What should the Rams do with their three restricted free agents?

The Rams have some decisions to make with their RFAs this year.

For the Los Angeles Rams, most of the attention is being paid to the 10 unrestricted free agents set to hit the market next month – including five key starters. But what gets lost somewhat in the shuffle are the three restricted free agents who are also on expiring contracts.

Morgan Fox, Donte Deayon and JoJo Natson have all accrued only three seasons in the NFL and are considered restricted free agents, which makes it easier for the Rams to retain them. But how interested is Los Angeles in bringing those three contributors back in 2020?

These decisions aren’t as clear cut as they were with last year’s restricted free agents. Last offseason, it was Cory Littleton, Malcolm Brown, Troy Hill and Blake Countess who became RFAs. Littleton was kept on a second-round tender, while the Rams signed Hill to an extension and matched the Lions’ offer sheet for Brown.

While restricted free agents are easier to retain than unrestricted ones, they aren’t always bargains. According to Over The Cap, here are the projected tender amounts:

First round: $4.667 million
Second round: $3.278 million
Original round: $2.144 million

If the Rams assign a first- or second-round tender to a player and he’s signed to an offer sheet, they have the chance to match that contract. If they decline, they’ll get a draft pick back in the round of the tender assigned. For the original-round tender, it’ll be a pick coming back in the round the player was drafted; or no pick if he went undrafted, as Fox, Deayon and Natson all did.

The first- and second-round tenders protect the team more, but they’re also costlier. For the Rams, none of their three RFAs would need tenders above the original-round designation. Still, that doesn’t make them easy decisions to make.

JoJo Natson

Natson was decent as a punt returner, but paying him more than $2 million to primarily play on special teams probably isn’t necessary. He doesn’t contribute enough on offense to warrant a contract that size, and the Rams shouldn’t have much trouble replacing him on special teams for significantly less money.

Don’t be surprised if Los Angeles declines to tender Natson and allows him to hit free agency. If no one bites and he can’t find a new team, it would open the door for the Rams to sign him for less money than the tender.

Morgan Fox

Fox is the likeliest of the three to be tendered. Michael Brockers is an unrestricted free agent and if he doesn’t return, Fox gains some leverage because he’d be L.A.’s most obvious choice as a replacement.

He’d be worth keeping at the original-round level for $2.144 million, especially if he’s elevated to a starting role in 2020. The Rams would like to keep him at a lower price, but he could have suitors in free agency.

Donte Deayon

Deayon was only active for three games, playing just 43 defensive snaps and 44 on special teams. He was buried on the depth chart last season and will remain a deep reserve in 2020 if the Rams keep him on the roster.

He’s squarely behind Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, Nickell Robey-Coleman and David Long, and would have trouble beating out Darious Williams, too. The Rams should pass on using any tender on him, allowing him to hit free agency and gauge his value.

Rams 2020 free agency preview: Is Mike Thomas’ time up in L.A.?

Mike Thomas will be a free agent and it’s time for the Rams to move on.

Mike Thomas has played his entire career with the Rams after being drafted in the sixth round four years ago. In that span, he’s only caught 10 passes for 144 yards in 40 total games. With numbers like those, many are wondering how he’s stuck around so long in Los Angeles.

Thomas contributes on special teams as a gunner and on returns in some cases. He’s played 536 special teams snaps in four years, which is nearly double the 238 offensive snaps in the same span.

The Rams kept him through his four-game suspension in 2017 and after he was placed on injured reserve at the beginning of the 2018 campaign, but his time in Los Angeles might be coming to an end. He’ll be a free agent next march and it’s reasonable to think the Rams will move on from the wideout.

2019 stats: 2 catches (5 targets), 14 yards; 1 drop
PFF grade: 58.4 overall

Analysis

Thomas caught two passes for 14 yards this season, one of which went for a first down on fake punt against the Cowboys. It was very nearly an incompletion, though, as the ball appeared to go through his hands and hit the turf.

He also had one drop on his five targets, contributing minimally on offense. He did maintain his role on special teams, playing a career-high 213 snaps on that unit.

John Fassel had been his special teams coach for all four years, but with Fassel gone, Thomas might be, too. New special teams coordinator John Bonamego will probably want to bring in his own guys to play on those units, and Thomas may not stand out enough to warrant a spot.

Positional need: Low

The Rams have one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL. Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks are expected to be the starters in 2020, with Josh Reynolds serving as the No. 4 receiver.

Thomas only played 34 snaps at wide receiver last season, and that was with Woods missing one game and Cooks another two. Wide receiver is far down the list of the Rams’ needs, even if Thomas leaves in free agency.

Prediction: Signs one-year, $750K deal elsewhere

It’s time for the Rams to move on from Thomas and find a special teams replacement who can also contribute on either offense or defense. Thomas simply hasn’t done enough to make himself a priority for Los Angeles, which makes him expendable.

He’ll probably catch on elsewhere, but the Rams will find a replacement in either the draft or free agency.

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Rams 2020 free agency preview: Marqui Christian should be re-signed

Marqui Christian is a pending free agent, but is he worth re-signing?

Marqui Christian was waived by the Arizona Cardinals as a rookie in 2016 before taking a single snap with the team. It was a somewhat surprising decision considering Christian was drafted in the fifth round, and the brief time it took for him to be scooped up by the Rams says a lot about how Los Angeles viewed him four years ago.

Christian has seen his role grow each year with the Rams, going from special teamer in 2016 to playing 34% of the defensive snaps in each of the last two seasons. Set to be a free agent in March, Christian is an interesting case for the Rams, who are set at safety with Taylor Rapp and John Johnson.

Should Los Angeles retain the versatile safety by re-signing him, or are there better options to be had out there?

2019 stats: 36 tackles (1 for a loss), 2 passes defensed, 56.5% completion rate allowed, 8 missed tackles (18.2%)
PFF grade: 58.7 overall

Analysis

Christian isn’t a traditional safety in the fact that he mostly either lines up in the box as a hybrid linebacker in dime packages or matches up one-on-one with tight ends. He rarely plays the deep middle or half, which is perfectly fine.

But with the role he plays, being a sure tackler is essential. Unfortunately, Christian was not one last season. He missed eight tackles on only 44 attempts, a rate of 18.2%. That was tied for the 28th-highest rate in the NFL last season, which is alarming.

In 2018, Christian only missed four tackles on 40 attempts, so he regressed in that area this past season. In coverage, though, he improved. He only allowed 13 completions on 23 targets (56.5%) for a measly 143 yards. He was in coverage on three touchdown passes, though, and didn’t have an interception; his passer rating allowed was 114.7.

Christian is a good athlete and has great speed for the safety position, but his technique could use work, particularly in open-field tackling. If he can improve that aspect of his game, he’ll become even more valuable for whichever team he plays for next.

Positional need: Low

The Rams don’t need a starting safety, having Rapp and Johnson already on the roster. That significantly reduces Los Angeles’ need at the position, but it could use depth at that spot. Right now, the backup safeties are Nick Scott and Jake Gervase, who barely contributed on defense last season.

Starting one of those players in the even that an injury occurs to Rapp or Johnson would be a disaster, which is why Christian brings value. He’s experienced and capable of playing strong safety for the Rams.

Prediction: Signs two-year, $2.5 million contract with Rams

Christian has carved out a role as the Rams’ third safety, which admittedly may not be enough for him at this point in his career. With almost no chance of becoming a starter (barring injury), Christian might be seeking a larger role with more playing time.

Unless he gets a much bigger offer elsewhere, Christian should be back with the Rams on a reasonable contract worth around $1-1.5 million per year.

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PFF predicts landing spots, contract values for Littleton and Whitworth

PFF doesn’t see Andrew Whitworth or Cory Littleton leaving the Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams will need to be selective with their choices in free agency this year, having limited cap space with which to work. They have important free agents of their own with Andrew Whitworth, Cory Littleton, Dante Fowler Jr. and Michael Brockers all hitting the market.

The Rams would love to keep all four, but that’s not exactly possible. So, they’ll have to decide who’s most important to re-sign, and who can be replaced with a cheaper player to help balance the salary cap.

Pro Football Focus predicted landing spots for Whitworth and Littleton, who were ranked among the 50 best free agents of 2020. Fowler somehow didn’t earn a spot in the top 50, so his new team wasn’t predicted, nor was Brockers’ or any other Rams free agents.

PFF doesn’t see Whitworth or Littleton leaving L.A., both signing extensions to stay with the Rams. Littleton, ranked 16th on the list, was given a projected contract value of $12 million per year over four years with $30 million guaranteed. Compared to the deals signed by other linebackers in the last year, that would be a bargain for the Rams.

16. LB CORY LITTLETON– LOS ANGELES RAMS

Projected contract: 4 years, $12 million per year ($30 million guaranteed)

Cory Littleton has turned into one of the league’s best off-ball linebackers in coverage the past couple of seasons, producing a two-year coverage grade that ranks as the third best — behind only Lavonte Davis and Luke Kuechly. Littleton could very well sign elsewhere given the departure of Wade Phillips and the limited cap space ($14.7 million). That doesn’t entirely mean that new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley can’t use Littleton in the same role, but the lack of assets is more so the problem. It would probably be in the Rams’ best interest to move on from Littleton since he was just the 12tth most valuable player on the team, but for now, it looks like a return is most probable.

As for Whitworth (46th), his salary is projected to be almost as much as Littleton’s for one season, but his deal would only be for 2020.

46. T ANDREW WHITWORTH– LOS ANGELES RAMS

Projected contract: 1 year, $11 million ($10 million guaranteed)

The 38-year-old Andrew Whitworth has said he is returning for one more season and is eyeing a one-year deal with the Rams, who are in dire need of offensive line help across the board. Yes, he’s getting up there in age, and it showed some in 2019, but he was still one of the 10 best pass-blocking tackles in the NFL last year in PFF grade. The Rams are going to have to start building up this line with young talent sooner rather than later, but Whitworth provides a solid short-term solution.

Whitworth is an important part of the offensive line, being the best blocker Los Angeles has. However, paying him the same salary he made on his last three-year contract would be somewhat surprising for the Rams.

They’d probably be more comfortable getting him at around $9 million per year, which would be more of a team-friendly deal for the cap-strapped Rams.

Though Fowler isn’t on this list, it’s presumed that the Rams would be forced to let him go in this scenario. He’s likely seeking more than $16 million per year, which if re-signed by the Rams, would put these three players on the books for $39 million in 2020 alone.

Rams 2020 free agency preview: Blake Bortles’ future unclear

Blake Bortles probably won’t be a starting QB in 2020, but he could at least give himself the chance to compete for a job.

Blake Bortles’ fall as an NFL quarterback has been precipitous, going from one win shy of reaching the Super Bowl to being cut by the Jaguars one season into a three-year, $54 million contract. He was benched by Jacksonville in 2018 and the Jaguars eventually replaced him with Nick Foles, another overpriced quarterback who failed to meet expectations.

The Rams signed Bortles to a one-year, $1 million deal in free agency, which was a bargain for Los Angeles. Bortles was content to take such a small contract because he was guaranteed $6.5 million regardless, thanks to his deal with the Jaguars.

Ideally, Bortles would improve his mechanics, showcase his skills in the preseason and maybe get some playing time in mop-up duty before hitting free agency again in 2020. It’s hard to say definitively that Bortles helped his stock, which leaves his future unclear.

2019 stats: 1-for-2, 3 yards. 2 rush attempts, -9 yards
PFF grade: 48.5 overall

Analysis

Bortles only played 11 total snaps last season. He attempted two passes, completing one for 3 yards. He also had a 1-yard carry against the Steelers on a bizarre third-down play, also losing 10 yards on a botched rollout.

His playing time was obviously limited with Jared Goff staying healthy all season and the Rams rarely blowing teams out, but he did attempt 19 passes in the preseason. He was 10-for-19 with 112 yards and a touchdown, posting a passer rating of 88.0.

His mechanics looked the same as they did with the Jaguars, which caused some inaccuracy – even on completed passes. He still has good mobility and a big enough arm to push the ball downfield, but those traits alone won’t get you on the field as a quarterback.

Bortles wasn’t going to be a starter anywhere last season, and he saw the Rams has his best opportunity to hone his skills and improve prior to hitting free agency again in 2020. It’s just that he didn’t do much – if anything – to entice a team to make him a starter next season.

Positional need: Low

The Rams have been fortunate on the injury front in recent years, particularly at the quarterback position. Goff has yet to miss a game due to injury, which kept Sean Mannion and Bortles on the sidelines.

That doesn’t mean having a backup quarterback isn’t important, but it’s not a need that’s as pressing as the offensive and defensive lines, edge rusher, linebacker or even kicker. The Rams can get by without sinking significant resources into the backup quarterback spot.

John Wolford is the only other QB on the roster behind Goff right now, but he doesn’t seem ready for NFL action. That’s not to say he won’t be next season, but the Rams shouldn’t feel great about him as their QB2.

That said, they can get by with a cheaper backup, potentially a rookie or free agent like Case Keenum or Colt McCoy – both of whom worked under OC Kevin O’Connell last year.

Prediction: Signs one-year, $3 million contract elsewhere

Bortles doesn’t have a future as a starter in Los Angeles. There’s simply no way around that. He probably learned a lot this past year with Sean McVay coaching him every day, but he’ll almost certainly never become a starter with the Rams unless Goff A) retires or B) suffers a major injury.

Bortles will seek opportunities elsewhere, likely with teams that would give him the chance to compete for a starting job. He won’t have that chance in L.A., so it’s easy to see him taking a cheap deal from another team with a QB vacancy.

The Rams, on the other hand, will move on and either draft someone, lean on Wolford or sign a veteran backup in free agency – someone who isn’t seeking a starting role.

Rams 2020 free agency preview: Austin Blythe brings value to O-line

The Rams have a decision to make with Austin Blythe this offseason.

Austin Blythe was a valuable piece of the Rams’ offensive line in 2018, taking over as the starting right guard when Jamon Brown was serving his suspension. He never relinquished the job and Brown was later released, with Blythe establishing himself as a quality starting guard.

That wasn’t the case in 2019, though. He struggled out of the gates, as the rest of the offensive line did, too. This offseason, Blythe will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time, giving him options for the 2020 season.

The Rams need help at guard and center, so he’ll certainly be on their radar in free agency. It just remains to be seen if they feel he contributes enough to re-sign, or if they’re better off keeping David Edwards at right guard instead.

2019 stats: 996 snaps played, 3 penalties, 2 sacks allowed
PFF grade: 50.5 overall

Analysis

Blythe wasn’t very good last season. He was getting pushed back in the running game and had trouble opening up lanes for Todd Gurley, while also giving up too much pressure in pass protection. It didn’t help that Brian Allen was one of the worst centers in football and Rob Havenstein regressed significantly, but Blythe can’t blame those factors for his poor play.

When Allen landed on IR with an MCL injury, Blythe moved from guard to center. That switch actually led to better play out of Blythe, getting back to his more natural position in the middle. He still fell short of expectations, but he was a better center than guard.

Blythe’s versatility was valuable to the Rams, though. His ability to slide over from guard to center made it easier for the offensive line to overcome injuries to Allen and Joseph Noteboom.

That may not be enough to keep him on the roster, but it does provide value.

Positional need: High

The Rams desperately need help on the offensive line. They don’t necessarily need to add depth, but rather top-level talent. Unfortunately, finding that in the draft (without a first-round pick) or in free agency (with limited cap space) will be extremely difficult.

It’s unlikely, but it’s possible the Rams will have new starters at four positions up front in 2020. Andrew Whitworth isn’t certain to return, Noteboom may not stay at left guard, Allen could be relegated to a backup role, Blythe may leave in free agency and Rob Havenstein could be dangled as trade bait.

So yes, the O-line is a big concern heading into 2020 after the disastrous season the Rams just had, with a lot of uncertainty facing the current group.

Prediction: Signs one-year, $1.5 million deal with Rams

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Blythe may not be a surefire starter, but he’s still valuable to Los Angeles thanks to his position flexibility. The Rams should try to keep him around at a relatively low price, allowing him to compete with Edwards, Allen and Austin Corbett for a starting job next season.

I think they will bring him back on a one-year deal for about $1.5 million, which comes with incentives for playing time. He made around $2 million in 2019, so this will keep his cap hit at a manageable number.

But if he believes he can get more elsewhere, don’t be surprised if Blythe tests the waters in free agency.

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Rams 2020 free agency preview: Can Greg Zuerlein bounce back?

Greg Zuerlein will be a free agent in March, but will the Rams prioritize re-signing him?

There were a lot of reasons the Los Angeles Rams came up short of the playoffs in 2020, and while it’s unfair to blame one single factor, Greg Zuerlein’s struggles played a role in the team’s 9-7 records. He had his worst season since 2015, and arguably the second-worst campaign of his career.

He made only 72.7% of his field goal attempts, making just five of his 11 attempts from the all-important range of 40-49 yards. His miss from 44 yards in Week 5 against the Seahawks in the final seconds cost the Rams a win, also missing a 52-yarder against the 49ers in Week 16, which wound up as a three-point loss.

Zuerlein has been with the Rams for nine years, but will they keep him around for the future after a down season?

2019 stats: 24-for-33 FGs (72.7%), 42-for-42 PATs

Analysis

Zuerlein was one of the best kickers in football in 2017 and 2018. He was even named a first-team All-Pro in 2017, making 38 of 40 field goal attempts and 44 of 46 PATs. His field goal percentage dropped to 87.1% in 2018, but he was still clutch for the Rams and helped land them in the Super Bowl with game-tying and game-winning kicks in the NFC championship game.

For whatever reason, Zuerlein’s accuracy fell off in 2019. He was returning from a foot injury that he suffered in the playoffs and he had a minor quad injury late in the 2019 season, but those are unlikely to have affected his performance.

Positional need: Medium

Kicker isn’t always the most prioritized position on a team, but as we saw with the Rams last season, the performance of Zuerlein played a role in their absence from the playoffs. The problem is, finding a reliable kicker is easier said than done.

The Rams don’t have another option on the roster and there aren’t any good one available in free agency. So if they do move on from Zuerlein and let him leave this March, they’ll likely need to find a rookie in the draft or as a priority free agent.

Prediction: Signs three-year, $12 million deal with Rams

The Rams know Zuerlein well, and they’re aware of how good he can be. He showed excellent accuracy in 2017 and 2018 and there’s reason to believe he can bounce back with another great year in 2020.

They should attempt to re-sign him for at least one more season, hoping he can regain his past form. Yes, he’s 33 years old, but kickers can play well into their late 30s. A three-year deal with an easy out after two seasons would work for the Rams, loading it with incentives and not a lot guaranteed.

Rams 2020 free agency preview: Andrew Whitworth is best LT option

Andrew Whitworth is a free agent, but the Rams should keep him around for one more year.

Three years ago, the Los Angeles Rams set out to remake their offensive line – arguably the weakest part of the team. They did so by signing Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan, simultaneously keeping Rodger Saffold at left guard and Rob Havenstein at right tackle.

Whitworth’s arrival was the biggest difference-maker for the Rams in 2017, elevating the offensive line from arguably the worst unit in the NFL to one of the best. Now three years later, the Rams have a decision to make on Whitworth.

He’s coming off an up-and-down season in which he committed the 14th-most penalties by an offensive lineman, but also only allowed one sack. With no quality options to replace Whitworth in 2020, the Rams have to hope they can retain him for another year.

It seems a reunion could happen with Whitworth saying he wants to play another season, and that the Rams are his top choice. But will the two sides come to an agreement?

2019 stats: 1,098 snaps, 14 penalties, 1 sack allowed, 94% pass-block win rate (2nd among tackles)
PFF grade: 72.8 overall

Analysis

Whitworth was by no means perfect last season. It was hardly a banner year for the veteran left tackle, but it wasn’t a bad season, either. Sure, he got off to a slow start with new teammates next to him at left guard and center, but he turned things around as the year went on.

He only allowed one sack all year, which is impressive – especially considering the competition he faced: Nick Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, Robert Quinn, Chandler Jones. Too often Whitworth was caught holding or committed a false start penalty, but a handful of the calls were questionable.

Whitworth has stabilized the offensive line since he got to L.A. in 2017, and also been an important presence in the locker room and in the huddle. He gives Jared Goff comfort that his blindside is going to be blocked, which goes a long way for a quarterback.

Going on 38 years old, Whitworth is no longer in his prime, but he’s still an above-average left tackle – even after losing a step.

Positional need: Medium

Outside of quarterback, left tackle is probably the most important position on offense; some would argue it’s the second-most important on an NFL roster. Finding a quality one is difficult, which is why the Rams’ O-line struggled for so many years.

The Rams have options to replace Whitworth if he doesn’t return, but not any that make you feel great about the situation. Joseph Noteboom is being groomed as his heir, while Havenstein and Bobby Evans could also be options at left tackle.

The Rams have greater needs at center and guard, but if Whitworth leaves in free agency, it’ll be a challenge to find someone with his talent this offseason.

Prediction: Signs one-year, $8.5 million deal with Rams

Whitworth’s previous contract with the Rams paid him $11.25 million per year. He had a cap hit of $16.7 million in 2019 alone after it was about $9 million in the previous two years. He won’t make $11 million again in 2020 if the Rams extend him, because the team shouldn’t feel inclined to give him that much for just one season.

The more likely scenario is Whitworth signing a one-year extension worth less than $10 million, likely in the range of $8-9 million. It should be an incentive-filled deal that rewards him for the Rams making the playoffs and for him playing 16 games, which could drive the total cost near $10 million.

I think the Rams feel good about Whitworth playing one more year and then handing the job to someone like Noteboom in 2021, leading them to sign the veteran to an extension.

Rams face bigger free agency questions in 2021 than this offseason

The Rams’ decisions this offseason will have a ripple effect in 2021, too.

The Los Angeles Rams have four huge decisions to make in free agency this year, all pertaining to starters who are set to hit the market. Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton, Andrew Whitworth and Michael Brockers have all been key contributors in the last two seasons, but there’s a chance at least two or three of them won’t be back in Los Angeles.

As difficult as these choices will be, there are even bigger questions facing the Rams in 2021. And not to look too far ahead, but the front office better be sure to save some money for next offseason when six current starters will become free agents.

Let’s have a look at the key players whose contracts will expire after the 2020 season:

CB Jalen Ramsey
CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
OLB Clay Matthews
CB Troy Hill
TE Gerald Everett
WR Cooper Kupp
S John Johnson
WR Josh Reynolds
OLB Samson Ebukam

As of now, the Rams are projected to have just $86.2 million in cap space in 2021, which may seem like a lot but only ranks 25th in the NFL. That’s because four players will take up a good chunk of the salary cap that year, leaving little money for everyone else.

The combined cap hits of Jared Goff, Aaron Donald, Brandin Cooks and Todd Gurley is about $90.3 million. With a projected cap of $209 million in 2021, according to Spotrac, that’s more than 43.1% of the Rams’ cap space.

Of course, moves can (and will) be made to create more room, but the expected contract extension for Ramsey will put another big dent in the Rams’ pockets. The same can be said for Kupp and Johnson, too.

Spotrac projects market value for top free agents, and according to their model, Ramsey’s next contract should be worth about $16.8 million per year, which would make him the highest-paid corner in the NFL. Incredibly, Kupp’s projected contract is worth $19.4 million per year, which would put him second among all wide receivers – a scenario that’s difficult to see happening for the Rams with Cooks and Robert Woods also on the books.

Matthews is almost certain to leave after his contract expires, and he could even be cut this offseason. Robey-Coleman has an option for $4.5 million in 2020, which the Rams will likely pick up to keep him around for another season. Everett could be shopped on the trade market this offseason after Tyler Higbee’s emergence, and the Rams won’t have much of a need to pay Reynolds if Kupp re-signs.

A lot of the decisions the Rams make this offseason will impact their position next year when all of their key players from the 2017 draft class hit free agency – in addition to Ramsey. So not only will they have to be financially smart for the upcoming season, but for their long-term future, too.

Pro Football Focus names Rams’ three biggest offseason needs

The Rams must address the offensive line, as well as their edge defenders and linebackers.

After missing the postseason and finishing with an unimpressive 9-7 record, the Los Angeles Rams have some work to do in order to get back to the playoffs in 2020. That won’t be easy with the defending NFC champion 49ers, the always-tough Seahawks and the resurgent Cardinals in their division, though.

Not to mention, they have several key players hitting free agency and a few holes to fill on the roster. Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton and Andrew Whitworth are the Rams’ top free agents, and if all three leave, Los Angeles will be left with three starters to replace. Add in pending free agents Michael Brockers and Austin Blythe and that’s five starters who could be gone.

Heading into the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine and eventually free agency, the Rams have three primary needs. Pro Football Focus identified those, led by the offensive line. PFF says the team’s top priority has to be finding “offensive linemen that can get the Rams’ line back to its 2018 form.”

The Rams’ offensive line was one of the better units in the league in 2018, and their offense flourished behind it as a result. That all fell apart this past season, with injuries and personnel changes taking a toll on the group. They finished the season 31st in PFF’s offensive line rankings, and now, the most consistent player from the line — Andrew Whitworth — is set to be a free agent at 38 years old. There isn’t a position on the line that the Rams can’t look to improve on in 2020.

In addition to the offensive line, PFF named edge defender and linebacker as the Rams’ next-biggest needs this offseason, highlighting the team’s pending free agents that will dictate what the front office does this offseason. If Fowler leaves, the Rams still have Clay Matthews, Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo under contract, but none possess the potential that Fowler does.

They should also look to add some new pieces defensively. Edge defender becomes an area of need with the impending free agency of Dante Fowler Jr., but even if the Rams retain him, they can look to improve the other starting edge slot over Clay Matthews (54.2 overall grade in 2019) and Samson Ebukam (66.7). At linebacker, the Rams should make every effort to re-sign Cory Littleton. Since 2018, his coverage grade of 90.1 trails only Lavonte David and Luke Kuechly among linebackers with 1,000 or more defensive snaps.

Considering how often the Rams have made blockbuster trades in recent years, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if they make a deal or two this offseason. There’s sure to be a lot of change coming in the next few months, both in free agency and the draft.