Rams at risk of losing an ideal free agent veteran solution to rival 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams still need help in the cornerback room. Trading for former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie was a massive start, but there are too many holes to be filled by one addition. Accordingly, it seems safe to assume they will be on the hunt for veteran free agents. 

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown is one name that would fit the Rams' needs quite nicely. The 26-year-old cornerback is coming off an excellent season with the Jags, and should be available for on or about $9-10 million per year. 

Unfortunately, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the San Francisco 49ers are actively interested in adding Brown themselves. Despite an enviable defensive front and linebacker corps, they could use reinforcements in the secondary. Brown is a quality player who won't break the bank. 

With NFL free agency just days away, the Rams may have to act fast if they want to snag him. 

Brown is already attracting another NFC West suitor

The retirement of veteran cornerback Darious Williams, which produced $7.5 million in cap savings, does give Los Angeles some extra cash to spend. If general manager Les Snead is unable tobring back 2025 starting cornerback Cobie Durant, their top corner last season, signing Brown would make a lot of sense. 

The roster still needs a second starter at the position, something general manager Les Snead is unlikely to find later in the draft. Even if the Rams use their No. 13 pick on a cornerback, or trade up a few spots if necessary (hello, Mansoor Delane), they might prefer to start the season with some security. 

Rookie corners tend to struggle out of the gate. What happens if someone gets injured? Does LA really want to rely on Emmanuel Forbes as the second-best option? 

After last season's DB catastrophe likely cost them a Super Bowl, there is very nearly no such thing as overcompensating. Securing a high-end CB2 like Brown is a necessary investment for what might be the Horns' final all-in push during the Matthew Stafford era. 

For Jacksonville, the former seventh-rounder supplied a combination of explosive playmaking and down-to-down consistency. In addition to two interceptions, Pro Football Focus credited Brown with 12 pass breakups. 

Out of 114 graded cornerbacks, he ranked 16th in passer rating allowed (73.5) and 34th in yards per reception (10.6). He produced a top 20 overall PFF grade thanks to elite marks in coverage. 

All of that, of course, would be a big help to the 49ers' defense, and the Jaguars would love to have Brown back as well. If the Horns are serious about capturing his services, they will have to fend off strong competition. 

Failing that, they would prefer Brown remain in the AFC, or at least outside the NFC West. Sorry, not sorry, San Francisco.