As we near the opening of training camp for the 2019 Los Angeles Rams, we’re counting down the top storylines.
The appeal can be overwhelming.
A winning football team. An inviting culture of “We, Not Me.” The glamour of Hollywood and the star-making power it affords. The “intrinsic value” that Warren Buffet relayed to former Los Angeles Rams DL Ndamukong Suh.
There’s just a wide list of reasons why the LA Rams are an extremely attractive landing pad for aging veterans.
Back in 2017, it was LT Andrew Whitworth signing the final contract of his career with the Rams before Head Coach Sean McVay had even turned things around. A year ago, it was Suh coming in on a one-year deal to help plug up the defensive line. This year, it’s LB Clay Matthews and S Eric Weddle staving off retirement by coming aboard to chase a ring.
And that’s a major focus point for the Rams this year.
Chasing the Lombardi Trophy on behalf of some of the most experienced players on the team. It’s the main reason they signed for the Rams. Yes, the rest of the appeal matters, but a championship looms largest. And it’s within reach as last year’s admission to Super Bowl LIII proved.
Yes, the Rams will benefit from Matthews’ and Weddle’s presence off the field. Perhaps even more so than their contributions on the field. But perhaps most important is the reputation it lends the team moving forward.
The Rams can go into free agency next year selling the capability to make a Super Bowl run to veterans at the end of their career with a sincerity that many teams can’t offer. It’s how they landed Weddle and Matthews.
And if they can make good on that sales job this year, it will validate their arrival and the addition of vets to come with a legitimacy that only a championship can provide.