Well he doesn’t believe that dinosaurs existed, but that doesn’t stop him from terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and running backs. St. Louis Rams defensive end William Hayes easily put together his best performance of the season last Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Hayes finished the game with nine total tackles, three sacks, and four tackles for loss.
Hayes only had two sacks coming into the game and now has 5.5 sacks on the season. It’s fitting though, because Hayes has been mainly a backup to Chris Long and Robert Quinn. He has stepped in when both have been injured or when they need a break, and Hayes has been starting in place of Quinn, who was put on the season ending IR a few weeks ago.
Hayes has always been a big depth player for the Rams defensive line. Rams head coach Jeff Fisher originally drafted him back when Fisher was in Tennessee. Hayes then signed with the Rams when Fisher took over the head coaching job in 2012. He isn’t typically a starter but sees plenty of time out on the field.
Hayes is set to become a free agent this offseason. In 2015, he was a $4,480,00 cap hit. Hayes could easily get big money and head elsewhere to start, but due to his loyalty to coach Fisher and also his bromance with best friend and fellow defensive lineman Chris Long, Hayes might be inclined to stay and sign with the Rams. Re-signing Hayes would ensure more depth on the Rams already fearsome defensive line.
Hayes proved Sunday that whether he is starting or not, he is an integral part to the Rams defense. He can be thrown in and the defense won’t miss a beat. Hayes is getting old but has plenty of gas in the tank, and will be a quality player in the NFL for years to come.