Predictions for LA Rams 8 top free agents this year

Free Agent VIII – Edge rusher Morgan Fox

Background – The first player hitting free agency is the ever-improving defensive end, Morgan Fox. Here is a young man who was nearly an afterthought a year ago, But 2020 was a good year, and he proved to be worth bringing back. Did the Rams learn their lesson?

Strengths – Morgan Fox is far more valuable than many might believe. While he has only played a rotational role for the Rams, he is one of the key reasons that the Rams boast one of the stingiest defensive lines in the NFL.  The fact that he is truly playing at a level on par with an NFL starter on a part-time basis. How long will the LA Rams sustain his growth in that limited role? In the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. With Michael Brockers out on COVID-19/reserve, Fox put up four tackles and a quarterback sack, tying his best production of the season.

Weaknesses – The challenge with any player lining up next to Aaron Donald is the basic question of how good are they really if they no longer line up to AD? While we won’t know that, we do know that he stepped up in a huge way for the LA Rams defense in a big game. Why is that a weakness? He’s outgrown the role that the Rams have for him.

Estimated market value – He’s certainly reached the $4-5 million per season plateau, and the Rams simply do not have that kind of money for the role on this defense.  There are simply too many teams who now know his true worth. He could end up on the Los Angeles Chargers, the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers, or the Seattle Seahawks due to those teams now possessing an intimate knowledge and appreciation for Fox’s qualities.

Estimated team action – The LA Rams know that Morgan Fox is looking for more everything. More defensive snaps, more money, and more opportunity. While he likely won’t trigger a 2022 compensatory pick award, he will give the Rams a buffer to sign a less expensive free agent with no offset.

Most likely team to sign him – The Detroit Lions need to overhaul that defense, and Fox is young, productive, and ready for a much larger role. Seriously, Fox would be ideal for rejoining his former quarterback.  But if that doesn’t go as expected, beware the Seattle Seahawks, who would be very much improved with signing Fox to that defense. On the AFC side? The Jacksonville Jaguars have a huge need, and Fox has a high ceiling.