Nickell Robey-Coleman has been one of the best slot corners in the NFL the last three seasons, but the Los Angeles Rams have decided to move on from him. The team announced on Tuesday that it will not pick up his option for the 2020 season, making him a free agent.
This is a surprising move for the Rams, considering the way Robey-Coleman has played since being signed by Los Angeles in 2017. By declining his option, the Rams save $4.5 million in cap space, but Robey-Coleman has been a valuable player in the secondary.
Rams informed CB Nickell Robey-Coleman they will not exercise option for upcoming season, person with knowledge said. Robey-Coleman, who would have carried a $4.5-million cap number, becomes UFA. Weddle, Brockers, Littleton and Robey-Coleman gone from 2019 defense.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) March 17, 2020
The Rams are clearly trying to free up as much cap space as possible this offseason after letting Michael Brockers and Cory Littleton leave in free agency, and Robey-Coleman’s option was an opportunity to save more money.
In the last three seasons, Robey-Coleman has broken up 20 passes, recorded three interceptions and made 96 total tackles. He’s only allowed four touchdown receptions in coverage the last two years, and a combined completion rate of less than 65% since 2018.
Robey-Coleman, of course, was the one who helped send the Rams to the Super Bowl two seasons ago when he got away with blatant pass interference against the Saints in the NFC Championship Game, with the penalty going uncalled.
With Robey-Coleman out of the picture, the Rams will lean more heavily on David Long and Darious Williams more often in the secondary next season. Long was a third-round pick in 2019 but played sparingly behind Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill.