In 2018, the Los Angeles Rams looked to fill the gaps in their defense by signing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The one-year contract gave Suh the opportunity to flourish in L.A. and provided the Rams with another defensive piece to improve their run defense.
Now, that one-year deal is up and Suh has moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving yet another hole at the tackle spot. However, the Rams have a new suitor.
According to TMZ Sports, free agent defensive tackle Domata Peko has made it clear he hopes to sign with the Rams:
“I would like to be with Aaron Donald, man,” Peko says … “Hell yeah! That would be dope.”
As mentioned, Peko would be playing alongside A.P. Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, as Suh did in 2018. Peko is entering his 14th season and will be turning 35 towards the end of November, but can help take the pressure off Donald, who is double-teamed just about every play.
Peko spent a majority of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals but spent the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos. According to TMZ, Peko just recently met with the Detroit Lions about potentially playing his 14th season there.
However, he had a message directly for Rams head coach Sean McVay showing which team he preferred:
“Coach McVay! Your boy, Domata Peko, here, ready to go. I would love to come out here, represent L.A. and try to pursue that championship!”
The Rams are certainly locked in to make another championship run. Adding Peko would be yet another piece to help the Rams reach the promised land.
Of course, the Rams have already had some major additions on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end Clay Matthews and safety Eric Weddle both signed with the team earlier this offseason.
Over his 14-year career, Peko has 589 combined tackles and 20 sacks. As it currently stands, rookie Greg Gaines is expected to start at defensive tackle alongside Donald. Michael Brockers could also see some more time inside, but signing Peko would help take pressure off all those guys as well.
