The Los Angeles Rams have already suffered some major losses on the defensive side of the ball at the start of free agency.
The Baltimore Ravens delivered the first blow by signing defensive tackle Michael Brockers. The Las Vegas Raiders then followed up with the addition of linebacker Cory Littleton.
It has since been revealed that the Rams also plan to part ways with slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman. The hope was that would free up some cap space to re-sign outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., but it appears they were not able to do that either.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Fowler will be heading to the Atlanta Falcons on a three-year contract.
#Rams free agent pass-rusher Dante Fowler is expected to sign with the #Falcons, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. A high-end pass-rusher lands in Atlanta. Coach Dan Quinn actually coached Fowler while at Florida.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
The #Falcons are giving pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr a 3-year deal, source said. The #Rams tried to keep him, but he opts for Atlanta.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
The tough week continues for Rams fans as they now lose another key contributor to their defense of the last two seasons. The Rams acquired Fowler from the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2018 season in exchange for a compensatory third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and a fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was able to make an immediate impact during the team’s Super Bowl run in that 2018 campaign.
With both sides still locked in negotiations, both sides bought themselves some extra time after agreeing to a one-year, $14 million deal last offseason. Fowler followed it up with his best year yet after finishing the 2019 NFL season with a career-high 58 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.
In an age where putting pressure on quarterbacks is a top priority, it is clear that the Rams tried to put an emphasis in making sure this was not an area of weakness outside from the usual contributions from defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Of course, it will be interesting to see how head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead go about addressing their other needs on defense now that they have lost another key piece.
