LA Rams should notice expected 49ers roster moves

The LA Rams have plans laid for the 2021 NFL season. And the team has plenty of decision points along the way to keep everyone in the front office and coaching staff quite busy until the opening day kickoff. Until that moment, everything and anything is on the table.  What do we mean?

Well, the 2021 NFL offseason is pretty wild already and will be even wilder as all 32 teams act to clear salary-cap space. And many teams will do exactly that. After all, with so many teams shedding lucrative contracts that make little sense for 2021’s contracted salary cap, teams will not only be motivated to clear the books but to have enough money to shop the bargain basement prices of free agency this year.

It’s a time of year that sharp front offices make smart moves. So if the Rams need a center or an EDGE rusher, or both, they need look no further than the Bay area. After all, both had excellent 2019 seasons, and both suffered a sharp downturn in 2020. Are they worth kicking the tires on? We think so, yes.  Here’s why:

OLB Dee Ford is a 6-foot-2 252-pound edge rusher who was almost a non-factor for the 49ers defense in 2020. With just one tackle, he was practically invisible. So why show any interest? The previous year, he racked up seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and earned a stellar 84.4 grade from Pro Football Focus. He is 30 years old and is in the midst of a five-year $85 million contract. If cut, he will be eager to refresh his career, and the LA Rams are the perfect spot to offer a discount for a one-year deal.

His teammate C Weston Richburg was signed to a five-year $47.5 million contract in 2018. But he injured a torn Patellar tendon and was out the entire 2020 season. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 290 pounds.  Since spending the season on injured reserve, he has lost his starting role with the team and will likely be released to save the 49ers cap space.

Of course, the Rams will need to free up their own salary cap space to sign anyone. But as soon as they clear waivers, both Ford and Richburg will be able to negotiate a new deal with any NFL team. It makes sense for the Rams to kick some tires on each. They know a rival intimately, are familiar with NFC West opponents and are still capable of starting in the NFL with the right circumstances.

Sign them? Perhaps. But at least bring them in for an audition. The Rams are in win-now mode, and should not overlook any opportunity to improve the roster.