The Kansas City Chiefs are on the lookout for a wide receiver, a quest that gains urgency as the offseason progresses. Their search got a potential lead with the Los Angeles Rams’ recent decision to part ways with a seasoned player from their squad.
According to The Athletic’s NFL reporter Dianna Russini, the Rams have released wide receiver Ben Skowronek after a three-season stint. The former seventh-round pick is now on the market, and the Chiefs could very well be interested in assessing how he’d mesh with their current roster.
In his time with the Rams, Skowronek established himself as a jack-of-all-trades, contributing significantly on special teams and even stepping up as a team captain. Offensively, while his opportunities were somewhat limited, Skowronek amassed 39 receptions for 376 yards in the 2022 season, hinting at potential for greater contribution.
For a team like the Chiefs looking to bolster their wide receiver ranks, Skowronek offers an intriguing mix of reliability and skill, especially considering he could likely be acquired for a reasonable cost. His track record of gaining his coaches’ trust and excelling in his roles makes him a candidate worth evaluating.
To delve deeper into the Rams’ decision to waive Skowronek and the potential he brings to a new team, we sought insights from Bret Stuter, a Rams expert and editor of Ramblin’ Fan.
When questioned about the rationale behind letting Skowronek go despite his evident value and affordability, Stuter highlighted two main reasons. Firstly, the Rams have been recalibrating their offensive strategy, emphasizing tighter formations, which diminished Skowronek’s fit within the team. Secondly, the emergence of Texas rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington, whom the Rams are keen to develop, made Skowronek expendable.
Stuter also touched on Skowronek’s potential impact with a new team, suggesting that in a starting role, he could realistically achieve over 600 yards and score between 4-6 touchdowns, making him a solid second or third receiving option.
Despite not being a blockbuster name, Skowronek’s versatility, leadership, and work ethic mark him as a valuable asset. His release was part of the Rams’ broader strategy to align their roster with their evolving offensive playbook, offering him the chance to make his mark elsewhere.
As the Chiefs contemplate adding Skowronek to their squad, they could benefit from his multifaceted abilities and team-first attitude, potentially enhancing both their offensive lineup and special teams unit. The Rams’ reshuffling gives Skowronek a timely opportunity to explore a fresh start and possibly carve out a significant role with Kansas City or another team looking to capitalize on his skill set and determination.
