Free agency frenzy is already well underway with several players agreeing to contracts with new teams during the league’s legal tampering period. The Los Angeles Rams haven’t dipped their toes into the waters just yet, but they did re-sign Dante Fowler Jr. on Sunday night and ink Eric Weddle to a contract on Friday.
Following those moves, as well as the releases of Mark Barron and John Sullivan, their top priorities have shifted a bit. Here are the Rams’ five biggest needs heading into free agency.
Interior defensive line
The Rams reportedly won’t cut or trade Michael Brockers and his $11 million cap hit, but Ndamukong Suh is almost certain to leave in free agency. If Brockers stays, he could move to nose tackle with someone else filling in at defensive end. Or, Brockers could remain at DE and the Rams could add a true nose tackle.
Either way, they need to address the interior of the defensive line next to Aaron Donald. The unit simply isn’t strong enough right now with Suh set to leave, lacking a legitimate 3-4 nose tackle who can stop the run.
Potential targets: Bennie Logan, Danny Shelton, Mike Pennel, Domata Peko
Inside linebacker
Mark Barron has been released, thus opening up a hole next to Cory Littleton. Micah Kiser could potentially be a replacement, but that’s far from a sure bet nor a definite upgrade. The Rams will be in the market for linebackers in free agency and the draft, considering it’s one of their biggest voids right now.
With Kwon Alexander getting $13.5 million per year from the 49ers – making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history – the cost for someone like C.J. Mosley will be out of the Rams’ range. There will be affordable options out there, though, who could also be upgrades over Barron.
Potential targets: Anthony Barr, Brandon Marshall, Preston Brown, Jake Ryan
Edge rusher
Despite re-signing Dante Fowler Jr., the Rams still need to address the outside pass rush. Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo don’t offer enough assurance as secondary options, meaning the Rams can stand to get better opposite Fowler. The draft is littered with pass rushers and free agency has plenty of options too, but don’t expect the Rams to break the bank.
With Fowler in the mix for 2019, they don’t need a stud pass rusher like Trey Flowers. They can look at the second tier of players and add cheaper options to complement Fowler.
Potential targets: Shaq Barrett, Terrell Suggs, Shane Ray, Clay Matthews, Preston Smith
Interior offensive line
This is only a pressing need if Rodger Saffold leaves in free agency. If he stays, the Rams have the resources to replace John Sullivan at center with Brian Allen or Austin Blythe, in a worst-case scenario. They still need depth on the interior of the offensive line, though, even if Joseph Noteboom replaces Saffold (in the event that he departs).
Again, the interior O-line isn’t a huge need and certainly shouldn’t be the team’s top priority. However, depth and a quality starter will be needed if Saffold signs elsewhere.
Potential targets: Matt Paradis, Mitch Morse, Ramon Foster, T.J. Lang, A.J. Cann
Backup QB
Sean Mannion is a free agent and Brandon Allen hasn’t shown enough to be a reliable backup. That leaves a void behind Jared Goff and while he hasn’t missed a game due to injury yet, the Rams still need a capable QB2. The draft is the cheaper route when it comes to finding backup quarterbacks, but they also lack experience.
The Rams could go after a veteran like Josh McCown or Robert Griffin III, adding some veteran leadership and experience to the quarterback room.
Potential targets: Griffin, McCown, Tyrod Taylor, Brett Hundley
