BREAKING: Former Rams OC Mike LaFleur Is Urging the Arizona Cardinals to Acquire His Favorite Player from Los Angeles – A Move the Rams May Find Hard to Refuse

Posted May 22, 2026

Phoenix, Arizona – Mike LaFleur, former Offensive Coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams and currently the Head Coach of the Arizona Cardinals, is aggressively pushing his new team to execute a major trade to acquire Byron Young – one of the players he values most highly from his time with the Rams.

LaFleur, who witnessed the development of Byron Young since he was a rookie, believes that the 26-year-old EDGE rusher is the ideal piece to upgrade the Cardinals’ defense.

Byron Young, the Rams’ first-round selection (pick 30) in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown tremendous potential even though he has not yet fully exploded statistically.

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After three seasons, he has recorded 8.5 sacks, 84 tackles, and 17 tackles for loss. Young is famous for his “freakish athleticism,” explosive speed, and strong run defense.

The Rams currently have a very crowded EDGE room with the presence of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, and many other young talents. Combined with salary cap pressure, Los Angeles may consider trading Byron Young if they receive a reasonable offer.

For the Arizona Cardinals, acquiring Byron Young would give Mike LaFleur a young, high-upside EDGE rusher to add to the defense. Young could immediately form a dangerous duo with the current pass rushers, elevating the overall defensive strength of the Cardinals.

LaFleur believes that Young’s outstanding athletic qualities and development potential will help him become a long-term cornerstone in the Cardinals’ defensive system.

Potential trade package: The Arizona Cardinals could send the Rams a second-round pick (around pick 40–50) along with a third-round pick or another depth player. This is considered a reasonable price for a young EDGE rusher with high upside.

Although trading Byron Young is not the top priority for the Rams (especially after they exercised his fifth-year option), the salary cap relief and additional draft capital could make it difficult for Los Angeles to refuse, especially as the team focuses on developing other young talents.

As the 2026 offseason heats up, all eyes are on the potential negotiations between the Cardinals and Rams. Acquiring Byron Young would be a strong statement by Mike LaFleur in his role as Head Coach, immediately upgrading the Arizona Cardinals’ defense.

This deal could significantly change the defensive front of both teams in the coming years and promises to be one of the most notable trades of the 2026 NFL offseason.

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Los Angeles Rams Rookie Released After Disrespectful Behavior Toward Female Staffer – Coach Sean McVay Sends Strong Message About “Respect Culture” in the Team
Los Angeles, CA – A shocking incident unfolded this week at the Los Angeles Rams’ facility after a rookie player was released due to inappropriate behavior toward a female staff member. The player, who had recently joined the team as an undrafted free agent, made an offensive comment toward the staffer shortly after a practice session had ended. The comment, which was deemed disrespectful and offensive, took place in the locker room after most players had already left for the day. The female staff member, who was cleaning the locker room area, was caught off guard by the rookie’s inappropriate joke. What the rookie didn’t realize was that head coach Sean McVay was passing through the hallway at the same time and overheard the entire interaction. McVay, known for his leadership and commitment to team values, immediately stopped and turned toward the rookie with a cold tone. He then simply said, “Tomorrow, I want to see you in the meeting room earlier than everyone else.” The next day, McVay called a full-team meeting, and though he didn’t mention the player by name, it was clear why they were gathered. “Wearing the Rams uniform is not just an honor — it is a responsibility,” Coach McVay began, setting the tone for the meeting. “We fight to win games, but we must respect the people who quietly help this building run every single day,” McVay continued, his voice firm. As the room fell silent, McVay’s message grew stronger. “The women in this facility work tirelessly and deserve the same respect as anyone wearing pads on the field.” “If a man cannot understand that, then he has not understood what it truly means to be a Ram,” he added, emphasizing the culture of respect in the organization. Shortly after the meeting, the Rams made the decision to cut the rookie from the team, turning what many expected to be a temporary disciplinary matter into a permanent roster decision. The rookie, who was still fighting to establish his place in the NFL, saw his hopes dashed in an instant as he was released from the team. A veteran player later spoke about the moment, saying it was uncomfortable but necessary for the entire team to understand that respect was non-negotiable. “No one said a word,” the veteran player said. “Everybody understood it wasn’t just about one bad comment. Coach wanted the whole room to understand that respect is not optional here.” The rookie, according to team sources, later reached out to the female staffer to personally apologize. She accepted his apology, but the Rams’ decision remained unchanged. The message from the Rams was clear: talent might give a player an opportunity, but it is character that determines whether they deserve to keep it. The rookie in question, identified as undrafted quarterback Matthew Caldwell (QB, Texas), was one of the Rams' newest UDFA signings after the 2026 NFL Draft. For Caldwell, Week 1 became a harsh ending before his Rams career had even truly begun. The incident has resonated throughout the league, as many have praised the Rams for their swift and firm stance on maintaining a culture of respect within the team.  

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