Rams waive Travin Howard

The Los Angeles Rams are known for making surprising moves and they made a slightly surprising move on Wednesday. Despite mandatory minicamp beginning this week, the Rams have waived Travin Howard.

Howard was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Rams, operating as a depth option at inside linebacker for the first few seasons of his career. Due to injuries at the position, Howard started in four games (including the playoffs) a season ago, recording 28 tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions from Week 16 through the Super Bowl.

One of the interceptions that Howard made last season came in the NFC title game versus the San Francisco 49ers to seal the game. Aaron Donald was about to sack Jimmy Garoppolo, but the veteran quarterback heaved a desperate pass down the field, only for Howard to secure the interception.

Entering the 2022 season, Howard was likely going to operate as a depth option at inside linebacker once again, with Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones ahead of him on the depth chart. It remains to be seen what the reasoning is behind Howard’s release, but it could be a strictly financial move, or it could simply be a mutual release where Howard wants an expanded role elsewhere.

Howard was set to make $2.54 million this season after signing an original round tender back in March. Given his athleticism and versatility at the inside linebacker position, Howard shouldn’t have to wait long to find a new team.