For the second time in just over a year, Marcus Peters has to pack up his bags and move to a new city to play for a new team. The Los Angeles Rams traded him to the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, making this his third team in three seasons.
Making that many moves in a span of two years isn’t easy on any player, but Peters handled this latest trade with excellent class. General manager Les Snead shared some insight on how well Peters took the news Wednesday at his press conference. He told a story of how Peters was in downtown Los Angeles and insisted on driving back to the team’s facility after getting the call from Snead and saying goodbye to his teammates and coaches.
“Unbelievable how Marcus handled it – extreme professionalism,” Snead said. “He was in downtown L.A. and I said, ‘Hey, I know a lot of people here would like to say goodbye, starting with Sean (McVay) and your coaches. I understand and respect your emotions. If you’d like to maybe just get on a plane and move on to the next chapter.’ He said, ‘You know what, I’m going to get up there a little bit later and say goodbye.’ I can tell you this about Marcus Peters – he’s one of the most authentic human beings I’ve ever met. He’s going to continue making impacts both on the field and off the field. Nothing but respect for that human being. It’s always tough and I’m pulling for him.”
Sean McVay held a press conference a little while after Snead’s concluded, and he had equally great things to say about Peters – not only for the way he handled the trade, but about him as a person.
It’s clear Peters made a big impact on the Rams, both on the field and off it.
“You want to say thank you to Marcus Peters for his contribution over the last year and a half or so,” McVay said. “We’ve got a good relationship and I’ve really been very appreciative of how he’s been from Day 1. Even just yesterday when he’s leaving and going out to Baltimore, I thought it was a great reflection of just handling things the right way. I wish him nothing but the best and I’m a big fan of Marcus Peters and very appreciative of what he’s done for this team, for me, and getting to know him. I love him and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to succeed for the rest of his career.”
Peters will be a free agent after this season, which played a role in the Rams’ decision to trade him. If the Ravens don’t extend him, there’s a good chance he’ll cash in on the open market in free agency.
As up-and-down as his time in Los Angeles was, he made an impact on and off the field with the Rams.