Rams trade WR Van Jefferson to Falcons: Why L.A. is moving on

By Dianna Russini, Jourdan Rodrigue and Josh Kendall

The Los Angeles Rams traded wide receiver Van Jefferson to the Atlanta Falcons, the two sides announced Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:

Atlanta received a 2025 seventh-round draft pick and Jefferson in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Jefferson, 27, has eight receptions for 108 yards and no touchdowns this season.
He has played his entire career in Los Angeles since the Rams selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
ESPN initially reported the possibility of a trade, but signs started pointing that way when a healthy Jefferson played just two snaps in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Why L.A. is moving on from Jefferson

The return of Cooper Kupp from a hamstring injury and the emergence of rookie receiver Puka Nacua and third-year receiver Tutu Atwell are major factors here for Jefferson, who (outside of injuries in 2022) has been a productive contributor to the offense.

Nacua’s historic start to his career vaulted him into the early reads in quarterback Matthew Stafford’s progression, absent Kupp for the first four games.

Jefferson’s best season — also one in which he was healthy — was in 2021, when he had 50 catches for 802 yards. Knee injuries sidelined him through the first part of the 2022 season. Coaches have lauded Jefferson’s long speed and route-running ability and his knowledge of multiple receiving positions, but he has had a relatively slow start to 2023.

Jefferson is a free agent after this season, and the Rams don’t often extend receivers — also a factor in the move. A trade could mean more usage for Jefferson, a positive thing for him in a contract year. In moving Jefferson, the Rams could be looking to add to other parts of their roster. — Jourdan Rodrigue, Los Angeles Rams writer

How he can help Atlanta

Second-year standout Drake London (17 catches, 204 yards) is the only Falcons wide receiver with double-digit catches this season. Mack Hollins has nine for 143 yards. KhaDarel Hodge has four for 45, and Scotty Miller has two for 10. And that’s it for wide receiver production in the offense.

So there’s plenty of room for a player who has a history of success. The Falcons are far from the most pass-happy team in the league but have been searching for more balance in coach Arthur Smith’s third year. — Josh Kendall, Atlanta Falcons writer

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(Photo: Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today)