Rams Among Best Fits For Free Agent LB Josh Allen
The Los Angeles Rams haven't been huge players in free agency over the past couple of years due to cap constraints, but that could very well change this offseason.
Currently, the Rams have just over $35 million in cap space to work with. Not the most in the league, but still more than enough to bolster their roster. Whether that be through one big signing or multiple smaller ones remains to be seen, but after a surprising 10-win season, the Rams are well-positioned to take another step forward in 2024.
Bob Self - Florida Times-Union - USA TODAY Network
If they decide to go big-game hunting, then there may be a perfect target in Jacksonville Jaguars pass-rusher Josh Allen. In fact, The 33rd Team named the Rams as one of the premier destinations for the former seventh overall pick.
"After the Rams exceeded expectations in 2023, they could be looking to build and get the most out of an aging offense by building up a young defense," The 33rd Team writes. "Los Angeles had the sixth-oldest offense and the seventh-youngest defense by snap-weighted age this season. The team also had the lowest spending on defense in the league due to many rookie contracts.
"The Rams have about $27 million in effective cap space, which ranks 13th and could allow them to be more aggressive in free agency than in the past. A defensive line of Allen, Kobie Turner, Aaron Donald, and [Byron] Young could allow Los Angeles' defense to hang with the league’s best offenses."
After a career-best 17.5 sacks this season, tied for the second most in the league, Allen figures to be one of the most-coveted free agents on the market this offseason. Spotrac calculates his market value at $23.9 million per year, so any team interested would have to pay up.
Edge rusher is one of the Rams' biggest needs this offseason because despite Young having a great rookie season, they lack depth at the position as a whole. Allen would not only fix that problem but give L.A. a true star on the edge.
The Kentucky product has stated his desire to stay in Jacksonville, but if the Jaguars can't afford him, then maybe the Rams will come calling.
