The Rams have expressed confidence in their edge rushers this offseason after adding Leonard Floyd and Terrell Lewis to a relatively unproven group that lost Dante Fowler Jr., but the team appears to be seeking help at outside linebacker.
According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Rams attempted to claim Curtis Weaver, who was waived by the Dolphins this week and quickly claimed by the Browns. Cleveland was higher on the waiver priority and was awarded Weaver, but the Rams had interest in the rookie pass rusher.
The Rams also attempted to claim new Browns DE Curtis Weaver off of waivers yesterday, per source.
Cleveland had higher priority, as both teams saw the opportunity to add a talented developmental prospect for their pass rush to develop in 2021 and beyond.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 26, 2020
It was a surprise that Miami cut Weaver so early in the process after spending a fifth-round pick on him in April. Teams don’t have to trim their rosters to 53 players for another couple of weeks, but the Dolphins didn’t feel Weaver was making enough of an impact in camp.
As of now, the Rams will start Floyd and Samson Ebukam on the edge, with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Lewis likely mixing in as situational edge rushers. They have decent depth at the position, but what they lack is top-end talent.
Weaver wouldn’t have changed that, but he would’ve provided the Rams with another developmental piece who could not only contribute as a rookie, but also down the line if Ebukam and Floyd leave in free agency next year.