The New England Patriots traded running back Sony Michel to the Los Angeles Rams (announced 8/25/21) for what would be a 5th and 6th round pick, or a conditional 4th round pick should the Rams be awarded an additional 4th rounder (of which they currently have none) as a compensatory pick (as is being projected).

Though this might represent a bit of an over-pay on the part of the Rams, you cannot blame them for having a desire to bolster their depth at running back after promising second-year  phenom Cam Akers went down to an Achilles-injury that has the potential to be career-threatening. The Rams are clearly in the win-now mode and see 2020 as a year they could make a serious run.

You have to think that this bolsters Michel's value, as minimal as it may be. He's going from a backfield that is unanimous with ambiguous, into one where he looks to be the clear 2nd back, if we're basing this solely on the Ram's acquisition cost. They're going to give Michel a chance to prove them right.

But will Darrell Henderson's 2021 value suffer as a result of this trade? I really don't think so. In recent seasons Michel has spent the majority of his time muddled deep in a committee. New England has demonstrated a willingness to utilize backs more heavily when the production is good, so one has to think that Michel simply isn't moving the bar enough in NE to garner a larger touch percentage. This probably translates, at least to some degree, to his upcoming season in Los Angeles.

Henderson remains a volatile RB2 and Michel a fringe flex player.

This despite whatever glee the Rams are demonstrating with their new acquisition.