Rapoport says the deal is worth “up to” $24 million, meaning the base value will come in short of that number. Hoecht started all 17 games in 2023 and totaled 6.5 sacks. The Rams made major additions to their defensive line via the draft last year, relegating Hoecht to a part-time role in 2024. As expected, his numbers fell across the board and he was held to just three sacks. Hoecht should play a larger role for the Bills, they he may be typecast as a pass-rush specialist going forward.

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 Hoect, the Rams are also expected to let linebacker Christian Rozeboom and defensive tackle Jonah Williams test the free agent market.