Rather than moving on from Ben Skowronek by cutting him, the Rams will do so via trade. The fourth-year wideout is being dealt to the Texans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
Reports from Thursday indicated the Rams were planning on waiving the 26-year-old. That process would have left all NFL teams available to put in a claim. Houston will jump the line by agreeing to swap sixth- and seventh-round picks with Los Angeles in 2026, per Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport. One year remains on Skowronek’s rookie contract.
As would have been the case by waiving the former seventh-rounder, this transaction will create just over $1MM in cap savings for the Rams. The Texans, meanwhile, have made another addition to their WR room, one which of course now includes Stefon Diggs. He will be counted on as a key member of the team’s passing attack, but Skowronek’s run blocking and special teams acumen will make him a valued role player.
The latter had a negligible role on offense in 2021 and ’23. In between that time, however, he logged a snap share of 82% and made 39 catches. Skowronek will not be counted on to command many targets in Houston, considering the other pass-catchers the team has aside from Diggs. The Texans return the likes of Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Robert Woods at the receiver position. They also have tight end Dalton Schultz under contract for the next three years.
Expectations will be high for the Texans moving forward after their surprise run to the divisional round of the playoffs in 2023. If Skowronek is able to hold down a depth role this season, he could set himself up for an extended stay in Houston or boost his free agent market in 2025. For the Rams, meanwhile, this move will place an increased emphasis on starters Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua remaining healthy and productive moving forward, as they were last season.
Los Angeles re-signed both Tyler Johnson and Demarcus Robinson this offseason, and the latter in particular will be counted on to serve as depth WR contributor. The Rams also have new tight end Colby Parkinson in place as another secondary pass-catcher. They will proceed without Skowronek’s third phase contributions as they look to build off their own postseason appearance from last season.
Damn he just got….Sworonek’d
I don’t have a business degree but wouldn’t it be cheaper to get something That’s free instead of having to give us something for it?
Doubt Skowornek would go to the Texans willingly
Woods, Dell, Diggs, Schultz, Collins, Metchie
Houston isn’t lacking in the receiving area of the game
Teams will routinely trade a late round pick for someone they want rather than let them test the open market.
Off top of my head
Patriots
Jets
Bengals
Vikings
Lions
Saints
Panthers
Broncos
Cardinals
Raiders
Would offer more chances for Skoronek to see playing time.
I wonder if this means Dell won’t be ready for the regular season.
He would most likely be picked up by another team ahead of Texans on Waivers.
@georgefloydsrapsheet You also don’t seem to understand how the NFL waiver system works. But keep working on your GED.
They also brought back Noah Brown. I wonder if all this might signal them moving on from Woods or Metchie.
Slow ones is practice squad or special teams at best. Texans aren’t releasing anyone significant to bring Skowronek on board.
I don’t believe Rams save much on
Cap. Ben made 1.076M. He comes off the books and the 52 player moves in to 51st spot. That guy makes about $915. So maybe $150,000?
6th and 7th? Not too sure about that one.
A 2026 6th for Skowroneck and a 2026 7th. Future years’ picks are often considered equivalent to a round below the current year’s picks, so these would be UDFA level. It’s basically the minimum acceptable to bypass the waiver wire.
What happens if Houston finishes ahead of the Rams? Lol. Never know. Stafford gets hurt? Jimmy G as the QB? Last year wasn’t supposed to be a good year for the Rams right but they had a great year. Never know who these things work out.