Rams Officially Tender Edge Rusher Michael Hoecht Ahead of Free Agency
The Los Angeles Rams spent much of their early-offseason planning addressing the offensive line but saw their depth on the other side of the ball threatened by free agency.
Linebacker Christian Rozeboom, defensive lineman Jonah Williams, and edge rusher Michael Hoecht – all restricted free agents – looked poised to hit the open market when the legal tampering period ends on Wednesday at 1 p.m. (PT).
As restricted free agents, the Rams could place tenders on them on their way out. Depending on the tender, the team could either receive draft compensation or simply the option to match a hypothetical offer. For example, on Tuesday, general manager Les Snead put a second-round tender on left tackle Alaric Jackson, ensuring he’ll either return to Inglewood or the team will receive a second-round pick for his services.
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This trend continued into Wednesday when the Rams announced that they tendered Hoecht with a right of first refusal tender, per Jourdan Rodrigue.
Hoecht initially did not receive a tender, though the early goings of free agency may have shifted Los Angeles’ sights. The right of first refusal tender – worth $3 million – means Los Angeles won’t receive a draft pick if he leaves. However, they will be able to match any offer he accepts, in which case he would return to Los Angeles.
Hoecht transitioned from defensive lineman to a more traditional 3-4 outside linebacker during his Rams tenure. This gave him a physical advantage over smaller tackles but also limited him in the 200+ coverage reps he was forced into. At times, it seemed teams would choose to pick on him in the passing game
However, he’s still a productive member of the team’s pass rush, logging six sacks in 2023 and 4.5 in 2022. Hoecht profiles as a depth edge rusher, especially if Los Angeles adds the pass-rushing threats many expect them to this offseason.
Furthermore, his impact stretches to special teams where he saw time helping block field goals and cover punts.
Although his role is bound to shrink if he stays, $3 million is a price Snead should be willing to pay. If a team offers significantly more than that, the Rams may pass on the opportunity to match his deal, vacating 960 snaps on defense.
