Rams Part Ways with Cornerback Tre Tomlinson

The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant roster move, releasing cornerback Tre Tomlinson. The announcement, coming out of Woodland Hills, signals the end of Tomlinson’s brief tenure with the team. This decision impacts the Rams’ defensive lineup and raises questions about their strategy moving forward in the defensive backfield. The move also leaves Tomlinson, a promising young player, looking for a new opportunity to showcase his talents in the NFL. What led to this decision, and what is the ripple effect on the team and the player? We will dissect this situation.

Tomlinson, a former standout at Texas Christian University (TCU), joined the Rams as a sixth-round draft pick in 2023. His college career had been sufficiently decorated with the Jim Thorpe Award that heightened expectations for his professional performance. However, his jump to the NFL has been, at best, an uphill battle. He has been the subject of discussion ever since he was drafted into NFL as Rams number 177 pick. Now everyone wonders if the battle has been lost.

The 24-year-old defensive back, unfortunately, missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury. He was placed on Injured Reserve in late August, a setback that effectively sidelined him for the year. The nature of the injury was never fully disclosed, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about its severity and long-term impact on Tomlinson’s career. This prolonged absence undoubtedly played a significant role in the Rams’ decision to waive him. Where, when, and what type of injury he got from the Rams?

Tomlinson’s Rookie Season Performance

Prior to his injury, Tomlinson saw action in 16 games during his 2023 rookie season, encompassing both regular season and playoff appearances. This indicates that the Rams initially saw some potential in him, giving him a chance to contribute and gain experience. However, his primary role was on special teams, a common assignment for rookies and players vying for a spot on the active roster. This suggests that he had not yet solidified a position as a key player in the Rams’ defensive scheme. Why did the Rams see potential in him?

Throughout those 16 games, Tomlinson accumulated a total of 13 tackles. While this number isn’t particularly high, it’s important to remember his limited playing time and his primary focus on special teams. Tackles are a standard metric for defensive players, but they don’t always fully reflect a player’s overall impact or effectiveness. His contributions, while modest, were a part of his development within the NFL. Did he perform efficiently in the games he played?

The Impact of the Injury

The season-ending injury in 2024 was a major blow to Tomlinson’s career trajectory. Being placed on Injured Reserve not only prevented him from playing but also limited his ability to practice and develop his skills. In the highly competitive environment of the NFL, missing an entire season can be detrimental to a young player’s progress. It puts them behind their peers and raises concerns about their durability and long-term potential. How fast will he get back into the game and into NFL?

The Rams’ decision to waive Tomlinson suggests that they may have had concerns about his recovery or his ability to return to full form. It’s also possible that they have other players on the roster or in mind that they believe offer more upside or better fit their defensive plans. NFL teams constantly evaluate their rosters, and difficult decisions are often made based on a combination of factors, including performance, injury history, and future potential. Who will the Rams hire to change Tomlinson position as Cornerback in the team?

The Future for Tomlinson

At just 24 years old, Tomlinson still has time to potentially resurrect his NFL career. He will now become a free agent, able to sign with any team that is willing to take a chance on him. His college pedigree and brief NFL experience could attract interest from teams looking for depth in their secondary or on special teams. However, he will likely need to prove that he is fully recovered from his injury and ready to compete at the highest level. The next step is being hire by another team.

Tomlinson’s situation serves as a reminder of the often-difficult realities of professional football. Injuries can derail careers, and competition for roster spots is fierce. His future success will depend on his ability to overcome adversity, demonstrate his skills, and find a team that believes in his potential. Many players have faced similar setbacks and gone on to have successful careers, so Tomlinson’s story is far from over. He will need to show the next team he will be in.

The Rams’ Roster Moving Forward

The Rams’ decision to release Tomlinson creates an opening on their roster. This move frees up a roster spot, but that spot may already be spoken for. They may use this opportunity to promote a player from their practice squad, sign a free agent, or make another roster adjustment. The team’s subsequent moves will provide further insight into their plans for the cornerback position and their overall defensive strategy. As the landscape changes throughout the NFL, the Rams look to stay flexible and use that flexibility to their advantage. Their next step is what their fans await from them.

The Rams’ defensive coaching staff will need to assess their remaining cornerbacks and determine how to best utilize their skills and experience. They may need to adjust their defensive schemes or game plans based on the strengths and weaknesses of their available personnel. The NFL season is long and demanding, and teams must be prepared to adapt to injuries and other unforeseen circumstances. Their adaptation tactics will determine how long the Rams will survived.