The Los Angeles Rams snapped a quiet spell in the NFL despite still being on their bye in Week 8, acquiring cornerback Roger McCreary in a trade before the deadline.
McCreary was a second-round pick, selected 35th overall in the 2022 draft by the Tennessee Titans. Notably, he is in the final year of a four-year, $9.1 million rookie-scale contract, meaning he will be a free agent after the season.
That underscores the level of urgency the Rams felt to make this trade.
Rams Trade for Titans CB Roger McCreary
Tyler Schank |Getty ImagesRoger McCreary #21 of the Tennessee Titans reacts after an interception against the Denver Broncos.
The most notable aspect for the Rams, aside from the player they are landing, is that the deal did not cost them any of their own draft capital. Instead, they would return the selection received in their offseason trade that sent linebacker Ernest Jones to the Titans.
That is, presuming the additional conditions of the deal are met. Those have not yet been publicly disclosed.
“Trade: Titans are sending CB Roger McCreary to the Rams for a conditional 5th/6th round pick swap, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on October 27. “Conditions: Titans get 5th-round pick closer to the beginning of the round, which most likely be Titans original 5th round pick. Rams receive the 6th-round pick that is closest to the end of the round. Titans currently have three 6th-round picks.”
Rams get:
- Roger McCreary
- 2026 sixth-round pick
Titans get:
- 2026 conditional fifth-round pick
Rams starter Ahkello Witherspoon is on injured reserve with a broken collarbone. Despite expressing faith in incumbents Cobie Durant, Darious Williams, and Emmanuel Forbes, Rams head coach Sean McVay previously suggested the Rams could explore their options at cornerback.
Rams Draw Strong Reviews Over Roger McCreary Trade
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay interacts with fans before a game against the Cleveland Browns.
McVay touted McCreary’s “versatility,” something the Rams have utilized in the case of safety Quentin Lake, after the deal was announced on Monday.
The Rams posted an image of “Star Wars” droids saying “Roger Roger” to ring in the trade.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler posted that McCreary profiles as “much needed help” for the Rams, who will face the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Rams got “some real help for one of the NFL’s top defenses.”
The Rams rank second in scoring defense, 13th overall, and are 14th against the pass and run this season.
McCreary has started 38 of 55 games in his career, including three of eight this season.
McCreary joins the Rams with 33 total tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 1.0 sacks this season. He has 253 combined stops, 17 PBUs, 4.0 sacks, 3 INTs, and 1 forced fumble in his three-plus-year career.
Roger McCreary Viewed as Trade Candidate Before LA Deal
GettyRoger McCreary #21 of the Tennessee Titans reacts after an interception against the Denver Broncos.
After not starting the opener, McCreary started in Week 2 of this season. He did not start again until Week 7. He started his final two games with the Titans, but was mentioned in trade speculation before that.
“Last week, I reported that the Titans were listening to offers for any player not named Cam Ward or Jeffery Simmons,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote on October 25. One name catching the eye of multiple teams, I’m told? Cornerback Roger McCreary, who is in the final year of his rookie deal.”
The Athletic’s Nate Atkins wrote on October 23 that McCreary was a potential fit before the deal.
“Roger McCreary is on a Tennessee Titans squad that has already fired its coach and isn’t playing for much. The 25-year-old hasn’t made as many plays on the ball as in recent seasons, but a career 7.5 yards per target allowed and 37 starts provide some reliability. He can play inside and outside, which could open up a little more versatility with Quentin Lake. You just wish he were a little bigger than 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, given that physical receivers pose the biggest threat to the Rams right now. But I imagine the cost could be a Day 3 pick.”
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