The Los Angeles Rams' chances of winning a Super Bowl title just increased. Because, well, it's not every day that a team pulls off a blockbuster trade for an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro linebacker.
On Monday, the Rams acquired veteran Von Miller from the Denver Broncos in exchange for second- and third-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, according to multiple reports. The Broncos will also pay $9 million of Miller's remaining $9.7 million base salary for the nine games left in the regular season.
"These Rams, if you didn't think they were a threat, you should know it now," JR said during Monday's edition of the JR SportBrief show. "The NFC is full, the NFC is competitive. And despite all of that, the Rams are right up there. They have a coach with Super Bowl experience, players with Super Bowl experience, arguably the best defender in the league in Aaron Donald.
"They have one of the best corners in Jalen Ramsey. You've added a future Hall of Famer in Von Miller... If you didn't believe in the Rams, it's not too late. Now is the time. We've had a lot of disappointments so far this season. The Rams, for all of their trades and all of their signings, they're not one of them. They're bad-ass. And it wouldn't surprise me to see them in the Super Bowl."
Miller, who was selected second overall in the 2011 draft, is the NFL's active sacks leader (110.5), and through seven games this season, the 32-year-old has recorded 4.5 with nine quarterback hits and seven tackles for a loss. Miller is currently in the final year of a $114.5 million contract he signed back in July 2016, and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
The Rams will undoubtedly benefit from Miller's presence in the trenches and in the open field. Through seven games, their defensive unit ranks first in the league in sacks, first in interceptions, and 10th in average points allowed. Miller was inactive for Denver's game on Sunday due to an ankle injury, but the Rams are hopeful that he'll be able to play this upcoming weekend.
Los Angeles (7-1) will host the Tennessee Titans (6-2) in a marquee Week 9 matchup on Sunday night. According to FiveThirtyEight projections, the Rams have a 46-percent chance to win the NFC West and an NFC-best 13-percent chance to win Super Bowl 56 at SoFi Stadium.
JR's complete thoughts on the Rams' title chances can be accessed in the audio player above.
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