Rams News: Restricted Free Agent Tender Signed by Michael Hoecht

Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht of the Los Angeles Rams has signed his restricted free agent tender, the team announced.

The Rams awarded Hoecht a one-year tender, or right of first refusal, on March 13. The contract is valued at least $2,985,000, and it is for one year.

Hoecht and other restricted free agents have until April 19 to sign offer sheets, while the current team has until April 24 to determine whether to match or not. Given that the tender has been signed and Hoecht will rejoin the Rams for the 2024 campaign, it would seem that there was no drama on either end of this situation.

Hoecht was first signed by the Rams as an interior defensive lineman, but after a string of injuries severely damaged the team, the Rams decided to move him to outside linebacker in 2022. The former undrafted free agent naturally needed some time to get used to his new role, but over the last two seasons, he has proven to be a reliable player.

In 2023, Hoecht played outside linebacker for the Rams and started all 17 games. He had career highs in both sacks (6.0) and total tackles (61).

The Rams placed a second-round tender on left tackle Alaric Jackson, thus Hoecht is not the only player who was designated as a restricted free agent. Similar to Hoecht, Jackson broke through as a starter in 2022, won the starting position at training camp the previous year, and had a successful 2023 campaign.

While Hoecht wasn’t expected to have a strong market, the Rams tendering him was an indication they value his experience and skillset. Pass rush was not a strength for the Rams in 2023 though so they will need to be better in that department moving forward, especially with the departure of Aaron Donald.

Hoecht is serviceable in a rotational role and on special teams, but is not good enough to be the full-time starter. The Rams have yet to address edge in free agency aside from tending Hoecht, which means they could be looking at the 2024 NFL Draft to add an impact player.

Although the draft is deep at the tackle and wide receiver positions, there are several intriguing pass rushing prospects the Rams could target with their first round pick.

Rams honor Aaron Donald with AD in the Los Angeles Times
After the star defensive lineman announced his retirement after ten seasons, the Rams now need to try to find a replacement for someone like Donald, which won’t be simple.

But in the meanwhile, the Rams honored Donald with a full page advertisement in the L.A. Times.