With the Los Angeles Rams trading so many draft picks over the years, the franchise has had to be very resourceful and uncover some diamonds deeper in the draft and sometimes even with those who weren’t drafted at all. The latter was the case with outside linebacker Michael Hoecht.
Originally a member of the Rams’ practice squad, Hoecht would eventually carve himself out a role along the Rams’ defensive line. He was a member of the 2021 Super Bowl squad and totaled 180 tackles and 13.5 sacks over the last four seasons.
However, his time with the franchise came to an end as he agreed to a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills earlier this offseason. And Hoecht would take to social media to thank the Rams organization and the fans for five years with the team:
It’s been a minute, but I wanted to make sure I took the time to say thank you to LA. I’m beyond grateful to the unbelievable fans and the franchise for 5 great years with the @RamsNFL
From an undrafted practice squad player to a Super Bowl Champion, I became the player I am… pic.twitter.com/gOZ1rj4Tzt
— Michael Hoecht (@realmikehoecht) April 4, 2025
It is always great to see players get rewarded after putting in so much work to become a great player and Hoecht got himself a nice deal with the Bills. He understands the opportunity he had with the Rams and is thankful that they took that chance on him as an undrafted free agent back in 2020 and wanted to make sure they and the fans know how grateful he is.
His departure didn’t come as much of a surprise as he shifted back to a reserve role for the Rams in 2024 after starting all 17 games the prior season. With the team having drafted Jared Verse and Braden Fiske last year, not to mention Byron Young at the position as well, Hoecht is likely to have a much larger role in Buffalo after he serves as a suspension. Regardless, he had an excellent run with the Rams and is greatly appreciated for all that he brought to the team.
Rams discussing contract extension with Kyren Williams
One player who remains on the Rams and hopefully for the long-term is running back Kyren Williams, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Rams general manager Les Snead recent revealed that the team is in discussions on an extension for Williams, though the two sides are far apart numbers wise.
Snead made it clear that the Rams want to work out a long-term deal with the back and the team did recently meet with Williams about it. Snead also noted that even if they aren’t able to work out a deal this offseason, it doesn’t mean they can’t come together next summer.
