The Los Angeles Rams’ divisional rival, the San Francisco 49ers, made a significant strategic move during free agency, seemingly driven by a desire to avoid facing former Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. This acquisition, hailed as the 49ers’ best free-agent signing, underscores the respect and concern Robinson generated during his time in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers: We Didn’t Want To Go Against Him
Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ head coach, openly expressed his admiration for Robinson, revealing the motivation behind the signing.
“Just playing against him. I have a lot of respect for him. I’ve always been a fan of him since he came out of college, but really playing with the Rams these last two years,” Shanahan stated. “The style he played with, how physical he played in the run game and the pass game. We always respected his game and we didn’t want to have to go against him anymore.”
This statement strongly suggests that the 49ers viewed Robinson as a considerable threat, prompting them to secure his services.
The 49ers’ willingness to commit to a two-year, $9 million deal, even with the potential for an early-season suspension due to Robinson’s off-field issues, further highlights their determination to remove him from the Rams’ offensive arsenal. His versatility and physical play, which caused the Rams’ rivals concern, made him a valuable asset, and the 49ers were not willing to let him stay within their division.
This move by the 49ers signals a clear attempt to mitigate a perceived competitive disadvantage, demonstrating the impact Robinson had while playing for the Rams. By effectively removing a weapon from their divisional opponent, the 49ers have made a “drastic move” to alter the competitive landscape within the NFC West.
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