7 key players LA Rams could lose to Lions or Chargers via FA

Pass rushers

The  LA Rams almost did not re-sign defensive end, Morgan Fox, to return for the 2020 NFL Season. It is certainly a good thing for the Rams that he did return, as he was a key contributor to the Rams pass rush this season. In fact, he was one of the most economic players on the Rams roster.  He signed on with the team on a one-year deal for $825,000.

During the 2020 NFL season, Fox accounted for 27 tackles and six quarterback sacks for the team. All were career highs for the young man. And he will no doubt parlay his performance into a long-term NFL contract. The Rams were able to re-sign Fox as the market was quite soft. But now, the LA Chargers and the Detroit Lions are fully aware of his value, and will likely have checkbooks at the ready to pay him a fair market price for his services. Do not expect Fox to return to the Rams as a result.

OLB Floyd

The Rams deliberately elected to sign OLB Leonard Floyd off free agency. While the most obvious reason was to fill a roster spot for a veteran edge rusher, the Rams also sought to jump-start the defense by adding a player who had performed for then-defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Floyd performed that role to the tee. He not only was effective on the field, but his play was a shining example for his teammates of how to play the edge.

Floyd bet on himself and won. He signed a one-year deal with the Rams at a reasonable cost, and will undoubtedly seek a high paying contract elsewhere. The Rams have proven that they can elevate and refurbish the careers of edge rushers, so they will be able to attract talented players at the position to come aboard in 2021. Meanwhile, if Floyd does sign a lucrative contract, the Rams will benefit from a projected compensatory draft pick award for the 2022 NFL Draft.  You can expect Staley to bid for Floyd’s services.