ESPN REPORT: Rams releasing veteran WR Ben Skowronek To 49ers….

The Los Angeles Rams are releasing veteran wide receiver Ben Skowronek, NFL Network reported Thursday. Skowronek, 26, appeared in all 17 games last season but managed only eight catches for 66 yards and one score. He caught 58 passes for 575 yards and one TD in 45 games (12 starts) since the Rams drafted him in the seventh round in 2021. In addition to stars Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams’ receiver room includes Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson, Demarcus Robinson and 2024 sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington.

After 3 years with the team, Skowronek becomes a cap casualty heading into training camp

The Los Angeles Rams made an unexpected roster move Thursday morning. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the team will be releasing their special teams captain WR Ben Skowronek. It’s bit surprising move as it seemingly came out of nowhere, however the fourth-year receiver was in the final year of his rookie contract and LA’s special teams was one of the weakest in the NFL last season. The move will only save the Rams about $825k, but mostly the timing of the move allows Skowronek to potentially catch on with another team before training camp.

The Rams released WR Benny Skowronek, per source. He was a seventh round pick in 2021 and emerged into team captain last year.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 9, 2024
Skowronek had become somewhat of a fan favorite over the last few years due to his versatility to play both wide receiver and full back, as well as special teams. He was a key contributor in the Rams 2021 Super Bowl run, and played a career-high 71% of the special teams snaps in 2023.

However, with stars Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, along with Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell, all likely ahead of him on the depth chart, the team’s selection of Texas’ Jordan Whittington in the sixth round of this year’s draft made it an uphill climb for Skowronek to make this team this summer.

Skowronek’s best season in LA came in 2022 when he made 11 starts due to an abundance of injuries on the team. He caught 39 passes for 376 yards, while also rushing for one touchdown. Skowronek should have a decent amount of suitors looking to add his services to their special teams unit, especially given his low cost and ability to play multiple positions.

The Los Angeles Rams made the surprising decision to part ways with one of their former draft picks and 2023 team captains on Thursday.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams are expected to release veteran wide receiver Ben Skowronek, the team’s seventh-round pick in 2021.

Los Angeles’ decision to cut Skowronek seems to have come out of nowhere. He helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI and served as a team captain last season.

Although Skowronek hasn’t lit up the stat sheet, he has been a reliable player for the Rams on offense and special teams.

Over the past three seasons, Skowronek has started 12 games and registered 58 catches for 575 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded 22 tackles during the span.

Los Angeles hasn’t significantly added to its wide receiver room this offseason either. The team only re-signed free-agent wide receiver Tyler Johnson and drafted Texas’ Jordan Whittington in the sixth round (No. 213) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Skowronek was unlikely to play a major role in the Rams’ offense this season, with wide receivers Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell likely to receive the majority of snaps.

However, head coach Sean McVay has gotten creative with Skowronek in the past, using him as a fullback in addition to his role at wide receiver.

Health doesn’t seem to factor in Los Angeles’ decision either after Skowronek played in all 17 games in 2023.

Skowronek was heading into the final year of his rookie deal. If the Rams didn’t see him as a part of their future plans, letting him find a fresh start elsewhere would be the right thing to do.

The 26-year-old should have several suitors on the open market after multiple free-agent wide receivers have found new homes since the conclusion of this year’s draft.