There is work to do on the defensive side of the ball for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.
The first priority will be finding stability at corner. It may get worse before it gets better. Cobie Durant, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Roger McCreary are slated to hit free agency. That leaves just Emmanuel Forbes, Josh Wallace, and Darious Williams under contract so far for 2026, and Williams is a likely cap casualty.
Will the Rams opt for secure veteran options through free agency or wait to fix longer term through the draft?
And Kamren Curl will be one of the top players hitting the open market at safety. The Athletic has pegged his price tag at four years and $65M total. It would be uncharacteristic for the Rams to pay such a lofty price at what they consider a lower value position.
Which defenders could the Rams target in free agency? These are options I would be excited about should they sign in LA followed by their projected contract from The Athletic.
Read the list from the offensive side of the ball here.
Interior defensive line
None
The Rams are rich along the interior. While they may need to extend Kobie Turner at a hefty price tag, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, and Ty Hamilton are all on rookie deals. Poona Ford proved to be a relative bargain signing from last offseason.
Can LA add depth through the draft and possibly avoid signing someone like Fiske in future years? Yes, and this would be a worthwhile investment.
EDGE rusher
Jacob Martin, Commanders
Two years, $15M
The two starting EDGE spots are set with Jared Verse and Byron Young. Young is entering the final year of his rookie deal and Martin could be a short-term solution that brings a floor into 2027. His projected contract value won’t break the bank.
Signing a veteran could be detrimental to the development of Josaiah Stewart and recently converted OLB Desjuan Johnson. But you can never have too many EDGE rushers. If you can buy them at a bargain bin price you should.
Martin had 45 pressures last season and sacks. He’s also a capable run defender for being a little slight of frame.
Linebacker
Quay Walker, Packers
Two years, $17M
Walker was a draft disappointment given his status as a 2022 former first round pick. At this point he is still more of an idea than a polished football player; however, his athleticism and pass coverage skills would give the Rams something they don’t have.
Would we feel better about Nate Landman if he was primarily asked to stop the run and then paired with a coverage specialist? That is the dream of buying low in Walker.
Corner
Riq Woolen, Seahawks
Four years, $76M
Montaric Brown, Jaguars
Two years, $13M
Waiting until the draft to course correct at corner invites uncertainty. Solving the problem through free agency at least sets the floor shorter term and then the draft could bring solutions for further down the line. With how many players the Rams are set to lose at corner this offseason they are in need of a total overhaul.
Woolen is a risky signing because he’s fallen out of favor at times on one of the best defenses in football. His physical profile and athletic traits are as good as it gets, and the Rams can bet on their coaching staff to get the most out of him.
Brown is more of a floor player that can bring starting experience at a cost that won’t break the bank. He’s a capable player that is at least an inch taller and ten pounds heavier than Durant and McCreary. For as much as the Rams need new bodies at corner, they also are in need of size.
Safety
Dane Belton, Giants
No projection (outside of top 150)
The Rams have found success in the later rounds of the draft in terms of buying low on safeties, but it’s a bit problematic because they haven’t done it recently. Kamren Kinchens will return as a starter. Kam Curl will likely leave for greener pastures filled with money.
That leaves LA with Jalen McCollough with notable playing experience. McCollough is more of a hybrid player than a traditional safety.
Belton isn’t anything special. He’ll be 26 for next season and appeared in 66 games (22 starts) across his first four seasons with the Giants. Would the Rams hope to find a better option through the draft? Sure. This signing at least lessens the chance you are drafting for need.
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