Rams Trade DE William Hayes To Dolphins For 2017 Sixth-Round Pick

The Los Angeles Rams announced late Thursday night that they are sending defensive end William Hayes to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2017 sixth-round pick (No. 206).

Rams’ William Hayes Traded to Dolphins

The Dolphins also get the Rams’ seventh-round 2017 pick (No. 223) as part of the trade, which came just hours after the NFL free agency period began.

“Will has been an integral member of our defense since he became a Ram in 2012,” Rams GM Les Snead said in a statement. “His passion set the tone for our defense and served as an example for his teammates. Off the field, he showed compassion as he was a major contributor to the St. Louis and Los Angeles communities, working to improve the plight of the homeless. We wish Will and his family the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.”

Hayes compiled five sacks in 14 games for the Rams last season.

The move seems to have been motivated by economic reasons. According to USA Today‘s Tom Pelissero, Hayes is still set to earn a $2 million roster bonus Saturday while $1 million of his 2017 salary is already guaranteed.

A 2008 fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, the 31-year-old spent the last five seasons with the Rams.

During that stretch, he racked up 26.5 sacks, 201 total tackles and three forced fumbles. Hayes— who is under contract through the 2018 season— will now join Dolphins defensemen like Cameron Wake and Andre Branch in the hopes of improving on the mere 33 sacks Miami recorded last season.

ST. LOUIS, MO – DECEMBER 2: William Hayes #95 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates a safety against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 2, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the 49ers 16-13 in overtime. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)