Is the writing on the wall that the team could be moving on?
Early Wednesday morning Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead spoke with the media. When asked directly by a reporter if the team decided if they’re keeping punter Johnny Hekker, or going with Corey Bojorquez, Snead’s response was:
“That decision’s not been made.”
It’s no secret that Hekker’s 2020 season was nothing to write home about, but he is still a solid player. I think this more so speaks volumes to the talent of punter Corey Bojorquez. Bojorquez is only 24 years old and led the entire NFL in average yards per punt this past season. Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic wrote about the punters this past week stating:
“Corey Bojorquez can flat-out boom his punts. Veteran Johnny Hekker remains adamant that he is in a competition with Bojorquez, despite McVay and general manager Les Snead’s public commitment to him this spring. Punting is also about technicality and placement, and it’s not like Hekker doesn’t also have a strong leg, but it bears noting that the ball basically explodes off Bojorquez’s foot.”
It’s not a bad problem to have two of the best punters in NFL on your franchise but a decision is looming and needs to be made soon. Releasing Hekker won’t be an easy thing to do as he’s been a staple to this organization for almost a decade and a four-time All-Pro. But right now the LA Rams are strapped for cash and Hekker is currently is the highest-paid punter in the league at $4.9 million.
Per overthecap.com,
Releasing Hekker would leave a dead cap number of $1,187,000 and a savings of $3,750,000. If Hekker were to be traded, it would be the same. Now we’re not saying that Bojorquez has won the job yet, but the writing does seem to be on the wall. Will they let go of a 24-year-old punter who could be the future of your special teams for the long term? That doesn’t seem to be logical at this point.
What do you think the Rams should do with Hekker?
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