The trade deadline is approaching in the NFL and the Los Angeles Rams have never shied away from making moves. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote up 15 different trade proposals across the league and he suggested the Rams acquire Rashaad Penny from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The proposed trade involves the Rams just swapping Troy Reeder for Penny. Reeder is exclusively a special teams contributor for the Rams this season, but he has previous experience as a starting inside linebacker.
Penny would land as the Cam Akers replacement in Los Angeles, serving as a change-of-pace player and backup for Kyren Williams. Penny competed under former Rams pass game coordinator Shane Waldron during his time in Seattle, so Penny should already have some familiarity with the McVay offense. Penny was also born and raised in the Los Angeles area, which would make this a homecoming for the San Diego State product.
Penny signed with the Eagles ahead of the 2023 season following a five-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks. The former first-round pick averaged 5.7 yards per attempt during his tenure with the Seahawks, but injuries prevented him from living up to expectations.
While some expected Penny to get an opportunity to start for the Eagles, he was a healthy scratch in Week 1, and D’Andre Swift has emerged as the featured back. The Eagles also seem to trust Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott more, which has led to Penny being inactive in four of the first five weeks.
For the Rams, Kyren Williams has taken over the backfield and Cam Akers has already been traded. Through the first five weeks, Williams has totaled 403 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 90 touches.
Despite Williams getting the bulk of the touches, the Rams could use a change-of-pace back behind him as he lacks explosiveness. Ronnie Rivers is an average backup and rookie Zach Evans has yet to record a snap on offense this season.
If the Eagles are willing to take Reeder for Penny straight up, the Rams should at least consider making the move to improve their running back room.
