Commentary

Realistic free agent options for the Los Angeles Rams

Okay, before I get the “with what money” question, hear me out. Obviously, the Los Angeles Rams don’t have much money to work with. The Rams do also need to set aside some money to sign their 2020 NFL Draft picks. That being said, their are some needs still on the roster.

No, that doesn’t mean the Rams can go out and sign Jadeveon Clowney, but the Rams could go after quality depth. Might be able to squeeze in one starter for the right price.

WR Dwayne Harris (Former Oakland Raider)

Don’t adjust your eyes, yes I did put a wide receiver, but Harris wouldn’t be brought in to serve as a receiver. In fact, he wasn’t brought in to Oakland last season as a receiver either. Sure he can play receiver in a pinch or be utilized in a trick play, but his true purpose would be as a return specialist.

Currently, the Rams have Nsimba Webster that basically has the same role. However, Harris has more experience and is a bit more reliable. It wouldn’t cost much to bring in Harris either considering he signed a 1-year, $1.6 million contract in 2019. At 32 years old, he still is fast and is a quality return specialist.

OT Storm Norton (Former XFL, Los Angeles Wildcat)

The Rams have a temporary solution in Andrew Whitworth and a shaky right tackle situation. Norton played well during his time in the XFL. In truth, he didn’t have much of an opportunity in the NFL. Norton only played in one game in 2018 with the Minnesota Vikings.

It’s hard to predict how the XFL standout will play in the NFL, but Norton is a low-risk, high-reward free agent prospect. If nothing else, Norton could be sufficient depth. With a 6’8,” 308-pound tackle, he certainly has the size and frame to be an NFL left tackle. He’d be learning from Whitworth and could compete for the right tackle spot in the meantime. With Rob Havenstein and Bobby Evans being the main competition, Norton may be a good investment.

ILB Kamalei Correa (Former Tennessee Titan)

The Rams need a replacement for Cory Littleton. Correa is no Cory Littleton, he’s a good, young linebacker that’s decent at pass rushing. He has a knack of shooting the gaps and getting to the quarterback. Correa is an under-the-radar free agent prospect that has plenty of potential.

Last season with the Titans, he appeared in all 16 games and started in five. He earned 37 tackles, six tackles for a loss, five sacks and two pass deflections. Correa is a temporary solution, but one that shouldn’t cost much.

S Kavon Frazier (Former Dallas Cowboy)

Losing Marqui Christian is a bigger blow than many anticipate. Frazier is technically a different type of safety, but the Rams still have Jake Gervase waiting in the wings too. The purpose in bringing in Frazier is to prevent Nick Scott from serving as immediate depth. Scott has been training to contribute to more than just special teams. That said, it’s uncertain if the Rams are confident enough in Scott’s ability.

Frazier is a talent that hasn’t had much luck on his side in his short 4-year career. Injuries have plagued him which is why the Cowboys have opted to part ways with him. The Rams could also look to the 2020 NFL Draft or possibly sign an undrafted free agent. However, Frazier brings experience to the table.

K Austin MacGinnis (Former XFL, Dallas Renegade)

The departing Greg Zuerlein leaves a big opening in special teams. MacGinnis is a viable option that has seen success in multiple leagues. He intially performed exceptionally well in the AFL only to be the best kicker in the XFL. He has a big enough leg to do touchbacks and was a perfect 10/10 in field goal attempts.

It’s hard to say how well MacGinnis will do in the NFL, but MacGinnis shouldn’t cost too much. An honorable mention from the XFL is Matthew McCrane who is a close second to MacGinnis. Though, he may have the more powerful leg.

Sources: Pro-football-reference.com

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

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