OLB Dante Fowler Jr.
The toughest decision the Rams have to make this offseason is the one likely looming between Fowler and Cory Littleton. They won’t be able to keep both, needing to choose one or the other (or neither). Fowler is a good player and was an impactful presence on defense this season, but he’s going to cost a lot in free agency – more than Littleton.
The Rams gave him $14 million for one season, and his price tag is going to be even higher after he posted 11.5 sacks in a career year. Edge rushers are typically more valuable than inside linebackers, but they’re also more expensive. Fowler will be treated similarly to the way Za’Darius Smith was last year, earning a contract in the range of $65 million for four years.
That’s too much for the Rams, who have Samson Ebukam, Clay Matthews and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo on the roster.