LA Rams: 3 veteran free agents still available at a position of need

Outside linebacker

Former Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright is another veteran who has consistently played in the NFC West division. His performance has been one of the reasons that the Seahawks’ defense has been very competitive. Still, his strength for Seattle did not include a strong pass rush, which is the latest and greatest priority for the Seahawks. So, they felt it was time to part ways with their ten-year starting outside linebacker.

Now, that situation immediately creates a strong and talented NFL veteran with a chip on his shoulder. And the LA Rams, thanks to the Aaron Donald effect, have an uncanny way of unleashing NFL veterans who had underachieved elsewhere into a player who suddenly looks every bit the part of a dominating pass rusher off the edge. The Rams have done so for Clay Matthews, for Dante Fowler Jr., for Leonard Floyd, and they can do it for K.J. Wright as well.

And for the record, Wright is a demon against the run. He is a very talented and accomplished veteran.

He has all of the makings of a perfect storm for a tremendous rebound season. He is strong at setting the edge, he absolutely dominates against the run, he plays solid pass defense, and he simply needs to bolster his pass rush. Sound familiar? It’s virtually the very same scenario that attracted the Rams to give OLB Leonard Floyd a one-year prove-it deal.

Clearly, Wright’s original estimate of $7 million per year was too high for NFL teams, despite a hot edge market. If Wright wants to use some strategy, coming in with the Rams at a $2-3 million one-year prove-it deal will place him back into the price range that he is seeking.

While the Rams have some talent at the edge, the team must depend upon better durability for both Terrell Lewis or Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, a more consistent season out of Justin Hollins, or an incredibly surprising season out of rookie OLB Chris Garrett. The Rams would be the perfect landing spot for Wright. Wright will be able to refute that he cannot get to the quarterback on this Rams defense, and the Rams will get a second vastly talented veteran who can instantly help mentor their wealth of talented young players.

Three players, each of whom could be a significant boost for the Rams this year. Let’s cross our fingers and see if the team adds any to the roster in time for the 2021 NFL season.