LA Rams day one NFL Free Agency summary – darkest before the dawn

Rumors and free agents

Whatever news did surface yesterday, centered around rumors that the Rams are fielding offers for either or both running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Brandin Cooks.   And the heartbreaking news that defensive lineman Michael Brockers, who up to yesterday had been named as a potential re-signing priority for the LA Rams, will sign a three-year $30 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens.

While we expected the news, Brockers is a difficult player to say goodbye to. In the end, the LA Rams simply did not have anywhere close to enough salary cap space to re-sign Brockers.  Despite the fact that the Rams’ defense needs to toughen against the run, and that Brockers was one of the team’s best defenders against the run, the hiring of new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will likely change some of the Rams defense’s philosophy.

But there is a silver lining to yesterday’s stormy opening day. No announcement was made regarding the fate of outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. nor inside linebacker Cory Littleton, who I had expected to fly off the market early with record-setting projected contracts.

And so far, the Rams still have some potential to make some interesting trades to add draft picks for the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft.