Just a day after trading middle linebacker Alec Ogletree for picks, the Los Angeles Rams were working the phones again. This time, the Rams acquired Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a fifth round pick.
Talib still has two years left on his contract and is due $11 million in 2018. According to NBC Sports, Los Angeles will roll with Talib’s contract as it is, not asking for any renegotiation or pay cut.
The #Rams and #Broncos have finalized a deal to send CB Aqib Talib to Los Angeles, sources tell me and @JamesPalmerTV.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2018
The 32-year old corner will rejoin defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Reportedly, when the Broncos were looking to deal Talib, he was only willing to go to the Rams or the New England Patriots. The Broncos also tried to work a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, but Talib apparently vetoed it.
Earlier today the Broncos enacted their 2018 option on cornerback Chris Harris Jr. to keep him in the fold. With Talib gone, Bradley Roby will likely take over his spot in the final year of his rookie contract.
Aqib Talib wanted to play for Wade Phillips in LA or Bill Belichick in New England; idea of playing elsewhere was not something he found desirable. This helped dictate trade to Rams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2018
The Rams will be Talib’s fourth NFL team since he was originally drafted No. 20 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. Last season with Denver, he recorded 31 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception which he returned 103 yards for a touchdown. Talib has made the Pro Bowl five times and been named All-Pro once.
For Los Angeles, they now can boast what could be the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Rams acquired Marcus Peters in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.
RAMS SIGN SAM SHIELDS
While it looks like there’s no room for departing free agent Trumaine Johnson on the Rams roster anymore, that doesn’t mean they’re done adding defensive backs. A few hours before finalizing the trade for Talib, L.A. signed free agent cornerback Sam Shieds, formerly of the Green Bay Packers.
This off-season alone, Rams now have acquired CBs Aqib Talib, Sam Shields and Marcus Peters. Lots of talent and lots of personality.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2018
Shields was out of the NFL in 2017 and missed most of the 2016 with a concussion. Shields’ last healthy season was 2015 when he played in and started 12 games for Green Bay. He had 39 tackles, one fumble recovery, 13 passes defended and three picks. If Shields is still in playing shape and can stay on the field, Los Angeles is four deep with starters at corner with Kayvon Webster returning, regardless of who they pick up in free agency or the draft hit.
