Rams' Top Free Agent Target Danielle Hunter to Sign With Texans
The Los Angeles Rams' top free agency target is off the board, and sadly for the L.A. faithful, he won't be coming to Southern California.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, former Minnesota Vikings star defensive end is taking his talents to the Houston Texans. The four-time Pro Bowl selection is reportedly signing a two-year deal worth up to $51 million with the Texans, with $48 million guaranteed.
Ahead of free agency, the Rams were one of several teams commonly linked to Hunter. L.A. had over $40 million in cap space heading into free agency and a clear need at edge rusher, even with the emergence of rookie Byron Young last season. As such, the pairing between the Rams and Hunter, who had the fifth-most sacks in the league with a career-high 16.5, seemed like a natural fit.
Unfortunately for those who hoped to see Hunter in a Rams uniform, that will not be happening this offseason.
Funny enough, Houston and Minnesota essentially wound up trading top pass-rushers as the Vikings signed Jonathan Greenard, who led the Texans with 12.5 sacks last season, on Monday.
Edge rusher remains the Rams' biggest need this offseason, but with Hunter off the board, their options at the position are relatively thin. Some compelling free agents are still available, such as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young, but none are on Hunter's level.
So, if the Rams want to address their biggest need, they'll either need to get creative in free agency wait until the NFL Draft next month.
