Sony Michel surprised to be traded from Patriots to Rams

Sony Michel didn’t see this week’s sudden trade –sending the New England Patriots running back to the Los Angeles Rams — coming.

Sony Michel says he had absolutely no idea he might be traded this month, despite his contract situation, the Pats’ glut at RB, and just about everybody around the NFL speculating he was likely to be traded.

— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 26, 2021

The former Georgia star had solidified himself as a mainstay in New England the last four seasons, though his early production dipped in 2020.

Michel wrapped up last year with a career-low 449 yards after missing seven games due to injury.

The speedy, versatile back who also thrives as a threat in the passing game was the 31st player selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Michel rushed for 2,292 yards (with a 4.3 yards per carry average) and 14 touchdowns during his first three seasons. He justified his draft stock in the 2018 playoffs, rushing for 336 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

Sean McVay and Sony Michel

The irony of the trade — which included the Patriots sending a fifth and sixth-round pick to the Rams — is an interesting plot twist to add intrigue to Michel’s tenure in L.A.

As CBS Sports notes, Michel was the nemesis that likely hasn’t left Rams’ head coach Sean McVay’s mind since falling to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. With seven minutes left in Super Bowl LIII, McVay watched as Michel scored the game’s only touchdown in the Rams’ 13-3 loss to the Patriots. Michel rushed for 94 yards on 18 carries in that game.

Supply and Demand

This trade boiled down to the simple, yet everyday business practice of supply and demand. In typical Bill Belichick-fashion, the Patriots loaded up the backfield with a bevy of weapons. They will continue to rely on proven veteran James White and still have Brandon Bolden. Former Alabama star Damien Harris will get plenty of work and the emergence of the rookie out of Oklahoma, Rhamondre Stevenson, may be the biggest reason for the move.

On the other side of the country, the Rams are loaded at nearly every position, but the blow in the backfield has been significant. Sony Michel was the answer.

Cam Akers, the former Florida State burner who many believed was poised for a monster campaign as the go-to ball-carrier, is injured for the season. Darrell Henderson is currently slated atop the Rams’ depth chart, but McVay has made it clear he wants Michel up to speed in time to handle a significant workload in Week One.

While he may be surprised, this trade could very well invigorate the former Bulldog’s NFL career as he now joins a true Super Bowl contender where he will be given every opportunity to shine.