Predicting the LA Rams 2021 free agency signings and losses

The LA Rams traded quarterback Jared Goff and a trio of draft picks for quarterback Matthew Stafford.  While the Rams were near to the 2022 NFL Draft, they are now without first-draft picks once again. But as a result, hopefully, the LA Rams have a real starting quarterback. We hope that Matthew Stafford is the quarterback that the Rams can rely on to lead all the way to a win in this year’s Super Bowl.

Is he all that is needed? Of course not. The Rams will be losing key players this year. So the Rams Free Agency plans must include some way to replace those players, right? Now we look at what the Rams can do in the off-season to build off of last season.

We aren’t sure what type of defense newly arrived defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is going to run this season. If the Rams want to get to the post-season, they’ll need to bring back stud safety John Johnson III.  Of course, doing so will require cap space, something that these Rams truly do not have at the moment.

They’ll need to figure the salary cap situation out pretty quickly because they need the funds to re-sign JJ III. After all, he’s the heart and soul of the defense and his leadership is needed for the growth and maturity of teammates Taylor Rapp and Jordan Fuller. Maybe the team can franchise tag him while reconstructing someone else’s deal.  This is all just wishful thinking.

I don’t think the Rams will bring back both DBs Darious Williams and Troy Hill. I assume the team will re-sign Williams because he’s 3 years younger in age, and he is a restricted free agent. The Rams could re-sign him at a max price of under $5 million on a one-year deal. They’ll need to bring one back to help out DB Jalen Ramsey.

What’s next?

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd had a breakout season with the Rams and is most likely going to get a large contract elsewhere. The Rams need to find another DE/LB that needs to resurrect his career or someone that wants to be on a prove-it deal. Someone like Yannick Ngakoue or Romeo Okwara. Bengals Edge rusher Carl Lawson hits free agency, and he is certainly one to watch.

The team needs an interior linebacker that can do the dirty work and take control of the defense. Someone like Tampa Bay Buccaneers ILB LaVonte David could command over $13 million in free agency.  Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Avery Williamson could be a solid target. He is more affordable, as he is about half the cost of David. A third option could be Seattle Seahawks’ K.J. Wright, who has plenty of good experience but also comes in at half the cost of David.

How about a deep-threat wide receiver who can take the top off of the defense? Could you imagine WR John Ross in LA catching deep balls from Stafford with Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, and  Robert Woods doing their jobs underneath? Of course, there is always Will Fuller (hopefully healthy) who will be suspended in the 2021 season opener, but who is expected to fetch more than $18 million / year in free agency.  I don’t see the Rams paying that much.

Still, there are a lot of players who would open so much for this offense. And we know that the Rams need more to flourish in 2021..