There’s an abundance of talented safeties set to hit the free agent market next week when the new league year begins, from Earl Thomas to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The Los Angeles Rams, with a safety of their own (Lamarcus Joyner) becoming a free agent, are sure to show at least some interest in the top guys available.
If they’d prefer not to pay top dollar for Thomas or Adrian Amos, there will be a very affordable option on the market. The Browns will reportedly not tender restricted free agent Briean Boddy-Calhoun, which comes as somewhat of a surprise.
He’s a versatile defensive back with experience at just about every position in the secondary. He can cover the slot, play near the line of scrimmage, line up across from receivers outside or play single-high safety. To be sure, he’s not elite at any of those spots, but his flashes of talent are difficult to ignore.
This was a poor throw by Foles, but Boddy-Calhoun showed off outstanding range and ball skills on this interception in the preseason.
His best position in the NFL is at free safety, which is exactly what the Rams are looking for this offseason. They need a rangy player on the backend who can patrol the middle of the field and make plays on the ball.
Lamarcus Joyner did a great job of that in 2017, but his play fell off last season. Boddy-Calhoun is hardly a big hitter or a great defender against the run, but his coverage skills could certainly help the Rams.
And in the event that a cornerback was to go down with an injury, Boddy-Calhoun has shown in the past he can play the position. Just two years ago, he performed at a high level.
The soon-to-be former Browns defensive back will be affordable for a team like the Rams, which doesn’t have an abundance of cap space. He can probably be had for around $3 million per year, likely for one season in L.A.
The Rams have a clear need at safety and while landing one of the big names would be ideal, they could save money on the position by signing Boddy-Calhoun and spending the excess money on Rodger Saffold or Dante Fowler Jr.
