Cory Littleton isn’t a household name among NFL fans just yet, but he’s well on his way to becoming a known player outside of just Los Angeles. After a strong 2019 season, Littleton is set to hit free agency for the first time in his career.
After making just over $3 million this past year, his new salary is going to far exceed that number, whether it’s with the Rams or another team. Los Angeles would love to keep him, but considering how much it’ll cost to retain him, it’s very possible Littleton will be playing elsewhere in 2020.
It’s widely known that he’ll be sought-after on the open market, too. On NFL.com’s list of the top 25 free agents this offseason, Littleton came in at No. 17 – the only member of the Rams to make the cut.
Smart linebackers who can cover and make their teammates better are rare and valuable commodities, even if they tend to get underpaid compared to pass rushers.
On Pro Football Focus’ top 50 free agents of 2020, Littleton ranked even higher. He came in at No. 9, making him the best available linebacker in PFF’s eyes.
Littleton has quietly become one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, capable of running the seam with tight ends and closing quickly on running backs underneath. He has 18 pass breakups and six interceptions over the last two seasons, and he’s posted a 90.6 coverage grade that ranks third-best in the league. However, while potential suitors are going to love Littleton’s ability to affect the passing game, he has had his struggles against the run. His 50.8 run-defense grade ranks just 103rd out of 126 qualifiers over the last two years, so that could hurt his value for teams looking for an all-around three-down linebacker.
Littleton may have only been an undrafted free agent out of Washington, but in the last two years as a starter, he’s proved his doubters wrong. If the Rams can’t come up with the money to re-sign him, finding a replacement will be extremely difficult.
After all, he led the team in tackles with 134, had 3.5 sacks, tied for first in interceptions (2) and had the most pass breakups of any Rams defender (9). Players who put up those numbers don’t grow on trees, and Los Angeles could be faced with a situation where No. 58 is playing somewhere else next season.