The Los Angeles Rams have several decisions to make this offseason, but one of the biggest is on the defensive line. Michael Brockers has a cap hit of $11 million in 2019, but the Rams can cut him and save $10.25 million of that.
He had one of his worst seasons as a pro in 2018 and his production doesn’t match his production. If the Rams release their starting defensive end, they’ll be in the market for a replacement. There are a number of options in free agency and even more in the draft, all at a lower cost than Brockers’ $11 million cap hit.
Here are six free agents Los Angeles should target next month.
Henry Anderson, 27, Jets
Anderson led the Jets with seven sacks last season after being traded by the Colts in April, proving to be a valuable addition to the defense. He’s the same height as Brockers at 6-foot-6, but doesn’t come with the same bulk. That’s not a bad thing for the Rams, thought, because Brockers is playing somewhat out of position at defensive end.
Anderson provides far more as a pass rusher and can still hold up against the run, too. He’s someone who could complement Aaron Donald well on the other side of the line after posting 16 quarterback hits in 2018 alone, which is one fewer than Brockers has in the last three seasons combined.
Christian Covington, 25, Texans
Covington isn’t a dominant pass rusher, but he also hasn’t been a full-time starter in the NFL. Last season, he posted 3.5 sacks in 12 games (two starts) with eight quarterback hits – the same number he had in the previous three years combined. At just 25 years old, there’s still plenty of room for him to develop into a quality starter in the NFL.
He’s not the best athlete but he has good enough quickness off the ball and the weight he’s put on since coming into the NFL has helped his game, too. Covington shouldn’t prevent the Rams from drafting a defensive lineman high, but he could certainly hold up as a starter at defensive end.
Brent Urban, 27, Ravens
If the Rams want someone with great length up front, Urban is the guy. He’s a lanky 6-foot-7, 295 pounds, which helps him disengage from blocks and get to ball carriers. His production doesn’t match his playing time after starting 16 games in 2018, recording just 27 tackles with only two coming behind the line of scrimmage. His half-sack last season leaves plenty to be desired, too.
That being said, the Ravens had one of the best defenses in the league and Urban was definitely part of that. He’s a solid run defender and would greatly help the Rams in that department if signed.
Muhammad Wilkerson, 29, Packers
Wilkerson has gone from one of the best defensive linemen in football to mostly a recognizable name without the numbers to match. He played just three games for the Packers last season due to a significant ankle injury and didn’t have a single sack for the first time in his career.
Given his injury situation, age and lack of production, Wilkerson shouldn’t break the bank for Los Angeles. He’d likely take a one-year deal for less than $5 million, which is the contract he signed with the Packers last offseason.
There’s no denying his fit in the Rams’ defense because he’s a perfect 3-4 defensive end, but there are concerns about his ankle and sharp decline the last three years.
Shelby Harris, 27, Broncos
Harris had a great 2017 season with 5.5 sacks as a part-time starter, also recording a career-high nine quarterback hits. His sack total fell off in 2018 as it dropped to 1.5, but he’s an effective player who can help shore up the Rams’ run defense. He was Pro Football Focus’ 8th-ranked interior defender last season with an elite grade of 90.8.
Harris would be a phenomenal addition to the Rams’ defensive line and would be an upgrade over Brockers at likely a lower cost. He may not be a dominant pass rusher, but he’s great against the run, which is L.A.’s biggest weakness.
Margus Hunt, 31, Colts
Hunt is an interesting case because he came into the NFL as a physical specimen at 6-foot-8, 277 pounds. He’s added about 20 pounds since then and with his 4.6 speed, he’s definitely a great athlete. He fits nicely as a 3-4 defensive end and has position flexibility that allows him to play several spots up front.
Hunt is 31 despite only having six years of NFL experience, which is another issue. If the Rams want to give him a short-term deal – something in the range of two or three years – it wouldn’t be a bad investment to get him as he’s hitting his peak years. The cost remains to be seen because Hunt is hitting his stride at an older age.
