Brandon Lloyd was traded from the Denver Broncosto the winless St. Louis Rams on Monday, and enters his new situation with some clear expectations of how he can help.
"To be able to go into a leadership role in St. Louis -- a more pronounced leadership role -- and to be needed and viewed as an important to piece to the puzzle to get the organization back on track is a role I'm excited for," the Pro Bowl wide receiver told NFL Network.
Lloyd, whom the Rams acquired for a 2012 conditional draft pick, said he is "on the same page" with Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo after the two discussed his new role. Lloyd will be reunited with former Denver coach Josh McDaniels, who is now St. Louis' offensive coordinator. Lloyd said he was excited to work again with McDaniels, although they had yet to speak.
"That helps tremendously. There shouldn't be any kind of learning curve," Rams general manager Billy Devaney said Lloyd's familiarity with the offense.
Lloyd said he would play Sunday against Dallas. It's clear the Rams are looking to Lloyd, 30, to provide a veteran influence for a young group of receivers that includes Brandon Gibson, Danario Alexander, Danny Amendola, Greg Salas and Austin Pettis.
"There's a lot of work to be done," Lloyd said. "This is not a celebration for me escaping Denver. This is a move to help the organization get back on track. I'm clear in what my role is, I'm clear in what needs to be done, and I'm up to the challenge. I'm ready."
The Rams announced the release of veteran wideout Mike Sims-Walker Monday to make room for Lloyd. Sims-Walker had six catches against the New York Giants but dropped two passes in Week 4 against the Washington Redskins and was inactive Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
Lloyd hopes to provide a spark for a group he believes needs more guidance and must elevate its play to bring out the best in quarterback Sam Bradford.
"Sam is only going to be as good as the people catching the passes from him," Lloyd said. "I think once, as a receiver, you realize that you're just as important as the quarterback in helping the team win, you're starting to understand the game.
"He just needs to get a motivated receiving group around him, and that will elevate everyone's play, because he's that good."
The Rams just hope Lloyd can accomplish everything he has in mind.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
