Inside the Rams’ Failed Trade-Up for Tetairoa McMillan — And Why It Might’ve Worked Out Anyway
Despite adding Davante Adams in a splashy offseason move and already boasting a breakout star in Puka Nacua, the Los Angeles Rams weren’t done poking around the top of the 2025 NFL Draft wide receiver class.
According to multiple reports — now seemingly confirmed by Carolina’s own behind-the-scenes draft content — the Rams seriously explored trading up from pick No. 26 to No. 8 with their sights set on Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the first wideout off the board.
In fact, the conversations between Rams GM Les Snead and Panthers brass, including GM Dan Morgan and assistant GM Brandt Tilis, stretched well into Carolina’s time on the clock. While L.A.’s final offer remains undisclosed, it clearly wasn’t enough to move the needle.
“I was kind of hoping they’d say no,” Morgan admitted via Panthers.com. “That’s because I was convicted on our guy… But if we are going to lose the player, and it’s something that could potentially set us up for the future, if we get a load of picks out of them, then let’s explore it.”
The Panthers reportedly viewed McMillan as a key piece in their effort to stabilize and maximize Bryce Young’s development. After a strong meeting with receivers coach Rob Moore, Carolina prioritized McMillan over other needs — including pass rush, which they deferred to Day 2.
The Rams, for their part, were no strangers to Carolina’s aggressive negotiating stance. Just last year, Snead parted with a future second-round pick to leap from No. 52 to 39 — a deal that ultimately netted them defensive lineman Braden Fiske. This year, Morgan made it clear the cost to climb again would be even steeper.
Had the Rams pulled off the trade, they likely would’ve needed to send the No. 26 pick, a 2026 first-rounder, and possibly additional Day 2 capital to land McMillan. Instead, the asking price proved too high — and that may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
The Los Angeles Rams Played It Smart — And Still Got Draft Capital
When the McMillan deal fell through, Snead flipped the script. Rather than reach, he pivoted — trading out of the first round entirely and sending pick No. 26 to the Falcons, who jumped up to select pass rusher James Pearce Jr.
The result? Los Angeles added tight end Terrance Ferguson in the second round and grabbed wideout Konata Mumpfield in the seventh, but more importantly, they picked up Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick in the process.
So instead of sacrificing future picks to go up for McMillan, the Rams added to their war chest. In 2026, L.A. now holds two first-round selections, potentially positioning themselves for a quarterback pursuit — or another big swing — next April.
A Pattern of Wideout Infatuation — But No Panic
This marks the second straight year the Rams were connected to a failed trade-up for an elite pass catcher. In 2024, reports indicated they made a serious push to move into the top 10 for Georgia tight end Brock Bowers before falling short.
Still, the actual roster-building behavior suggests discipline over desperation. Even after missing out on Bowers and McMillan, the Rams didn’t reach. They waited until Round 7 to draft a receiver, showing they’re content to let their board — and their patience — do the work.
For now, Snead walks away with additional draft assets, Adams and Nacua as his top targets, and a growing narrative that the Rams are always in the mix for top-tier playmakers — whether they land them or not.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s by design.
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