The Los Angeles Rams aren’t exactly flush with cap space, having just about $6.1 million left to spend this year. That’s before the addition of Bryce Hager and the signing of their 2019 draft class, so money isn’t something the Rams have much of.
However, there are still impact players available on the free agent market, ones who could fit nicely in Los Angeles. Shane Ray, for instance, would bolster the Rams’ pass-rushing unit and has history with Wade Phillips, his former defensive coordinator in Denver.
Assuming Ray doesn’t get more than the $4 million Shaq Barrett got from Tampa Bay, the Rams could presumably afford to sign him to a one-year deal. Pro Football Focus sees him as a good fit for the Rams, saying he’d be a steal if he can recapture his form from 2016.
If he’s able to regain his 2016 form, he’d be a steal as a late free-agent add for an edge-rushing needy team like the Rams. With the Rams lacking depth along the defensive line rotation, Ray could be an immediate pass-rushing option with the ability to earn significant playing time if he’s able to produce a season similar to his 2016 breakout.
The Rams do have Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews penciled in as their starters, but Fowler doesn’t have great production in his career and Matthews will likely play inside linebacker, too. Samson Ebukam was inconsistent at best last season, while Ogbonnia Okoronkwo remains a relative unknown on defense.
Ray is hardly a savior and has only played one full 16-game season, but for a short-term deal, he’d be a worthwhile addition to the defense. At the very least, he could be a pass-rush specialist on third down, which the Rams could’ve used last season.
