The official start to free agency is just over a week away, and these nine linebackers should intrigue the New York Giants.
Isn’t it about time the New York Giants filled their linebacker needs? The upcoming NFL Draft has many interesting prospects but the free agent market, which opens in a little more than a week, also has players that should interest general manager Dave Gettleman.
Here are nine free agent linebackers the Giants should have interest in come next Wednesday, not in any particular order.
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Kyle Van Noy, New England
This seems like a natural fit for the Giants now that former Patriots Joe Judge and Patrick Graham are in charge. Van Noy’s numbers don’t jump out at you, but he’s a leader with a tempered style who could help others acclimate to Graham’s system.
Jets Wire takes a look at eight edge rushers the Jets should pursue in free agency.
It’s been a while since the Jets had themselves a dominant pass rusher.
Ever since John Abraham departed in 2006, New York has lacked an elite edge rusher that can consistently get to opposing quarterbacks. Jordan Jenkins came on nicely in 2019, but is set to hit free agency and it remains to be seen if he will be back with the Jets next season.
Who are some pass rushers general manager Joe Douglas and company can target to sole New York’s pass rushing problems? Let’s take a look at eight prime candidates.
Yannick Ngakoue
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Ngakoue is more of a 3-4 defensive end than a traditional edge rusher, but he is by far the best pass rusher available on the free agent market this offseason.
At only 24, Ngakoue is just entering his prime and has already established himself as one of football’s elite pass rushers. He hasn’t been able to replicate his dominant 12-sack, six forced fumble 2017 pro bowl campaign the last two seasons, but has remained an upper echelon rusher nonetheless.
Ngakoue could be the one to solve New York’s pass rush woes. If you’re going to give any pass rusher a lot of money this offseason, it’s him.
Should the Rams pay up for Fowler, and will they be able to afford him in free agency?
One of the biggest decisions facing the Los Angeles Rams this offseason is whether or not to re-sign Dante Fowler Jr. to an extension. It’s the second straight year Fowler will become a free agent; last offseason, the Rams signed him to a one-year deal worth up to $14 million.
Being a 25-year-old edge rusher coming off the best season of his career, Fowler will be one of the more expensive players on the market in March. For a team with limited cap space like the Rams, that’s not a good sign for their chances to retain Fowler. So what should they do? That’s a difficult question to answer.
We’ll be previewing the 2020 free agency period for the Rams this month, analyzing their top pending free agents – starting with Fowler.
There’s no denying the impact Fowler had with the Rams in 2019. He posted career-highs in every major category, including sacks, tackles, tackles for loss and QB hits. He also tied for ninth in the NFL in pass-rush win rate, which is a metric from ESPN to measure how often a pass rusher beats his primary blocker.
Fowler’s career year couldn’t have come at a better time after he bet on himself with a one-year deal last offseason. He likely could’ve gotten a long-term extension somewhere else last year, but he opted to play another season with the Rams and hit the free agent market in 2020.
He thrived on the outside with Aaron Donald rushing on the interior, which would help any edge rusher, admittedly. But when left alone on the edge, Fowler used his speed and athleticism to either turn the corner quickly and get to the quarterback or use a counter to get back inside.
The biggest question with Fowler is whether he’s a one-year wonder or someone who can be counted on to record double-digit sacks every season. That’s a question the Rams will have to answer, and one every other potential suitor will also be asking.
Positional need: High
If Fowler doesn’t return, the Rams’ top outside linebackers will be Clay Matthews, Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. That’s not exactly a group of players to write home about. Retaining Fowler would be Option A for the Rams, but his price might be too high for their liking.
Being without a first-round pick will make it even tougher for Los Angeles to replace Fowler if he does depart in free agency, which complicates things a bit. Edge rusher is up there with linebacker and offensive line as the team’s top needs.
Prediction: Signs four-year, $68.5 million deal elsewhere
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Ultimately, Fowler will be wearing another uniform next season. It won’t be because the Rams don’t view him as a top priority, but simply because he’s going to price his way out of their range.
He’ll sign a contract in the range of what Dee Ford ($17.1 million per year) and Za’Darius Smith ($16.5 million) got last offseason.
One other possibility for the Rams is tagging Fowler and trading him, just as the Chiefs did with Ford, the Seahawks did with Frank Clark and the Texans did with Jadeveon Clowney.
Brandon Staley has worked with some of the best OLBs in the NFL, so will he want to keep Dante Fowler over Cory Littleton?
Rather than hiring an experienced defensive coordinator to replace Wade Phillips, or promoting someone like Joe Barry or Aubrey Pleasant, Sean McVay opted to bring in Brandon Staley, who’s only been in the NFL for three years. He spent all three of those years as an outside linebackers coach with the Bears and Broncos, working under Vic Fangio’s tutelage since 2017.
Staley has coached players such as Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd, but will Dante Fowler Jr. be added to that list?
Fowler will be a free agent in March after playing out the 2019 season on a one-year deal worth up to $14 million. He bet on himself with that short-term deal, which proved to be a great decision. Fowler posted career-highs in sacks (11.5), QB hits (16), tackles for loss (16) and total tackles (58).
The Rams would love to keep Fowler, but he might price himself out of their range. After all, pass rushers are always coveted in free agency and typically have a long list of suitors – especially the better pass rushers. Cory Littleton’s impending free agency will also play a role in Fowler’s future, since the Rams can’t afford to keep both of them.
With Staley on the staff, though, he might push Los Angeles to keep Fowler over Littleton. His specialty is working with edge rushers, and what better way to make a new coach comfortable by giving him a quality outside linebacker with proven production on this team?
In 2019, Staley was afforded the opportunity to coach Miller, who didn’t exactly have a great year, but he was still a Pro Bowler. The year before, Mack was wreaking havoc as a first-team All-Pro with 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles as a member of the Bears.
Without Fowler, Staley will be left with a group of edge rushers who don’t exactly elicit much confidence. Clay Matthews is a proven veteran, but Samson Ebukam has 9.5 career sacks in three seasons and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has played 115 defensive snaps in the NFL.
The Rams will add reinforcements regardless to their pass rush, but unless they break the bank for a top free agent like Shaquil Barrett, Bud Dupree or Yannick Ngakoue, a draft pick isn’t going to be able to replicate the success Fowler had.
That’s no disrespect to Littleton, who’s become one of the NFL’s best inside linebackers over the last two years. But with Staley’s history of coaching edge rushers, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if the Rams lean Fowler’s way more than Littleton’s.
Dante Fowler Jr. isn’t satisfied with his 11.5 sacks from 2019.
The Los Angeles Rams only had Dante Fowler Jr. for half a season (plus the playoffs) in 2018 before deciding to give him a one-year extension worth up to $14 million. It was a big gamble on a player who hadn’t shown the ability to consistently produce as a pass rusher, but one that paid off for Los Angeles.
Fowler went out and had his best season ever in 2019, recording career-highs in sacks (11.5), tackles (58), QB hits (16), tackles for loss (16) and passes defensed (6). As a complementary player next to Aaron Donald, Fowler more than held his own on the outside.
As great as Fowler was in 2019, he still has more to prove. He said he’s “just getting started.”
Fowler will be a free agent in March unless the Rams sign him to an extension before then. Being just 25 years old and coming off a standout season, Fowler will undoubtedly cash in this offseason the way Za’Darius Smith, Dee Ford and Frank Clark did last offseason.
Whichever team signs him, though, will be betting on Fowler being more than just a one-year wonder. Based on the way he played in his first season as a full-time starter, it’s easy to think he’ll follow up this season with another strong year in 2020.
If the Rams can’t extend Dante Fowler Jr. long-term, they could tag and trade him.
Navigating the waters of free agency this year could prove difficult for the Los Angeles Rams, who not only have several players on expiring contracts, but also a lack of spending money available to keep them all.
As a result, the team – specifically the defense – could look very different in 2020. Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton and Michael Brockers are three of the Rams’ biggest free agents, and it’s possible all three will be playing elsewhere next season. Sure, Los Angeles could get compensatory picks in the 2021 draft for losing them, but there’s another way the team can get compensated for one of those players.
As we saw last year with three edge rushers, the tag-and-trade route is one approach that can prove to be effective in getting a draft pick (or two) in return for a player bound to leave in free agency. In 2019 alone, Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford and Frank Clark were all franchise tagged and then traded by their respective teams.
After looking at those trades, it’s hard not to imagine the Rams taking a similar path with Fowler. He doesn’t have the track record that Clark had, posting 32 sacks in the three years before being dealt. Fowler also doesn’t have the versatility or potential that Clowney had when he was with the Texans. He’s probably closer to Ford, but two and a half years younger at the time of hitting free agency.
So, could the Rams tag Fowler and trade him to a team willing to give up a draft pick or two? Absolutely, especially with the price difference between a defensive end and linebacker, which will make Fowler’s one-year tag much cheaper than it could have been if he were playing defensive end.
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
According to Over The Cap, the projected franchise tag value for a DE is $19.32 million. For a linebacker, which Fowler technically is, it’s $16.27 million. Considering the Rams gave Fowler a one-year, $14 million deal last year after he only had four sacks in 2018, it’s absolutely reasonable to think a team would be willing to pay him $16.27 million for the 2020 season.
Because he’s only 25 and won’t turn 26 until August, Fowler is still entering his prime. He posted a career-high 11.5 sacks, 58 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits this past season, proving to be the player the Rams thought he’d become when they extended him last offseason.
A player with those numbers is going to be coveted on the free-agent market, so it’s likely a team would be willing to part with a second- or third-round pick in a tag-and-trade scenario.
That would also give the team trading for Fowler the ability to negotiate a long-term deal with him, too – assuming the trade happens before the July 15 franchise tender deadline.
Ford and Clark both did, but Clowney’s trade came in September, so the Seahawks only got him for one season. Ford’s extension with the 49ers was worth $85 million for five years, while Clark’s was for $105.5 million over five years.
Fowler’s value is probably going to be somewhere in the range of $16 million per year, which after seeing the contracts Ford and Clark got, doesn’t seem like an inflated price. It’s also one a team will absolutely be willing to pay.
The Rams adding a second- or third-round pick would be a huge help for their draft haul, since they don’t have a first-rounder in 2020 (or 2021). It would give them another top-100 selection, and allow them added flexibility if they want to move up from their first selection at No. 52.
If they begin to realize they can’t afford Fowler, there’s no question they should consider tagging him and trading him elsewhere.
The Rams will have new defensive and special teams coordinators in 2020, and it could have an impact on their free agents.
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Two of the most recognizable names on the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff (besides Sean McVay) won’t be back with the team in 2020. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ contract expired and was not renewed by the Rams. Special teams coordinator John Fassel’s contract also came to an end, and it didn’t take him long to find a new landing spot as he’s expected to be hired by the Cowboys to join Mike McCarthy’s staff.
It’s unclear if the Rams tried to retain Fassel by extending his contract or if they were willing to let him leave like Phillips, but either way, this is bad news for Los Angeles. “Bones” is an outstanding special teams coach and it’s easy to see why McCarthy wanted to bring him to Dallas to hopefully fix the Cowboys’ underperforming special teams unit.
While it’ll be difficult to replace Phillips and Fassel with coaches of the same caliber, these departures will have a ripple effect on the Rams’ free agents. Three key starters on defense will hit free agency in March, as will Greg Zuerlein and JoJo Natson (RFA).
The front office and head coach have the ultimate say in who returns and who leaves, but the new coordinators will also have some input on those players – or, at least they should.
Will new DC change scheme from 3-4 to 4-3?
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If the Rams promote from within by elevating either Aubrey Pleasant or Joe Barry, a switch to a 4-3 defense seems highly unlikely. However, if McVay hires an outside candidate, a change to the defensive front can’t be ruled out.
On paper, it’s hard to see the Rams switching to a 4-3 defense. If Dante Fowler Jr. leaves, that would give the defense very little talent at defensive end; Clay Matthews, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Samson Ebukam all fit better as outside linebackers in a 3-4.
The Rams would also have to rely on inside linebackers more often in a 4-3 scheme. Last season, they really only played Cory Littleton there with an extra defensive back taking the other linebacker’s place. Troy Reeder, Micah Kiser and Travin Howard would all be candidates to fit in a 4-3 defense, but their snap counts will increase dramatically if the Rams make the switch. That may not be something Los Angeles feels comfortable with.
A move to a 4-3 would also impact Michael Brockers, who wouldn’t be a great fit in that scheme after shedding weight to fit in the Rams’ current 3-4 defense. He may no longer have the size or bulk to hold up full-time at nose tackle in a 4-3.
Aaron Donald went to bat for his fellow teammates who will hit free agency in March.
Having one of the best players in the NFL heap praise on you is great. Having him talk you up and vouch for you before hitting free agency is even better.
That’s exactly what Aaron Donald is doing for his teammates who are set to become free agents in March. Having played at least the last year and a half with Cory Littleton, Michael Brockers and Dante Fowler Jr., Donald is familiar with their games.
The Rams certainly won’t be able to keep all three, which will leave at least one gaping hole on the defense’s front seven. Donald would love to see them all return to Los Angeles, saying they’re players that the defense needs.
“I’m gonna try to keep my eye open and do my part if they ask me some questions, hopefully I can help with that. But these are guys that we need back that I feel can help this team to win,” he said last week. “They’re guys that have been productive on this team, helping us get into position to win. Hopefully these guys will be back on our team because I love playing with them. I think they push me, help me to be a better football player and I feel like they’re guys that we need.”
Brockers, Littleton and Fowler all had arguably the best seasons of their career. Littleton led the team in tackles (134), Fowler was second in sacks with 11.5 and Brockers recorded the most tackles in his career (63).
Brockers doesn’t typically put up big numbers, but Donald recognized him as one of the best run stoppers in the league.
“I think he’s one of the best run stoppers in the National Football League,” Donald said. “He’s been that way since I’ve been in the league watching him and playing with him. He don’t got the sack numbers but as far as production when it comes to stopping the run and doing his job, he’s been great at it. He’s one of the main reasons we’re able to do what we can in the run game and do a lot of things just with moving him and putting him in positions to help us.”
Littleton was snubbed for the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams, but he’s emerged as a top linebacker in the NFL. He’s the only player who had at least 130 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions this season and just the second player since 2016 with those numbers.
Donald said he’s “just a playmaker,” always finding himself near the ball and creating big plays.
“Making a lot of plays, always around the ball, trying to find ways to have the ball in his hands – if it’s just strips to interceptions, and he’s even getting his sack numbers up. So he’s just a guy that’s non-stop around the ball,” he said.
Littleton and Fowler will be especially difficult to replace, which likely makes them the top priorities in free agency. Whether the Rams keep the inside linebacker or the pass rusher will be a huge decision, one that will have a significant impact on the defense.
The Rams could use the tag on one of two defenders this offseason.
Few teams have been more willing to use the franchise tag in recent years than the Los Angeles Rams. They tagged a player in three straight years from 2016-2018, with Trumaine Johnson receiving the first two tags and Lamarcus Joyner the third in 2018.
The Rams opted not to use it in 2019, seeing no viable candidates worth tagging at such a high price. The only possible options were Rodger Saffold and Joyner, who both signed elsewhere in free agency.
After taking a year off from playing tag, the Rams could get back into the game by using it on one of two players this year. Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr. are viewed as the Rams’ most important free agents this offseason, and it’s possible neither will return in 2020.
Littleton has become one of the best linebackers in the NFL despite not earning a Pro Bowl nod, putting together an outstanding 2019 season with 134 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. He can do it all from his inside linebacker spot, proving to be the Rams’ second-most valuable player behind Aaron Donald.
Fowler also had the best season of his career. He recorded 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, ranking second on the team in both categories. His pass-rush win rate of 23% ranked ninth among all edge rushers, finishing in the company of players such as Za’Darius Smith, Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa and Shaq Barrett.
Both players are going to be coveted in free agency, but the Rams can prevent one of them from reaching the market by using the franchise tag. Using the tag typically isn’t good business because of the strain it usually puts on the relationship between the team and player, but it can be a preventative measure to ensure a player is back in the same uniform for at least one more year.
Not only that, but it also opens the door for trades. Last offseason, six teams used the franchise tag. Three of those players were traded, with two of them signing extensions with their new teams. Clowney was dealt from the Texans to the Seahawks after holding out, while Seattle also traded Frank Clark to Kansas City after he was tagged. Clark replaced Dee Ford, who the Chiefs traded to the 49ers.
If the Rams were to tag either Fowler or Littleton, they’d cost the same because in the NFL’s eyes, they play the same position. They’re both considered linebackers, even though they have completely separate responsibilities.
The projected franchise tag for linebackers in 2020 is $16.27 million fully guaranteed. For a defensive end – if Fowler played in a 4-3 scheme – the tag is projected to cost $19.316 million. That’s a significant difference, obviously.
The target price for Littleton is probably in the range of what Shaq Thompson ($13.6 million per year) and Jaylon Smith ($11.4 million per year) got in the last year. He can shoot for Bobby Wagner and C.J. Mosley’s range of $17-18 million per year, but he probably won’t get that.
That makes the $16.27 million tag an expensive one for someone like Littleton. The Rams would be far better off signing him to an extension and locking him up long-term for around $13 million per year.
For Fowler, though, the tag wouldn’t be a bad idea. At $16.27 million, Fowler would rank 12th among all edge rushers in average salary. He can probably earn what Ford got from the 49ers ($17.1 million per year) last offseason on a long-term deal, but it’s unlikely the Rams would break the bank with a long-term extension at that price.
It’s still very early in the process, but there’s no doubt the franchise tag is on the table for Los Angeles this offseason. Andrew Whitworth, Michael Brockers and Greg Zuerlein are also eligible to be tagged, but paying them what the franchise tender is worth in 2020 would not be a wise move by the Rams.
It’ll likely come down to Littleton and Fowler, if Los Angeles decides to use it at all.
Dante Fowler Jr. will be a free agent in March, but he’d like to remain in Los Angeles.
Dante Fowler Jr. bet on himself this season by signing a one-year deal with the Rams. Rather than going for a long-term contract that would’ve come with less guaranteed money and an overall lower annual salary, Fowler took a deal worth $12 million for one year.
It appears to be a good gamble by the 25-year-old pass rusher, who was taken third overall by the Jaguars in 2015. He has a career-high 11 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and 16 tackles for loss, proving to be a quality No. 2 option next to Aaron Donald.
Folwer would like to keep it that way and remain with the Rams beyond this season, but he knows the business of the NFL. The Rams don’t have a lot of cap space to work with in 2020, and with Cory Littleton also a pending free agent, Fowler may not be in the cards for Los Angeles.
“It would be nice to stay with the best player in the league, A.D., and have Jalen (Ramsey) and me and Cory — that would be really cool. But there’s so many good players on this team, and I know how the business goes,” he told Gary Klein of the L.A. Times.
The Rams have a lot to figure out with their salary cap and overall roster makeup, which Fowler understands. He’s also going to do what’s best for himself financially, and the Rams may not be able to offer him as much as other teams.
“I would love to stay here and see if something worked out,” Fowler said. “I know they have their hands full, so we’ll just see how it works out.”
