Canadian DL Michael Hoecht re-signs with Los Angeles Rams

Photo courtesy: LA Rams

Canadian defensive lineman Michael Hoecht has re-signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

The team didn’t initially tender a qualifying offer to the native of Oakville, Ont. but later reversed course with a right of first refusal tender. Hoecht was allowed to negotiate with teams around the NFL but is now back under contract with the Rams for the 2024 season with a value of $2.985 million.

The six-foot-four, 300-pound defender started 17 regular season games for Los Angeles in 2023, recording 81 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, two pass knockdowns, and one forced fumble. He is capable of contributing as an outside linebacker or along the defensive line.

The 26-year-old first joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and spent his entire rookie season on the practice roster. He has dressed for 51 regular season games over the past three seasons, making 26 starts and recording 124 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, two pass knockdowns, and two forced fumbles. He has earned approximately $2.58 million over his NFL career and won one Super Bowl.

Hoecht moved to Dayton, Ohio as a young child but returned to Canada with his family during his teenage years, playing high school football in Ottawa in grade nine and Toronto in grade ten. His exclusive CFL rights belong to the Ottawa Redblacks, though it appears unlikely that he’ll ever play a snap north of the border.