The Los Angeles Rams will get a chance to see Nickell Robey-Coleman again next season after declining his 2020 option when they travel to Philadelphia.

As first reported by ESPN, the Eagles are signing Robey-Coleman to a one-year deal, adding to a revamped secondary that now includes Darius Slay, too. Robey-Coleman was set to make $4.5 million with the Rams next season.

He’s viewed as one of the best nickel corners in the NFL, which made the Rams’ decision to part ways with him so surprising. He was a key contributor for the last three seasons after signing as a free agent, arguably performing as the Rams’ best cornerback in that span.

Last season, Robey-Coleman made 36 tackles and forced two fumbles. He recorded three interceptions in three years with the Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams made the puzzling decision to move on from Nickell Robey-Coleman, declining his 2020 option on Tuesday. He’s now an unrestricted free agent, while the Rams will save $4.5 million in cap space.

Considering the way he’s played the last three years, this is a shocking choice by the Rams. Yes, their cornerback depth is strong, but Robey-Coleman was a valuable defender on a very cheap contract.

He was just as confused by the move as many fans were, speaking to Josina Anderson of ESPN after the new came down. He called it “bittersweet,” saying there’s no bad blood between him and the team as they go their separate ways.

Just got off the phone w/ Nickell Robey-Coleman: "It's bittersweet right now because I love the Rams…I don't really know why they moved on, but I'm grateful to be apart of something special. I was always in the playoffs w/ them, so no bad blood. Looking forward to a new start."

— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 17, 2020

Robey-Coleman has allowed a completion rate below 66% in each of the last two years, giving up just four touchdowns in coverage during that span. He’s an aggressive tackler and sticky in man coverage despite being undersized for the position.

Whoever signs Robey-Coleman in free agency is going to get a quality player at a relatively low price – and he’s still only 28 years old. The Rams could come to regret this decision if David Long and their other young cornerbacks can’t step up.

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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.