Marquise Copeland is a restricted free agent for the Los Angeles Rams, but it appears he’ll have a chance to choose where he plays in 2023. According to the Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye, the Rams aren’t expected to place a tender on Copeland, which will make him an unrestricted free agent this year.
The #Rams are not expected to tender RFA DT Marquise Copeland, per league source. That would make him an unrestricted free agent.
Copeland has the LA connection with #Panthers coaches, Ejiro Evero and Jonathan Cooley, as well as the Broncos' current staff.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 13, 2023
Copeland began his career with the Rams in 2019 by signing as an undrafted interior defender out of Cincinnati. After failing to log a snap in 2019, Copeland was active in 25 games since 2020 and started in nine games for the Rams in 2022.
The 25-year-old interior defender had a career year with the Rams in 2022, registering 31 tackles, two tackles for loss, and he notched his first career sack. Copeland also recorded an interception in the Wild Card showdown against the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 en route to the Rams winning the Super Bowl.
With Copeland likely headed toward free agency, the Panthers could emerge as a suitor due to his familiarity with Carolina’s defensive system. And upon the news of the Rams not tendering Copeland, all eyes will be on what the team decides to do with Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson in free agency.
