Connor Barwin Reunites With Wade Phillips After Agreeing to Join Los Angeles Rams

Connor Barwin will join the Los Angeles Rams and reunite with his former defensive coordinator in Wade Phillips.

With free agency officially one week in the books, the Los Angeles Rams were still in search of adding another key linebacker to join Wade Phillips‘ defense for the 2017 season. Not only were the Rams able to add one of the top players still available in Connor Barwin, but they were able to sign a linebacker with previous success playing under Phillips.

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One day after meeting with Barwin, Los Angeles signed the former Philadelphia Eagles star to a one-year deal on Thursday worth up to $6.5 million. As great of a pass rusher as Barwin was over the last four seasons, the Eagles found themselves in a tough position this offseason to clear up some salary cap space, which was one of the unfortunate reasons why the team ended up releasing him.

For the Rams, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the addition of Barwin, ranging from his 22.5 sacks over the last three seasons to the fact that he’s started every game since the 2011 season. But the argument can be made that nothing may be more exciting than seeing the type of production Phillips will hopefully get from one of his former players.

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Back during his first full season as a starter in 2011, Barwin found a way to record 11.5 sacks while playing under Phillips. Los Angeles may have been disappointed over missing out on Jarvis Jones, but this move to bring Barwin on board for the 2017 season could end up being one of the most underrated additions of free agency.