With training camps drawing nearer, teams will once again look at free agency to shore up any positions of need. The Los Angeles Rams should be no different, especially on defense.
Much has been written about the Rams’ lack of depth at key defensive positions this offseason, and there are a few solid players left on the open market. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder went through some of the top names and listed the Rams as a potential suitor for two of them — one cornerback and one edge rusher.
CB Rasul Douglas
“Douglas is a long cornerback who uses his limbs well to make plays on the ball. The eight-year pro has racked up 19 interceptions and 79 pass breakups during his tenure in the NFL.
“However, he’s coming off one of the worst years of his career with no picks and just five pass breakups, which is tied for a personal low and the second-fewest of his career, respectively. The former Buffalo Bill also allowed a 123.7 passer rating when targeted and posted a 58.9 coverage grade last season, per Pro Football Focus.
“Combine that with his age, and it makes sense why Douglas is available. Still, plenty of teams could use some help at cornerback and would benefit from at least bringing him into training camp.
“After missing out on the Ramsey sweepstakes, the Rams could still use some help at cornerback as they make another Super Bowl push with the aging Matthew Stafford at quarterback.”
OLB Jadeveon Clowney
“While Jadeveon Clowney never developed into the sure-fire Hall of Famer many expected him to be coming out of college, he has put together a long career as a solid all-around edge defender.
“The 2014 No. 1 overall pick has racked up 58 sacks and 108 tackles for loss over the last decade-plus, and he was a decent contributor for the Carolina Panthers last year. He posted 5.5 sacks and nine TFLs to go along with 44 total pressures and 24 “defensive stops,” according to Pro Football Focus.
“However, Clowney missed three games due to injury in 2024, which has been a consistent theme throughout his career. He’s only played in a full season’s worth of games twice in 11 years.
“That, combined with being on the wrong side of 30 years old, is likely why the Panthers let him go during free agency and is part of the reason he’s still unsigned. But a team looking for help on the edge should at least give the veteran a call.
“While Los Angeles has a couple of promising young edge defenders in Jared Verse and Byron Young, the position group and defensive line are young as a whole. The veteran could be a good depth piece and voice in the meeting room as the team looks to make a Super Bowl run.”
Both of these players would be sound additions, but neither is a game-changer. Douglas would just be a depth player in a position group that already isn’t flashy. Clowney is also great depth, but he would be a situational player that might not be very cost-effective considering his past contracts.
However, if the Rams are truly going all-in, then signing either or both of these veterans would just continue to support their Super Bowl push. The price would have to be right, though, as the Rams have about $20 million in salary cap space left.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams named as potential landing spots for two defensive free agents