The Los Angeles Rams are wrapping up Week 2 of free agency with only one outside signing to show for it. The Rams will likely continue to wait for the market to settle as they look for another player or two to add. Here are nine players that the Rams should continue to look for in free agency.
LB Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner remains the “Holy Grail” for Rams fans. Despite a down year in 2021, Wagner was still a second-team All-Pro. With that said, he’ll be 32 going into next season. The Los Angeles Rams don’t value the linebacker, meaning that the money will need to be right. The Rams shouldn’t pay Wagner $15M/year. Les Snead and co. need to remain smart. Hopefully this works out and the Rams get an upgrade from Troy Reeder.
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
The Los Angeles Rams are likely waiting this one out. Both sides want to re-unite. Beckham enjoyed his time in Los Angeles last season, but a torn ACL likely means he’s out until November. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this one get done sometime this summer and after the Aaron Donald contract extension. Beckham Jr. played a key role in the Rams’ playoff run last season and he needs to back in horns in 2022.
S Tyrann Mathieu
Mathieu would be a perfect fit in the Rams defense. Last season, he accumulated 200 snaps at free safety, box safety, and slot corner. This makes him a perfect fit for the star position that is so important to what the Rams are able to do on defense and in the secondary. Not only that, he has three or more interceptions in each of the last three seasons. In fact, his 13 interceptions over the past three seasons tied for second among safeties.
If the Rams are not able to get Bobby Wagner, don’t be surprised if they make a move for a player like Mathieu who fits their culture and defense.
CB Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore has gained interest from other team – notably the Las Vegas Raiders. Last summer, Jalen Ramsey recruited Stephon Gilmore to the Rams as the Patriots were trying to trade him. Gilmore is coming off of a down year in Carolina and won’t require a long-term contract. After losing Darious Williams, the Rams could us a cornerback and Gilmore makes a lot of sense.
LB Kyle Van Noy
The edge market is pretty depleted at this point in free agency. The Los Angeles Rams lost out on Von Miller. By the time Miller signed with the Bills, guys like Reddick and others had signed elsewhere. Van Noy is a player that versatile and fits the Rams culture. He can play inside linebacker and rush the passer, much like Justin Hollins. Van Noy recorded five sacks last season and had 10 passes defended which marked a career high. The Rams value versatility and Van Noy fits that bill.
G Trai Turner
How confident are you in Coleman Shelton or Bobby Evans at right guard next season? That seems like a very big risk to take by starting those two players. Turner started all 17 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season and shouldn’t be expensive. Turner was the 25th ranked guard in pass protection last season and his 13 pressures allowed ranked sixth in the NFL for the fewest. He’s not an elite guard, but a player that can be signed on a one-year deal and get the job done.
DL Sheldon Richardson
The Rams lost Sebastian Joseph-Day which means they are looking for some depth on the defensive line. Greg Gaines showed that he can start as he played at a high-level last season. However, Richardson would give the Rams another body and give them the option of a rotation. He’s an aging player, but still a quality player that can get the job done. Richardson had 2.5 sacks and 13 QB hits last season. He has not missed a game in the last four years.
LB Kyzir White
White had a career year in 2021 and fits what the Rams typically look for in linebackers. He’s a converted safety which helps him in coverage, but he can also tackle. He’s also familiar with the Rams’ system as he played with Staley last season. The issues here are that the Rams don’t value linebackers and signing White would mess with the comp pick formula.
EDGE Arden Key
Arden Key has always had the physical tools, but never been able to put it together – until last season that is. The concern with Key is that he only has one year of production with a very good 49ers defensive front. However, the Rams also have a very good defensive front. With guys like Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd, Key wouldn’t get all of the attention.
Last season he had 6.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits. Is signing Key worth messing with the comp formula? He’s a low-risk player that at worst would be an Okoronkwo replacement.
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