How long do Rams have to land Aaron Donald's successor?

The NFL recognizes that LA Rams All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald is one of the best playters in NFL history to ever play the game. But the calendar, and the career of Aaron Donald, will ultimately dictate that the Rams need to find him some immediate help today, and a true undeniable successor in the future.

Still the question is, is that help already on track for 2024? Or do the LA Rams need to dig deep and consider some serious investment into the defensive side of the football, and target some pass rushers to help out their star defender?

If you are of the opinion that the team needs to prioritize a below average pass rush this offseason, there are a number of bread crumbs on the trail that should lead you to your destination. For openers, the team promoted LB Coach/ Pass Game Coordinator Chris Shula to the team's next Defensive Coordinator. One of the objectives for Shula in his new role is to amplify the defense's effectiveness at getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

And he will certainly be in a position to effect those types of changes, both on the roster and in the defensive scheme.

That's great for theories and strategies, but what can the Rams do in the meantime to get practical improvements in the pass rush? Well, they may already be in the works. After all, the Rams were able to get significant pressure from rookie NT Kobie Turner (9.0 sacks) and OLB Byron Young (8.0 sacks). In fact, even OLB Michael Hoecht (6.0 sacks) was effectively a rookie in 2023, playing his first full year at the position.

I project that the trio who generated 23.0 quarterback sacks in 2023 could generate 32.0+ quarterback sacks if all return and are healthy for 2024. That does not preclude the team considering additional help at the position.

Some free agent options that could make plenty of sense out of the 2024 NFL Free Agency market include:

So why do I show DE/OLB Brian Burns last in the table above? While he is a free agent due to hit the 2024 NFL Free Agency market, the Carolina Panthers have insisted that they will be able to get a deal negotiated and signed before he tests his value in the free agency market. However, that will cost them a brink truck full of cash, as his projected annual salary comes in at just over $22 million a year.

I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but I cannot see the team spending that much on a player in the free agency market, knowing how that would decimate their plans to be awarded compensatory picks.

Former Rams OLB Samson exploded in his seventh NFL season for the Indianapolis Colts, putting up 57 tackles and 9.5 QB sacks in 2023. I imagine that the Rams took notice, and if they plan to add anyone via free agency, will try to keep the price per year at or below $4.0 million, and will target a young player whose career has lasted less than nine NFL seasons.

Could a reunion with OLB Dante Fowler Jr. be in the cards? Stay tuned . . .