It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Rams are strapped for cash this offseason after handing out big extensions to their cornerstone players the last couple of years.
Rams linebacker Cory Littleton was expected to move elsewhere this offseason due to the Rams’ strained cap situation. It appears that is now official as Littleton has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders were expected to be one of the more active teams entering free agency, and have taken a Rams fan favorite as well as one of the team’s best linebackers.
While the deal is not official yet, the terms have been agreed to, meaning Littleton is on his way out, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Former #Rams LB Cory Littleton has an agreement to join the #Raiders, source said, on a 3-year deal worth up to $36M. It has a base value of $11.75M per year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Littleton is 26 years of age entering his fifth season and spent the first four years of his career with the Rams after going undrafted in 2016.
The Rams took a chance on Littleton, signing him to a three-year deal after the draft. The Rams certainly got their money’s worth. Last season, Littleton racked up 134 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions.
The Rams are now likely to turn their focus towards re-signing players like Dante Fowler Jr. and Andrew Whitworth. They also have reportedly been shopping Todd Gurley on the trade market, which would free up some more cap space.
As far as replacing Littleton at linebacker, the Rams will likely need to bring in some depth through the draft and free agency. Troy Reeder and Bryce Hager will likely have their roles expanded, but replacing a player of Littleton’s caliber will be no easy task.
