Michael

Hoecht

It’s worth $2.985 million. 26-year-old Hoecht was a 17-game starter last season, deflecting a few passes, forcing a fumble, and registering a surprising six sacks. He earned poor PFF grades, however, an assessment the Rams evidently agreed with if they’re going cheap with Hoecht’s tender. They still like his ability to absorb snaps on all three downs. It’s unlikely Hoecht gets an offer sheet elsewhere.

Hoecht is a former undrafted free agent who caught on with the Rams ahead of the 2020 season. Through four seasons, Hoecht has carved out a nice career for himself, starting 26 of the 51 games he’s appeared in while also starting all 17 games last season. In what was essentially a contract year for Hoecht, the veteran linebacker totaled 81 tackles, six sacks, and seven TFLs — all career highs. In addition to Hoecht, the Rams are also expected to let linebacker Christian Rozeboom and defensive tackle Jonah Williams test the free agent market.

The team also tendered Shaun Jolly and Christian Rozeboom. All three will return to LA for the veteran minimum salary. Hoecht appeared in all 17 games for the Rams in 2022. Six of them were starts. He tallied 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.