Rams explored blockbuster trade with Raiders before Myles Garrett move

The Rams acquired two of the best defensive linemen in NFL history this offseason.And they almost added a third.The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday that the Rams “also called and kept tabs” on Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby this offseason.Las Vegas was fielding trade offers on Crosby over the winter and had a deal in place with the Ravens before the trade fell through due to concerns Baltimore had about Crosby’s surgically repaired knee.

The Rams completed their trade for Myles Garrett with the Browns on June 1, while the Crosby-to-Baltimore saga took place in early March.It’s unclear whether the Rams still would have pursued a deal for Garrett if they landed Crosby.Having both players’ contracts would not have been impossible, but certainly difficult and potentially redundant, because both play the same position.Regardless, not acquiring Crosby worked out for Los Angeles, because it landed Garrett from the Browns and still was able to lure Aaron Donald out of retirement after he spent the past two seasons away from football.Donald didn’t make the trip to Australia for the Rams’ season opener against the 49ers.

He might return as early as their second game, and Los Angeles’ D-line will become nightmarish when he does....