Sam Shields Will Get Another Shot at the NFL
The Los Angeles Rams have signed former Packers CB Sam Shields, who has not played since week one of 2016.
By TimBackes
After some recent rumblings that Sam Shields was on the comeback trail, he now officially has his chance.
It was announced late Thursday afternoon that Shields was signed by the Los Angeles Rams. No word yet about the details of Shields’ contract. Reports indicate Shields had been drawing interest from both the Rams and the Cleveland Browns.
If Shields is able to play near his former abilities, it will be a big coup for the Rams, who also brought in disgruntled ex-Chiefs star Marcus Peters via trade this offseason, and Thursday night announced they traded a 5th round pick for Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib.
Of course, Shields is a complete unknown, having been out of football for basically two entire seasons. After suffering a concussion in the first week of 2016, an injury that had caused regular problems for him, he missed the rest of the season and was released by the team in Feburary 2017.
It had been assumed that Shields’ career was over, as the Packers had clearly moved on. But Shields was not ready to call it quits, and has presumably managed to pass a physical.
Shields has 23 career interceptions and at the peak of his career in Green Bay was an underrated fixture of the secondary.
However, Shields is also now on the wrong side of 30 and has not played meaningful football in about 18 months.
If Shields is able to make a comeback with the Rams and add on a few solid years to his career, it will be a great story. But the Packers obviously had some significant concerns about his health.
Hopefully this decision is a good thing in the long run both for Shields’ career and his health—here’s to hoping he finds success in Los Angeles.
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (28)
HankScorpio
March 09, 2018 at 06:27 am
Shields is a grown man capable of making his own life choices. I hope he's not making a choice he'll regret in 5 yrs.
stockholder
March 09, 2018 at 06:42 am
Lawsuits will be filed if it does.
jeremyjjbrown
March 09, 2018 at 08:01 am
Given that NFL players are sueing the NFL over what should have been obvious.
"Playing football is really bad for your body and seriois health issues are probable."
Your statement is nonsense.
stockholder
March 09, 2018 at 11:33 am
Nonsense: The first one to sue will be the family.
TKWorldWide
March 09, 2018 at 06:29 am
Yes, he will “get another shot”.
Hopefully, not to the head.
TheVOR
March 09, 2018 at 09:08 am
Exactly, what a shame. I actually think it’s irresponsible of the league to allow it. I've always said that probably as soon as the next collective bargaining agreement, players will be forced to sign a disclaimer that basically says the concussion risks are known, and that the player understands this, and takes responsibility for his own actions, and the league, teams, or owners are not held responsible.
NickPerry
March 09, 2018 at 06:30 am
Good luck to Sam Shields in his comeback. It's scary enough to think what may happen later in life for Sam after the 4 concussions he's already had playing for the Packers. To further risk it after basically 2 years off and a few bucks just isn't smart.
You'd wish EVERY team would be more like the Packers and wish them luck in life but possible further injury isn't happening on our field.
Rossonero
March 09, 2018 at 06:41 am
Agreed, Nick. He's one hit away from IR and even worse symptoms. You'd think after all he's been through, he wouldn't risk it, but some guys don't know when to stop.
Rossonero
March 09, 2018 at 06:39 am
Aaron Rodgers said it best: "Sometimes players need to be saved from themselves."
While I'd imagine Shields has been cleared to play, the long-term risk is not worth the short-term money. He may be a grown man, but in a situation like this, a doctor should step in with a stern warning.
At least the Packers did the right thing letting him go. They care about the whole person, not just the player. That's what leadership is all about, because the last thing you want for any of your players is to have serious health problems just because you wanted them to keep playing.
Big Moe
March 09, 2018 at 07:17 am
Good luck Sam, but your playing with fire and gas.
Royalty Free GM
March 09, 2018 at 07:34 am
Which one is more healthy, Shields or Sherman?
jeremyjjbrown
March 09, 2018 at 08:05 am
Ligament damage is not comparable to Brain Damage.
Johnblood27
March 09, 2018 at 08:14 am
In Sherman ligaments and brain are made from the same tissue.
TKWorldWide
March 09, 2018 at 10:19 am
Nah.
He’s obnoxious, but very intelligent. Valedictorian.
Stanford grad.
Oppy
March 09, 2018 at 03:14 pm
I would love to watch you in a competitive battery of intelligence tests and a battle of wits with Mr. Sherman.
EdsLaces
March 09, 2018 at 08:10 am
Good luck to the reason my dog is named Sammy. We love ya bro!
Since'61
March 09, 2018 at 08:23 am
I don't believe that Shields should return but it is his choice and I wish him well.
The Rams have been pretty aggressive this week with at least one trade, that I'm aware of, plus bringing on Shields. They are looking to take the next step.
Still waiting on Gute's first move. Thanks, Since '61
4thand1
March 09, 2018 at 08:38 am
Rams are following the Eagles playbook, with no QB taking huge cap hit yet.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 09, 2018 at 11:20 am
What, you missed Gute's first move? He signed RB Joel Bouagnon to a futures deal on January 10. At the time it seemed fitting that our new GM's first move was to sign an UDFA. I am JK, it will take time for us to get the measure of Gute.
Bearmeat
March 09, 2018 at 09:25 am
Good LORD the Rams are all in this year. Peters, Talib and Shields as their top 3 CBs?!?! HOLY CRAP that is bad ass.
RCPackerFan
March 09, 2018 at 09:43 am
Great group no doubt....
BUT...
Peters and Talib are headcase types of players and Shields could be out before games even start.
IF they play to their abilities they will be tough.
Arthur.Jackson
March 09, 2018 at 10:12 am
Shields is like their fourth. Joyner was franchised by the Rams.
Bearmeat
March 09, 2018 at 11:43 am
..... holy poop..... I'd kill for a secondary anywhere close to that level.
EdsLaces
March 09, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Talib and Peters in a fist fight in the locker room and Shields sitting there saying "this isn't where i parked my car"????
Fire_Gute
March 09, 2018 at 02:58 pm
Because shields is stoned or because of the concussions? lol
NoNonsense
March 09, 2018 at 12:12 pm
The Rams also traded away 2 good players in Robert Quinn and Alex Ogletree. So 4 trades all before trades are even allowed, now that is being aggressive.
Gute says he wants to be involved in every conversation this off-season but was he involved in any of those conversations? With 12 draft picks and needs at CB, LB and Edge rusher, one would think some of those guys could help us. Especially Peter he's cheap right now, won't be soon but they can worry about that later. Headache or not the man is a great Zplayer
Chuck Farley
March 09, 2018 at 12:47 pm
He went to the Rams yesterday. good luck Sam keep your head down
Chuck Farley
March 09, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Time for the Pack to do something. Rogers contract is putting a hold of all activity since they have no clue what that contract will be. Thus, Rogers just by his stature is screwing the team from free agents, contract extensions, and anything to do with movements because he is waiting for others to get deals first.
I hope he is worth it.