Playing on the same defensive line as future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald has its perks. He commands so much attention from opposing offensive linemen that it often opens up one-on-one opportunities for the Rams’ other pass rushers. Working with him in practice and in the weight room doesn’t hurt, either.
It also has its downsides, though. The attention he draws can cause some to question the actual talent level of the players around him. That’s happening with pending free agent Dante Fowler Jr., as some are wondering if his career year (11.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss) was a product of him playing next to Donald.
Michael Brockers is feeling a similar way as he enters free agency for the first time, questioning his value on the market.
“That messes with me a little bit,” Brockers said via ESPN. “When you play against one of the greatest 3-techniques that have ever played this game you have a skewed view on what’s good and what’s not, because you have to see a guy who has double-digit sacks every year and you have a guy like me, who is a good player, but doesn’t have as many sacks.
“So, it’s kind of like, what’s my worth, what’s my worth in this league?”
Brockers is coming off one of his best seasons, recording a career-high 63 tackles, nine quarterback hits (second-most in career), and three sacks. He’s been a model of consistency throughout his time with the Rams, never playing fewer than 12 games and recording at least 31 tackles in all but one season.
However, his sack numbers have never been high, peaking at 5.5 in 2013 while never reaching five sacks in another season. Seeing Brockers’ numbers next to Donald’s – at least 8.0 sacks per year with an NFL-high 20.5 in 2018 – makes Brockers’ stats seem insignificant.
That has the veteran somewhat confused heading into free agency, not knowing how teams will view his worth.
“I don’t know what respect I have around the league,” he said.
Brockers will reportedly test the free-agent market for the first time. The legal tampering period begins on Monday at noon, which will allow Brockers’ agent to discuss contract terms with the other 31 teams. On Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, he can officially sign a contract.
Ideally for the Rams, Brockers will test the market and give them a chance to match offers he receives elsewhere. If the price is too high, they can feel good about letting him go. But at least they’d have the chance to retain him if financially possible.
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