LA Rams clear edge. Panthers, Broncos, and Bears trade? Oh my . . .

Could the LA Rams acquire DE Robert Quinn?

The LA Rams are very familiar with DE Robert Quinn, and Robert Quinn is very familiar with the LA Rams. It was Quinn who welcomed Aaron Donald to the team, and then two years after playing in Los Angeles, signed a huge free agent contract to play for the Miami Dolphins.

He has since played one season for the Dolphins, one season for the Dallas Cowboys, and settled in to play the past three seasons for the Chicago Bears. But the season after putting up 18.5 quarterback sacks, he is on the trade block, and due to a lack of production, and a hefty $17+ million salary cap hit, his trade cost is considered to be extremely low.

Does the chance of re-acquiring Quinn make sense?

For LA Rams fans, he could make the most sense of the bunch. Here’s why:

Quinn reunites with Donald

We know that the LA Rams continue to try to match an effective pass rusher with their defensive star Aaron Donald.  So far, lightning has struck twice for the team in that effort. The Rams pairing Ndamukong Suh unleashed the best in Donald as offensive lines focused some attention on the carnage created by Suh at the line of scrimmage. The pairing of veteran OLB Von Miller showcased the mentoring necessary to help Donald become a team leader, all the while Miller proved his worth in a dominating post-season run.

While Quinn’s salary costs are enormous, the Rams handled a similar challenge with the Broncos last season by adding a pick in exchange for the Broncos to buy down Miller’s salary. That same strategy could deliver Quin to the Rams at a fraction of the salary cap cost for this season.

Does that complicate the Rams’ salary cap situation for 2023? Certainly. But the Rams are in win-now mode even now. They will get reinforcements on the offensive line, at running back, and wide receiver. There is still a chance for the Rams to sign free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

The LA Rams have options to improve their pass rush. While you may seek the most splashy headliner, who is truly a fit for the Rams’ current draft and salary cap situation? Ultimately, that may dictate the Rams’ next move.