LA Rams upcoming NFL Free Agency strategy is a nail-biter

Edge rusher Fowler

The LA Rams and OLB Dante Fowler Jr. have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship. While the Rams have enjoyed the sack production of Fowler Jr. in 2019, Fowler propelled his 2020 free agency value by lining up alongside Aaron Donald and taking advantage of one blocker to bolster his production.

Background – The Rams traded for Dante Fowler Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars for one 2019 third and one 2020 fifth-round pick. The Rams have since employed Fowler effectively as a pass-rusher. Now, the team may be moving on from Fowler due to salary cap limits.

Strengths – Fowler is a superb pass rusher. In the LA Rams roster, he was a great compliment to the destruction of defensive linemen Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. He was one of the most effective pass rushers for the Rams.

Weaknesses – Fowler cannot carry a defense. He benefits as a secondary threat to the QB.

Team Impact – The Rams pass rush will suffer without Fowler’s contribution. The best the team can hope for from the current roster is about 9.0 sacks from his replacement – whether veteran or rookie.

Estimated market value – Right now Fowler Jr.’s franchise tag value with the LA Rams is $16.2 million. He obviously wants a multi-year deal worth more. For the right team, a five-year $85 million deal is possible

Projected team action – If the Rams can free up the cap space, I would guess the franchise tag becomes an option. But the Rams haven’t that much cap room, so the franchise tag won’t be used.

Most likely team to sign him: There are six or more teams linked to pursuing Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency. They are the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Tenessee Titans, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Texans. Reports surfaced of a mutual interest in Fowler playing for the Falcons in 2020.