The offensive side of the ball was (and still is) the strongest side of the ball for the Los Angeles Rams entering the 2025 season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Rams were questionable, but they have held their own this season. The defensive front four has been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks this season, ranking in the top 10 most sacks.
A youthful D-line is helping the team create pressure, but one NFL analyst believes the Rams should trade away a player to help the team next season.
Edge Rusher Named Trade Chip
GettyByron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams
The defensive line was one of the strongest positions for the Rams entering the 2025 season.
Jared Verse won the Defensive Rookie of the Year, Braden Fiske led the team with 8.5 sacks, Kobie Turner recorded 8 sacks in his second season in the league and EDGE rusher Byron Young logged 7.5 sacks in the 2024 season.
These players are still on their rookie contracts and will be huge assets for the Rams in the future. An NFL analyst believes they could be used as trade assets if the Rams’ coaching staff doesn’t seem to view the players as long-term fits
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon names Young, the oldest of the four players, as a valuable trade chip in the 2026 offseason.
“The Rams have three intriguing young edge-rushers in Young, Jared Verse and rookie third-rounder Josaiah Stewart. We probably still need to see a little more from Stewart, but if he can continue to improve down the stretch, the Rams could promote him to a role opposite the flourishing Verse and put Young on the trade market as a sack-happy and inexpensive 28-year-old,” Gagnon wrote.
Young can be considered the best defender for LA this season, as he leads the team with 9 sacks and has the fourth most tackles on the team.
The pass rusher is an older player on his rookie contract, but he brings immense production for the team.
What Will The Rams Get For Trading Byron Young
GettyLos Angeles Rams defender Byron Young
Brad Gagnon did not reveal any trade proposals in exchange for Young or what assets teams would trade. Young is entering his final year of this rookie contract in 2026 and could be a light haul for the Rams.
The analyst believes rookie Josiah Stewart will step up for the Rams sometime this season, giving the 22-year-old over the 28-year-old Young.
Young has recorded three seasons with 7.5 sacks or more and could be an immediate assistance to any playoff-contending team that is looking for a threat on the edge.
The Rams have $87.3 million in cap space for the 2026 season, but will need to use that money in other areas on the team, such as Puka Nacua, who will also enter the final year of his contract.
If LA is unable to retain Young, it is better to get something out of the player instead of letting him walk free.
Young has the fourth-most sacks in the league as of Week 11. While the haul won’t be much, the Rams could ask for a Day 2 pick in next year’s draft.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Rams Sack Leader Labeled As “Valuable Offseason Asset” appeared first on Heavy Sports.