The Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI even without wide receiver Robert Woods.
He tore his ACL in November 2021, ending his season after nine games.
At that time, the nine-year pro from USC already had 45 receptions, 556 yards, and four touchdowns.
Before last season, Woods was one of the Rams’ top receivers, tallying over 1,000 yards in 2018 and 2019.
However, Cooper Kupp‘s emergence and Odell Beckham Jr.’s arrival made Woods a footnote in the Rams’ roster.
While players appreciate him as a teammate and as a friend, the NFL’s business landscape made it inevitable for the Rams to trade Woods to the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans will be absorbing the four-year, $65 million extension he signed with the Rams in 2020.
But even if he is leaving Los Angeles, the Rams still gave tribute to their former player.
A long-lasting impact on LA and this franchise.
Thank you, @robertwoods. 💙 pic.twitter.com/1QOUAxaMUC
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 23, 2022
The team posted on their official Twitter account a graphic that says “Thank you, Robert.”
The short caption also reads, “A long-lasting impact on LA and this franchise. Thank you @robertwoods.”
What’s heartwarming about the photo is the part wherein Woods is shown with his kids.
It’s a subtle reminder that he’s still part of the Rams family even if he will continue his NFL career elsewhere.
Why The Rams Traded Away Woods
Money is the most simplistic reason for trading him away.
The Rams don’t see him living up to a $10 million base salary for 2022, especially after coming from an ACL injury.
Likewise, the team needed to free up cap space to sign Matthew Stafford to a contract extension.
Adding Allen Robinson II also made Woods the odd man out.
A receiving corps of Kupp, Robinson, and Van Jefferson will keep the Rams as contenders even without Woods.
NEXT: Allen Robinson Can Revive His Reputation With The Rams
