Should LA Rams sign UFL OPOY Hakeem Butler?

AJ Schulte

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Should LA Rams sign UFL OPOY Hakeem Butler? image

The Los Angeles Rams neglected to invest in improving their wide receiver room, opting to run it back with most of their 2023 corps and adding sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington. 

This is a bit more optimistic of an approach than I'd feel comfortable with. Cooper Kupp hasn't regained his 2021 self through injuries, and at this stage of his career and age, he might not. 

Puka Nacua, as talented as he was as a rookie, benefitted plenty from scheme help and wasn't a great separator against pure man coverage.

The rest of the room hasn't inspired much confidence either, with Demarcus Robinson being little more than a decent depth option and Tutu Atwell unable to stay on the field.

With a relatively unproven group of players forming up their depth and some question marks concerning Kupp's long-term outlook, it's no surprise the Rams were linked to players like Mike Evans and Rome Odunze in the offseason.

Which brings me to the question of this article: Should the Rams consider signing UFL WR Hakeem Butler?

Butler won the Offensive Player of the Year award for the UFL, playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks. Butler led the league in touchdown receptions with eight and posted 605 receiving yards on 51 receptions.

Butler is a big-bodied "X" style receiver who excels in contested catch situations, but also does a good job generating yards after the catch (he finished sixth in the league in yards after the catch). 

As a further endorsement of his skill set, former Rams defensive coordinator and football icon Wade Phillips endorsed Butler, telling him he would "tell everyone n the NFL that I talk to that you need to be playing."

It wouldn't be a bad option for the Rams to consider. As I stated earlier, the state of their wide receiver room is in plenty of flux, as Nacua and Kupp are the only two WRs who will be under contract in 2025. 

Butler never played a snap in the NFL, despite being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. However, his skill set fits what the Rams need. He could end up being a Josh Reynolds-esque player at WR3 for the Rams, with his red zone and contested catch ability. It might be a gamble, but the upside swing should be considered. What do they have to lose?  

AJ Schulte

AJ Schulte Photo

AJ Schulte previously was an analyst for Pro Football Network in 2019 before rejoining in September of 2023. He currently resides in Texas and has been producing content since 2018. Prior to his time at PFN, AJ gained experience covering the Denver Broncos with SB Nation’s Mile High Report and as part of the editorial staff with The 33rd Team. He spent time gaining formal scouting experience as part of RPM Data in 2023. AJ holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin and is also working on gaining his certification in Sports Law.