One of the biggest decisions facing the Los Angeles Rams this offseason is whether or not to re-sign Cory Littleton. They’d undoubtedly love to keep him in L.A., but Littleton enjoyed a breakout 2019 season and should cash in as a free agent.
If Littleton doesn’t come back, there will be other options available for the Rams, ones who will be cheaper, too. With not much money to spend this offseason, the Rams will have to play it smart.
Here are six realistic linebacker targets for them in free agency, which begins in March.
Jamie Collins, Patriots
Collins wouldn’t be a seamless fit at inside linebacker for the Rams, but he would give the defense a playmaker. He lined up all over New England’s defense this season, enjoying a resurgent campaign with his old team after a disappointing stint in Cleveland.
He played all 16 games, recorded 80 tackles, seven sacks, 10 QB hits, forced three fumbles and picked off three passes. In the Rams’ scheme, he could play both inside and outside linebacker, taking on a variety of roles.
His outstanding 2019 season might drive his price up, but he shouldn’t be out of the Rams’ range.
Nick Kwiatkoski, Bears
Kwiatkoski got the chance to start after Danny Trevathan went down with an arm injury, and he thrived in a larger role. He finished the year with 68 tackles (eight for a loss), three sacks, one interception and four passes defensed. He’ll be 27 next season so there’s still plenty of room for him to get better, but 2019 was a good start for him.
Kwiatkoski will get somewhat overlooked in this free agent class, but he’d be a good addition to the defense – even if Littleton is back. He’d be a nice complement on the inside as a solid run defender.
David Mayo, Giants
Mayo is a stout run defender inside, making that clear in his first season as a starter. He had 80 tackles (five for a loss) in 2019 with the Giants, looking like a quality linebacker on an otherwise disappointing defense. Still just 26 years old, Mayo is just hitting his prime and would fit nicely in the middle of the Rams’ defense.
He doesn’t provide a ton in coverage, but against the run, he does bring value. Of course, if you’re expecting him to replace the production of Littleton, that’s not realistic. But Mayo’s arrow is pointing up.
Josh Bynes, Ravens
Bynes has bounced around the NFL throughout his career, but he returned to the team that drafted him in 2019 and played fairly well. He made 45 tackles, had one sack and broke up four passes in 12 games (seven starts). Bynes is best against the run and would likely come off the field on third down, but that wouldn’t be an issue for the Rams, who love to use nickel and dime packages.
Bynes wouldn’t be very expensive at all, considering he’ll be 31 next season and has never been a top linebacker, but he’d provide some depth and competition for Micah Kiser, Travin Howard and Troy Reeder.
Kamalei Correa, Titans
Correa is a versatile defender, possessing the ability to play inside and outside linebacker. He can rush the passer or play as an off-ball linebacker, dropping into coverage and coming up in run support. This past season, he had 33 tackles, five QB hits, five sacks and two passes defensed.
He’s a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense and would give new Rams DC Brandon Staley a lot of options up front. He’ll turn 26 in April, too, so he’s on the younger side.
Kevin Pierre-Louis, Bears
Pierre-Louis has never been a full-time starter in the NFL, but he started the final three games of the year for the Bears and played well. He made 23 tackles, picked off one pass and had one tackle for loss in those games and finished the season with an overall grade of 90.5 from Pro Football Focus – on a limited number of snaps, of course.
He possesses good speed inside and while he’s not the tallest linebacker, he carries enough weight to help in run support. The Rams might consider giving him a chance to start inside if Littleton leaves.
