The Los Angeles Rams sat out free agency last offseason, with their only big moves being the departures of Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, Allen Robinson and Leonard Floyd, among others. They had limited cap space to work with, but after more or less tearing down the roster in 2023, they’ve got money to spend this year.
That should allow the Rams to be much more aggressive in free agency, going after even some of the top players on the market. A few specific positions stand out as bigger needs than the rest, so don’t be surprised if the Rams go after a pass rusher or cornerback when the market opens next week.
Even after signing Kevin Dotson and Demarcus Robinson to extensions, the Rams should have more than $25 million in cap space this year. Here are 26 realistic targets for them to consider, beginning with a stud pass rusher.
1
OLB Danielle Hunter
Hunter should be the Rams’ top target on the market, especially with Josh Allen and Brian Burns tagged. Hunter may not be as young as those two edge rushers, but he’s still a highly effective player after finishing with 16.5 sacks and 80 pressures last season. For a team desperate for pass-rush help, Hunter would work wonders on the Rams defense next to Aaron Donald, Byron Young and Kobie Turner.
2
OT Tyron Smith
Smith may not be in as much consideration for the Rams after news of their plans to tender Alaric Jackson, but that shouldn’t stop them from calling his agent about his asking price. If Smith can stay healthy, he can still be a top tackle in the NFL. Even if the Rams could get him for one year at a reasonable price, having Jackson as a swing tackle at about $3 million would make a lot of sense.
3
S Justin Simmons
Simmons was only released for salary cap reasons because he’s still one of the best safeties in the NFL. Whether it’s as a deep safety, in the slot or as a box defender, Simmons can do it all for a defense. The Rams don’t typically pay up for safeties, but Simmons would be worth an exception. He’s that good.
4
OLB Chase Young
Young has fallen off since being the No. 2 overall pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020. He’s had just nine sacks in the last three years, but he could be the perfect target for the Rams in free agency. He’ll only be 25 this year and could be looking for a prove-it deal for one season, similar to what Dante Fowler Jr. got from the Rams in 2019.
5
DL D.J. Reader
Donald and Turner are obviously locked in as starters on the defensive line, but the Rams could stand to improve at nose tackle. Reader is a big man at 335 pounds, so he'd give Los Angeles some good size in the middle of the line to help improve the run defense.
6
CB Darious Williams
Williams was a cap casualty in Jacksonville, which opened the door for him to return to the Rams, which is where he became a starting cornerback. Williams is a quality outside corner, especially in a defense that utilizes a lot of zone coverage, making him a perfect fit with the Rams.
7
OLB Bryce Huff
Huff hasn't started a single game in the last two years, but he's posted 13.5 sacks in that span, including 10 alone in 2023. His lack of experience in a full-time role makes him a somewhat risky free-agent target, but it could also lower his price for a team like the Rams who may be looking for a cheaper edge rusher on the second tier.
8
CB Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore is coming off a solid season with the Cowboys, his first in Dallas. As a pure outside corner, he'd help the Rams considerably, potentially starting opposite Cobie Durant with Quentin Lake in the slot. Signing Gilmore wouldn't break the bank, given his age (33), which makes him an even more intriguing player for Los Angeles.
9
OLB Jonathan Greenard
Greenard may not get out of Houston after recording a career-best 12.5 sacks last season opposite Will Anderson Jr., but if he does explore the market, the Rams should come calling. He'll only be 27 this year and was highly productive in 2023, but he also won't be in the top tier of pass rushers like Hunter, so he should be much cheaper.
10
CB Xavien Howard
Howard was a cap casualty for the Dolphins this offseason and entering his age-31 season, his cost will be significantly lower than his last contract was worth. If the Rams want to go the veteran route at cornerback, Howard makes a lot of sense and would be a good scheme fit as a player who's best in zone coverage with his eyes on the quarterback.
11
OLB Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney was a force in Baltimore last season, recording 9.5 sacks to tie a career-high. He proved to be a good fit as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, which is exactly where he could play in the Rams' scheme -- with the ability to move inside to 5-technique in sub-packages. He made $10 million last year so he could fetch a similar contract this offseason after the season he just had.
12
OLB Za'Darius Smith
Smith has bounced around over the last handful of years, playing for three different teams in the last three seasons. He remained effective in 2023 with the Browns, recording 5.5 sacks to go with 20 quarterback hits after being a Pro Bowler in Minnesota the year prior.
13
S Xavier McKinney
McKinney will only be 25 this year and is coming off a season in which he had 116 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defensed. He's someone who often finds the ball, both in the passing game and against the run, while also displaying the ability to play in the slot or deep.
14
C Lloyd Cushenberry III
If Coleman Shelton leaves, Cushenberry would be a viable replacement, and likely even an upgrade. He was one of the better centers in the NFL, ranking 10th at his position with a grade of 73.2. He would be more expensive than Shelton, however.
15
S Jordan Poyer
Poyer got axed along with several other Bills players as Buffalo shed cap space before the new league year. He's on the older side as a safety, going on 33 years old, but he's a true free safety capable of limiting plays over the top -- though he has lost a step in coverage. He'd be a relatively cheap addition for one year, which makes sense for a team like the Rams that doesn't pay up for safeties.
16
OLB Josh Uche
Uche was a candidate to be traded last season but now the Rams have a chance to get him without giving anything up. After erupting for 11.5 sacks in 2022, he regressed to only three last season, so there have to be concerns about consistency and overall consistency. However, if he's looking for a one-year deal to get back on track, the Rams would be a good landing spot.
17
TE Gerald Everett
Everett was the first pick of the Sean McVay era and though he didn't completely meet expectations, he's still a good tight end, particularly as a receiver. With Tyler Higbee on the shelf for an undetermined length of time, Everett would help solidify that position alongside Davis Allen and Hunter Long. And even after Higbee returns, Everett would be a quality No. 2 tight end.
18
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson is a versatile defensive back, which is a trait the Rams love in the secondary. He can play deep but he might be best in the slot, which would allow Los Angeles to move Lake around the defense, too. Gardner-Johnson is a playmaker who was limited to only three games last year but he had six picks in 12 games with the Eagles in 2022.
19
RB A.J. Dillon
The Rams don't need to go after a running back now that Kyren Williams is entrenched as the starter, but Dillon has been a solid No. 2 in his career alongside Aaron Jones and could be exactly that in Los Angeles. His size and power would allow the Rams to take some of the wear and tear off of Williams in short-yardage situations and goal line carries.
20
S Darnell Savage
Savage hasn't lived up to expectations as a former first-round pick but despite playing five seasons already, he'll still only be 27 this year. Savage can cover the slot or play the post/deep-half, giving new defensive coordinator Chris Shula some options if the Rams bring him in as a free agent.
21
S Geno Stone
Stone pulled in seven interceptions last season and also recorded a career-high 68 tackles, flying around the Ravens secondary as a playmaker on the back end. He's best when aligned deep, but he can also move down in the box and help out in run support.
22
WR Gabe Davis
Even after signing Demarcus Robinson to a one-year deal, the Rams could be looking for more receiver help. Davis was highly inconsistent last season but he'd be impactful as a deep threat in the Rams' offense. Outside of Tutu Atwell, they don't have a true field-stretcher, and Davis has a bigger frame that Matthew Stafford may appreciate at wide receiver.
23
S Julian Blackmon
Blackmon is another intriguing player in a loaded safety class. He's a sure tackler and a ball hawk in the secondary, recording four interceptions last season alone. If Jordan Fuller and/or John Johnson III leaves in free agency, Blackmon should be in consideration for Los Angeles.
24
LB Willie Gay Jr.
Ernest Jones is a candidate to sign an extension this offseason so he's not going anywhere anytime soon, but Gay would help improve the linebacker corps and be an upgrade over both Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder. Gay is rangy and athletic, making him a fun weakside linebacker target in Los Angeles' defense.
25
QB Jacoby Brissett
Backup quarterback will be a higher priority for the Rams this offseason after struggling to find a viable No. 2 behind Stafford last season. Carson Wentz is a potential re-signing but Brissett is someone the Rams should consider, too. He was steady in Cleveland two years ago and though he didn't get many chances in Washington last season, he's proved to be one of the better backup quarterbacks.
26
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Don't laugh. Yes, MVS has had some drop issues but he's still a deep threat with good speed and a big frame. Like Davis, Valdes-Scantling could help stretch the field as the No. 4 receiver, playing situationally alongside Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Robinson.
