Los Angeles, California – A major earthquake has hit the NFL offseason as Byron Young, the star EDGE rusher selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has issued a strong statement amid swirling trade rumors.
According to multiple sources, Byron Young is extremely upset and strongly opposes the possibility of being traded by the Los Angeles Rams to the Arizona Cardinals — the team showing aggressive interest under former Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFleur.
After June 1 — the date when the NFL trade market typically becomes more active — rumors of the Cardinals wanting to acquire Byron Young have intensified.
Mike LaFleur, who once directly coached Young when he was the OC for the Rams, is reportedly pushing hard to bring in the player he values very highly.
However, Byron Young’s reaction has been extremely fierce. According to those close to the player, he made his position crystal clear:
“I respect the game and understand this is a business, but I will never wear red and white. If that is the only option, then I may just end my career right now.”
The statement quickly spread and caused a major shock within the Rams fanbase. Byron Young, who just had his fifth-year option exercised by the Rams (worth approximately $13.8 million for the 2027 season), is viewed as one of the brightest young talents on the team.
After three NFL seasons, Young has recorded 8.5 sacks, 84 tackles, and 17 tackles for loss. Although he has not yet fully broken out statistically, he is highly regarded for his “freakish athleticism,” explosive speed, long arms, and strong run defense.
Many believe he will become a long-term cornerstone for the Rams.
The fact that Mike LaFleur — the person who understands Young’s ability better than almost anyone — is actively trying to bring him to the Arizona Cardinals has added even more drama to the situation.
For Young, having to wear a Cardinals uniform would not just be a team change, but also mean leaving the only organization he has known since entering the league.
As of now, the Rams have not made any official moves regarding a trade of Byron Young. However, with salary cap pressure and a crowded EDGE room (including Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner…), the team may be open to listening to offers.
Still, Young’s strong statement will undoubtedly force the Rams’ leadership to think very carefully before making any decision.
This is a rare case of a first-round pick just entering his fourth year in the league publicly threatening retirement to express loyalty to his team.
The situation has put the Rams’ front office in a difficult position: wanting to keep a talented young player while dealing with pressure coming directly from the player himself.
The future of Byron Young with the Los Angeles Rams has become more uncertain than ever as the 2026 NFL offseason continues.
