3 reasons why LA Rams should re-sign FA ILB Bryce Hager

Reason I – He’s backed up Cory Littleton

One of the most obvious detractors has to fall on the “he couldn’t crack the starting lineup” theme. But that only holds water until you look at who he played behind, linebacker Cory Littleton.  Just as a reminder, Littleton was Pro Football Focus’ highest rated tackler in 2019. That resulted in PFF ranking Littleton as the ninth best free agent on the market this year.

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So perhaps not beating out Littleton for playing time is not such a disgrace after all?

All through his five year career, Hager remained on the roster, practicing, training, reviewing videos, and improving, always improving.  And all the while, he was growing and maturing, five years after entering the NFL he is at his peak production.  27 years old with little wear and tear.  Along with Littleton, the Rams employed a safety turned linebacker at the other interior linebacker spot in Mark Barron. Two inside linebackers, both with strong coverage skills, formed the backbone of the Rams interior defense. Barron left via free agency in 2019.  Littleton is on his way out via 2020 Free Agency.

The Rams do not have unlimited picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. As such, the team must treat free agency within the context of being the most efficient with picks and funds.   As the Rams defensive philosophy migrates from pass defense focused to a defense capable of stopping both the run and pass, Bryce Hager’s value and likelihood of greater playing time increases dramatically.