Three potential free agents for cash-strapped Rams
Free agency begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.
Positional needs for Los Angeles Rams: Running back, offensive tackle, cornerback
With QB Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay returning for 2023, the Rams (5-12) hope to return to relevancy. Los Angeles has little cap room for a major move in free agency, and the Stafford trade with Detroit left it without a first-round pick.
The Rams are currently over the cap, so they must cut and restructure players so they can add talent. Los Angeles will be shopping in the bargain-basement bin. Given McVay’s flirting with TV and Stafford’s age (34), the Rams could look for short-term additions while it tries to make a last run.
The Rams have 25 free agents of their own, including QB Baker Mayfield, who insists he’s still a starting QB.
Rashaad Penny, running back, Seahawks
Cam Akers left the Rams for personal reasons in the middle of the season amid a rumored trade request. He returned, but Los Angeles may look for a new runner and more stability at the position in 2023.
In 2022, Penny suffered a lower leg fracture and missed most of the season, which could make him a buy-low candidate for the Rams. He had 346 yards rushing before getting hurt, but with Kenneth Walker in Seattle, Penny might need to find a new home.
Riley Reiff, offensive tackle. Bears
Stafford missed nearly half the season with an injury, so protecting him will be a priority. He knows Reiff from his days in Detroit, and the Iowa product could add stability to the Rams’ line. He was injured in 2022, so Reiff — who has 149 regular-season NFL starts — shouldn’t cost much. He made $3 million last season, per Spotrac.
Rock Ya-Sin, cornerback, Raiders
The Rams could move on from cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who could replinish their draft pick stockpile. That could open a starting spot in the secondary. Ya-Sin played more than 600 snaps in 2022 for the Raiders. He would be a veteran presence and stop gap until Los Angeles can find a long-term replacement for Ramsey.
