LOS ANGELES_New Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is employing a 3-4 scheme, so the Rams entered free agency in need of pass-rushing outside linebackers.
"We may be a little light in terms of linebackers depth and body types and things like that," General Manager Les Snead said this month. "So we have to figure that out."
The Rams made a move toward figuring that out Thursday, agreeing to terms with linebacker Connor Barwin on a one-year contract that could be worth as much as $6.5 million, according to several reports.
Barwin was not the Rams' only free-agent transaction Thursday: They agreed to terms with running back Lance Dunbar but lost out on acquiring restricted free-agent center Ryan Groy after the Buffalo Bills matched the two-year offer sheet he received from the Rams.
Under new Coach Sean McVay, the Rams are attempting to remake a team that finished 4-12 in 2016 and a franchise that has not had a winning season since 2003. The Rams headed into Thursday having already added free-agent receiver Robert Woods, offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth and cornerback Kayvon Webster.
The day started well when Dunbar, who played five seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, agreed to terms. Dunbar has rushed for 422 yards in 94 carries during his career. He played sparingly last season behind rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott, carrying only nine times for 31 yards and catching 16 passes.
Benny Cunningham was Gurley's backup in 2016, but he was placed on injured reserve for the last three games because of a neck injury. Cunningham, who also returned kickoffs, is a free agent.
The disappointing news for the Rams regarding Groy _ who will reportedly receive $3.5 million in guaranteed money _ was tempered some by Barwin's decision to join Rams.
Barwin, 6 feet 3 and 253 pounds, is regarded as a natural and versatile 3-4 linebacker who can play either side. He has 50{ career sacks.
The Philadelphia Eagles released Barwin after four seasons to save a reported $7.75 million in salary-cap space. Playing in a 3-4, Barwin was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2014, when he had a career-best 14{ sacks for the Eagles. The Eagles switched to a 4-3 last season, forcing Barwin to play end. He had five sacks.
Like Webster, who played for Phillips with the Denver Broncos, Barwin has a history with Phillips. He played for the veteran coordinator during part of his Barwin's four seasons with the Houston Texans.
The Rams' defense ranked ninth in the NFL running former coordinator Gregg Williams' hybrid 4-3, but Phillips is looking for pieces for his 3-4.
Barwin tweeted: "Let's Go!!!!" with four Rams emojis.
