Injury update: LA Rams defense places rookie sensation Jordan Fuller on IR

Veteran free-agent safety time?

Of course, there is that matter of free-agent safety Earl Thomas waiting in the wings. While I’ve never been a fan of adding a distraction to any successful football roster, the unique circumstances with the LA Rams do give some possibilities to signing free agent Thomas for the 2020 NFL season.

While we know that Fuller is a short term absence, the matter that compensating for that leading to concerns about the defense suggests that the Rams may need a roster patch. Someone who can come in and play defense well enough to allow the Rams time to give younger players a longer period to prepare for more defensive snaps.

Weddle or Thomas time?

The LA Rams benefitted from Eric Weddle in 2019, and while he had retired, he is quite familiar with the Rams defense. Alternatively, Earl Thomas is a free agent safety who is eager to return to the NFL.  Why should the team elect either option?  Well, Weddle was a solid contributor. Perfect? No. But he played well enough to consistently help the Rams defensive backs despite the loss of John Johnson to injury, and the complete overall at both starting cornerback positions.

Thomas is finding it tough to land a spot in the NFL because he has a volatile history. He needs a beachhead, a team where he can produce well on the field and show that he can play nice. The Rams, with long term leaders in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, are well equipped to afford Thomas that type of opportunity.   The Rams have options to exercise, both on the current roster and by signing someone to help out from free agency.