Trade proposal has Rams landing All-Pro to fill Aaron Donald void

Despite losing future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald to retirement this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams appear to be in great shape ahead of the 2024 campaign. While it can’t be overstated, the Rams are never going to fill the void AD left behind. However, LA can always make a blockbuster trade to patch it in the meantime.

Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report proposed a few hypothetical three-team trades that could turn the NFL upside down before the regular season. Knox involved the Rams, Steelers and Broncos in a trade that would send All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward to LA, with wideout Tutu Atwell being shipped off to the Mile High City.

“While Pittsburgh doesn’t have a promising young receiver to send back to Denver, Los Angeles does. To facilitate this three-team deal, the Steelers could send standout defensive tackle Cameron Heyward to the Rams.

Heyward—who had 33 tackles and two sacks in 11 games last season—has long been a defensive centerpiece for the Steelers. However, he’s also entering the final year of his contract and is seeking a new deal.

While the Rams have just $9.2 million in cap space, they could potentially solve two pieces of the puzzle by giving Heyward a new back-loaded contract. He’d help ease the loss of Aaron Donald to retirement while helping L.A. make a return trip to the postseason.”

Adding Heyward to LA’s defensive line would undoubtedly take the pressure off Kobie Turner and rookie Jared Verse. Heyward has played in 194 regular season games and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2017, 2019 and 2021. The Ohio State product even has 80.5 sacks in his 13-year career, amassing three double-digit sack campaigns. He spent time on IR last year after suffering a groin injury in Week 1 against the 49ers.

Despite being on the wrong side of 30, there is reason to believe Heyward can bounce back in ‘24 and continue being an effective playmaker. Heyward might not be super interested in leaving Pittsburgh though, as he’s stressed the importance of finishing his career with the only team he’s ever played for.

Moving Tutu Atwell could be beneficial for both sides as the polarizing receiver has been unable to made a consistent mark in Hollywood. Atwell had a hot start to last season before gradually being phased out of the offense. Not everything has been his fault with the Rams considering Sean McVay has failed to involve him more in the offense.

Perhaps a change of scenery is best for the former Louisville star. Sure the Broncos are not an attractive destination given the current state of their roster, yet Atwell would have plenty of chances to earn touches with Sean Payton calling the shots. He can blow the top off a defense and do some real damage when targeted. Entering a contract year, Atwell must demonstrate he belongs or risk being left behind once again.