The Los Angeles Rams will be faced with the very real possibility that Dante Fowler Jr. leaves in free agency. After a breakout season in which he had 11.5 sacks, Fowler is bound to cash in on the free-agent market.
That will leave a gaping hole on the Rams defense, one they’ll surely try to fill in free agency and the draft. With other pending free agents also to pay – including Cory Littleton, Andrew Whitworth, Michael Brockers and Austin Blythe – the Rams may not have much money to replace Fowler if he does leave.
However, here are six affordable options that could be available in March.
Kyler Fackrell, Packers
Fackrell took a backseat to Za’Darius and Preston Smith this past season, playing limited snaps in 2019 as a backup. In 2018, though, he started seven games and finished the season with 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. That was his only productive season, but if given the opportunity, he can be a solid player.
Fackrell probably isn’t someone you want to rely on to start 16 games, though, given his lack of consistent production in the NFL and issues against the run. If the Rams want someone to compete with Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo opposite Clay Matthews, Fackrell would be a decent option.
Vic Beasley, Falcons
Beasley is more of a name than a standout player at this point in his career, but if given the chance to play outside linebacker and primarily rush the passer, he can provide a spark. The Falcons misused him by asking him to drop into coverage more than he should have, which stunted his development.
He bounced back nicely this past season with eight sacks, and 12 QB hits, both his most since 2016 when he led the NFL in sacks. He’ll be 28 when the season begins, which is still relatively young. The Rams should give him a look if Fowler leaves.
Shaq Lawson, Bills
Lawson is on the younger side when it comes to free-agent pass rushers, turning 26 this coming June. He’s coming off his best season as a pro, recording 6.5 sacks and 18 QB hits in 15 games despite not starting once. He also had 13 tackles for loss, which is more than he had in his previous three years combined.
Lawson fits best as a 4-3 defensive end, but there’s no doubt he can stand up in a 3-4 and rush the passer from a two-point stance. As a former first-round pick, Lawson has come up short of expectations thus far, but he still has a bright future in the NFL.
A one-year deal with the Rams would make a lot of sense, allowing them to see if he can consistently produce outside.
Carl Nassib, Buccaneers
Nassib has played fairly well for the Buccaneers the last two seasons, recording 12.5 sacks and 25 QB hits since 2018. He’s started 17 games in that span, forcing three fumbles and making 63 total tackles. Nassib isn’t an ideal fit in a 3-4 scheme at outside linebacker, but he can make it work and even move inside on passing downs.
At 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, he has the requisite size and bulk you want to see from an edge defender, which helps him against the run. The Rams could find a spot for him on defense, especially with a new scheme being installed by Brandon Staley.
Jabaal Sheard, Colts
Sheard isn’t going to light up the stat sheet, but he’s had between 4.5 and 5.5 sacks in each of the last four seasons. It’s pretty easy to know what you’re going to get from him as an edge rusher, which is nothing spectacular but often steady.
He’s not going to break the bank, either, which makes him a decent veteran option for the Rams. Sheard has played at least 13 games in each of his nine seasons in the NFL, too, so availability is rarely a concern.
Aaron Lynch, Bears
Lynch can play outside linebacker or defensive end in the Rams’ scheme, which is a plus because Michael Brockers is also a free agent. He doesn’t offer much as a pure pass rusher, but he can defend the run and eat up space as a strong-side player. Lynch played last season under Rams DC Brandon Staley, too, so there’s a connection.
Lynch shouldn’t be expected to start or play a ton of meaningful snaps, but he can contribute in certain situations, particularly on early downs. He was much better in 2018 than this past season, which will drive his price down.
