Will Phillips’ replacement prioritize an inside linebacker over a pass rusher?
Littleton and Fowler are two of the Rams’ biggest free agents. They probably won’t be able to keep both unless they each take less money than market value, so the front office and coaching staff will have to decide which one they want to make a push to re-sign. Phillips has frequently gotten the most out of inside linebackers in his scheme and didn’t often need a high-priced player to fit the defense at that spot.
It’s possible if Phillips remained, he would have convinced the front office and McVay that he could make his defense work without Littleton.
As for Fowler, pass rushers are always more coveted than inside linebackers. Fowler isn’t on the top tier with the best in the NFL, but 11.5 sacks is impressive and will undoubtedly earn him a hefty contract in free agency.
Whoever the Rams hire may not view Fowler as a great fit for his defense. Or, he might see Littleton as replaceable and prioritize having an emerging pass rusher instead. Either way, the new defensive coordinator will play a role in how these two players are handled.