The Rams are trading linebacker Alec Ogletree to the Giants, a league source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The deal will see Ogletree and the Rams’ 2019 seventh-rounder go to the G-Men in exchange for a fourth-round pick and sixth-round pick. 
Thanks to the extension he signed last fall, Ogletree is under contract through 2021. The Rams probably didn’t expect to part ways with him so soon even that the deal included $18MM in full guarantees with $33MM in cash flow over the first three years. L.A. is moving on from him, partially due to financial constraints, but the Giants believe they’re acquiring a quality playmaker on D.
Ogletree, a former first-round pick, started in all 15 of his games last season and racked up 95 tackles and two sacks. The advanced metrics have never been fond of him, but those who have watched him play disagree with the analytics.
Linebacker was one of the Giants’ biggest areas of need this offseason, particularly with Akeem Ayers, Jonathan Casillas, Mark Herzlich, Devon Kennard, Keenan Robinson, and Kelvin Sheppard all headed towards free agency. Last year, the Giants’ run defense sagged and opposing tight ends had their way across the middle of the field. The Giants are hoping that Ogletree’s presence will help in both areas.
The acquisition of Ogletree gives new defensive coordinator James Bettcher a big-time weapon to work with. Ogletree spent much of his career in a 4-3 scheme, but he transitioned to a 3-4 set under Wade Phillips last year, similar to Bettcher’s. It’s worth noting, however, that Ogletree didn’t cleanly fit into 3-4, as Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com (Twitter link) writes.
This marks the latest deal in what has been a busy offseason for the Rams. In recent weeks, L.A. has acquired cornerback Marcus Peters from the Chiefs and shipped defensive end Robert Quinn to the Dolphins.
The Rams were not expected to part ways with Ogletree, but it’s a logical move for cap reasons. Moving Ogletree may allow the Rams to hold on to linebacker Mark Barron and re-sign wide receiver Sammy Watkins. There’s also the outside chance that the Rams find space to retain cornerback Trumaine Johnson and the extra breathing room could help the team in their bid to eventually extend Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald, and Jared Goff.
Per league rules, the trade will not become official until March 14.
I don’t understand this. He was big for the D last year. And for a 4th and 6th round pick. Come on…
Cap room.
I get that but cut Barron instead. It will be interesting to see if there is another trade in play to get a LB or someone on Defense. Otherwise they better hit with their 4 6th round picks.
Not sure I get this one. What’s the point, LA?
Cap room and fit.
Im not sure what the Rams are doing. They had a great D now they get rid of him and Quinn….
I don’t really understand why so many people don’t understand what the Rams are doing…
To me, it is very clear what they are trying to accomplish. They seem themselves as a contending team on the rise, and with that, they have a core group of younger players. Before they become restricted by the cap, they are picking and choosing the core players they want moving forward.
Ultimately, that means they will lose some contributors, but their goal is to keep, maintain, and build upon their core group.
This move, and the trade of Quinn, allows them the flexibility to resign Joyner, resign Watkins, and possibly even resign Johnson..Although, the latter is much less likely..
Most importantly these moves are freeing up space next season, and the year after. This way the Rams are amking sure they will be able to resign/extend gyys like Donald, Goff, and Gurley…
It isn’t rocket science people…It is pretty clear what the Rams are doing..
Agreed. They’re definitely losing some contributors, but no one that’s totally irreplaceable.
Thanks for the-wording the article
Re
Yea thats all he did. He was trying to seem smart but only made himself look stupid. If anything i would have kept Quinn by restructuring his contract. They really didnt get much back in these trades. It was great seeing them play so good. Just hope they make those picks work for them
Ogletree is a much better fit in a 4-3 defense. Same with Quinn.
So why did the Giants acquire him, if he new d coordinator operates a 3-4?
You may be right but as of now there are no replacement players on the roster who are at the standard of Ogletree and Quinn.
Good move for the Giants at the cost of a 4th and a 6th, and the 6th isn’t even that important to begin with, never mind the fact that they can replace it with the 7th.
Ogletree isn’t a perfect fit for Bettcher’s system but he sure is an upgrade over what the Giants have been putting out there at the linebacker position recently.
Who are the Rams paying? Their two best offensive players are on rookie deals. I know they have to pay AD but they’re getting rid of everybody.