Rams news: Los Angeles letting Nickell Robey-Coleman walk away in free agency

The Los Angeles Rams did not exercise their 2020 contract option on cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, making him a free agent.

The Los Angeles Rams have already lost a few starters on defense this offseason, and now another name can be added to the list: Nickell Robey-Coleman.

The team will not exercise 2020 contract option for Nickell Robey-Coleman.

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 17, 2020

Rams informed CB Nickell Robey-Coleman they will not exercise option for upcoming season, person with knowledge said. Robey-Coleman, who would have carried a $4.5-million cap number, becomes UFA. Weddle, Brockers, Littleton and Robey-Coleman gone from 2019 defense.

— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) March 17, 2020

Robey-Coleman was entering the final year of his contract he signed with the Rams in 2018. However, Los Angeles chose not to exercise its option to keep him in 2020, thus making him a free agent.

Of course, Robey-Coleman is known for the notorious non-pass interference call against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago. Besides that play, Robey-Coleman was an extremely productive member on defense.

With his first name being Nickell, it's extremely fitting that he has been one of the most underrated nickel cornerbacks in the NFL for quite some time. Before joining the Rams in 2017, Robey-Coleman spent four years with the Buffalo Bills.

Over the course of his three seasons with the Rams, Robey-Coleman contributed 20 deflections and three interceptions. Above all, he suited up in all but one game in his three years in Los Angeles.

Following the Rams' decision to part ways with Robey-Coleman, he should see a decent market. Due to the league trending toward playing 11 personnel, Robey-Coleman should have a handful of suitors looking for a formidable nickel cornerback.

Also, the loss of Robey-Coleman gives the Rams another void on defense for next season. Besides Robey-Coleman, Los Angeles has already lost Cory Littleton and Michael Brockers to free agency. By failing to pick up Robey-Coleman's $4.5 million option in 2020, the Rams are showing that they are desperate to free up cap space in any way possible.