2025 to the Atlanta Falcons. In exchange for the commitment, they will receive a sixth-round pick in 2025 worth around $12 million total. The information was shared by a person with knowledge of the deal with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Currently, the LA Rams have won 2 games and lost 3 in five weeks, leaving them in 3rd place in the NFC West Division. Relinquishing Jefferson and his salary could benefit the team in the long run.
Van Jefferson’s time with the Rams
Van Jefferson began his college football career at Ole Miss, where he committed three seasons to the team. He then made a strategically considered move to attend the University of Florida, where he showcased his abilities and caught the attention of NFL scouts. Van Jefferson began his college football journey at Ole Miss, spending three seasons there. Later, he made a move to the University of Florida, where he really showcased his skills and caught the attention of NFL scouts.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Jefferson with the 57th overall pick in the second round, which was acquired through a trade involving Brandin Cooks. In his sophomore season, he appeared in 16 games, although he did not start in any. Jefferson made an impact with 19 receptions, gaining a total of 220 yards and scoring one touchdown.
Van Jefferson’s wife went into labor during the Super Bowl. This is how he found out… pic.twitter.com/ZfntZFWBl3
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) February 16, 2022
In 2021, Van Jefferson experienced a breakout year, starting in all 17 games and performing admirably with 50 catches, 802 yards, and six touchdowns – exactly one high point of his career. However, the following year in 2022, injuries presented challenges for Jefferson, allowing him to start in only nine games. Despite this, he made 24 catches, totaling 369 yards and scoring three touchdowns in these games.