The Los Angeles Rams Can Add Key Free Agent to Boost Defense
As the Los Angeles Rams continue to navigate the challenges of the NFL season and plan for the future, one area where the team has the potential for significant improvement is on the defensive side of the ball. Despite boasting a roster filled with some highly talented players—most notably on the defensive line with Aaron Donald—the Rams have been grappling with defensive inconsistencies in recent seasons. Injuries, lackluster play from secondary members, and the natural ebb and flow of roster turnover have all contributed to a defense that is far from its peak performance.
With the offseason looming and the NFL Draft just around the corner, the Rams find themselves in a pivotal position to make a move that could rejuvenate their defensive unit. By signing a key free agent, Los Angeles could add a much-needed boost to a defense that has the potential to return to the league’s elite level, especially when paired with the talent already in place. Here’s an in-depth look at how the Rams could add a key free agent to bolster their defense and become a more formidable unit in 2025.
The Rams’ Defensive Struggles
Over the past few seasons, the Los Angeles Rams have been a team defined by their ups and downs. The offense, led by Matthew Stafford, has had its own set of challenges, but it’s the defense that has often left fans wanting more. After winning Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the Rams entered 2023 with high hopes. However, they struggled to maintain the same level of defensive dominance that characterized their 2021 championship run.
Several key factors have contributed to the defensive struggles:
- Injuries: One of the most significant issues for the Rams’ defense in recent seasons has been the injury bug. Star players like linebacker Bobby Wagner and cornerback Jalen Ramsey have had their own stints on the injury list, and even Aaron Donald, the centerpiece of the defense, has been dealing with issues that have affected his usual level of play. When key defensive players aren’t able to stay healthy for an entire season, it becomes difficult for a team to consistently put together dominant defensive performances.
- Lack of Depth in the Secondary: While the Rams have had success in their defensive front seven, the secondary has often been exposed. Cornerbacks and safeties have struggled to consistently cover top-tier receivers, and blown coverages have sometimes resulted in big plays for opposing teams. The loss of Jalen Ramsey, who was traded in the offseason to the Miami Dolphins, has been especially significant for the Rams. Ramsey, a lockdown cornerback, had been the cornerstone of their secondary for several years, and his departure left a noticeable hole in the unit.
- Inconsistent Linebacker Play: The Rams’ linebacker corps, while talented, has been inconsistent. Bobby Wagner has been solid, but his age is catching up with him. The team has tried rotating through younger linebackers, but they’ve yet to find a consistent, playmaking force who can complement Wagner’s leadership. With the NFL becoming increasingly pass-heavy, linebackers who can excel both in pass coverage and as run defenders are more important than ever.
- Pass Rush Inconsistencies: Despite having one of the most dominant players in the league in Aaron Donald, the Rams have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While Donald continues to be a force, there hasn’t been enough help around him. The Rams need more consistent play from their edge rushers to create havoc in the backfield and disrupt the rhythm of opposing quarterbacks.
The Need for a Key Free Agent
With all these factors in mind, the Rams’ front office will be keenly focused on improving the defense in the coming offseason. While the draft provides opportunities to bring in young, talented players, free agency remains one of the most effective ways to fill specific needs with proven veterans. By adding a key free agent, the Rams can immediately upgrade their defense and create a more balanced roster.
A well-timed free agent signing could be just what the Rams need to compete at a high level in the NFC. Whether the team opts to bring in a veteran cornerback, a playmaking linebacker, or another pass rusher to complement Aaron Donald, the right signing could elevate the entire defense.
Let’s break down some potential key free agents who could make an immediate impact on the Rams’ defense.
Potential Free Agent Targets for the Rams
- Jamel Dean (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
The Rams’ secondary has been an area of weakness for several seasons, and the departure of Jalen Ramsey has only heightened the need for a top-tier cornerback. Jamel Dean, a starting cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would be a perfect fit for the Rams’ defensive scheme.
Dean is a physical corner who excels in man-to-man coverage, which is critical for the Rams, especially given the high-powered offenses in the NFC West. He has the size and speed to match up with the top receivers in the league, and his ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball makes him an enticing prospect.
At just 27 years old, Dean is entering the prime of his career, and his presence would instantly elevate the Rams’ secondary. Pairing Dean with young cornerbacks like Darious Williams or Troy Hill (if re-signed) would create a much more formidable secondary and allow the Rams to match up better against pass-heavy offenses. With the rising importance of cornerbacks in the modern NFL, signing a player like Dean could be a game-changer for the Rams.
- Frank Clark (EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs)
The Rams have one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL in Aaron Donald, but they’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the edge. Frank Clark, a seasoned pass rusher who has played for the Kansas City Chiefs, would be a valuable addition to the team’s front seven.
Clark is known for his ability to perform in big moments, especially in the postseason, where he has been a standout player for the Chiefs during their Super Bowl runs. His pass-rushing prowess, coupled with his experience, would provide the Rams with a much-needed second threat on the defensive line. With Clark rushing opposite Aaron Donald, the Rams would be able to generate more pressure on quarterbacks, forcing them into uncomfortable situations and creating more turnover opportunities.
Additionally, Clark’s leadership and experience could serve as a mentor to younger pass rushers on the Rams roster, helping to develop the next generation of talent in Los Angeles. Signing Clark would address one of the Rams’ most pressing needs and solidify their defensive front.
- Bobby Okereke (LB, Indianapolis Colts)
The Rams’ linebacker corps has been an area of concern for several years, and adding a player like Bobby Okereke could be exactly what the defense needs. Okereke, who has played for the Indianapolis Colts, is known for his ability to both cover and defend the run. He is a highly athletic linebacker with great range, which is crucial for a team looking to improve in both pass coverage and run defense.
Okereke excels in coverage, which is important in today’s NFL, where linebackers need to be able to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and move sideline to sideline makes him an ideal fit for the Rams’ defensive system. If the Rams can pair Okereke with Bobby Wagner—who continues to be a leader on defense—the team’s linebacker play would receive a major boost.
- Marcus Peters (CB, Baltimore Ravens)
The Rams have been looking for a reliable veteran presence in their secondary, and Marcus Peters, a former Ram who now plays for the Baltimore Ravens, could be a great reunion story. Peters is known for his ball-hawking ability, and he would bring a much-needed veteran presence to the Rams’ secondary.
While Peters has had his fair share of ups and downs throughout his career, his ability to create turnovers is unmatched. For a Rams team looking to generate more takeaways and get the ball back into the hands of their high-powered offense, Peters would be a valuable asset. His familiarity with the Rams’ defensive system would make his transition back to Los Angeles seamless, and his leadership could help elevate the play of younger cornerbacks on the roster.
How Free Agency Could Propel the Rams’ Defense
Signing any of the aforementioned players would significantly improve the Rams’ defense and allow them to contend for a deeper playoff run in 2025. While adding one free agent will not completely fix the team’s defensive issues, it can be the key piece that shifts the balance. Whether it’s improving the pass rush, bolstering the secondary, or solidifying linebacker play, each of these free agents addresses a specific need for the Rams.
In particular, pairing a top cornerback or linebacker with the existing talent on the Rams’ roster would create a much more balanced defense. With Aaron Donald continuing to draw attention from opposing offensive lines, a dynamic pass rusher on the edge or an upgraded secondary would allow the defense to capitalize on Donald’s presence.
Additionally, signing a key free agent could inject new energy into the locker room. Veterans like Jamel Dean, Frank Clark, or Bobby Okereke bring not only talent but experience, which is invaluable when the Rams aim to return to elite status. Adding a leader to the defensive side of the ball could have a ripple effect, improving the overall cohesion and intensity of the defense.
