The Los Angeles Rams and general manager Les Snead hav e options for filling their roster holes this offseason. The front office has close to $40 million in cap space to work with as the NFL new year begins on March 13th.
Around the league, quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive tackle Chris Jones are two of the most highly after free agents. Who would be the best fit for the Rams? Edge Rusher Chase Young could in theory help a defense that was tied for 23rd league-wide in sacks (41) last season.
"If Young has a quiet market after his rocky stint with the 49ers, and the asking price is reasonable, perhaps the Rams should make a run at the 2020 No. 2 pick," writes Sports Illustrated. "The Rams overachieved last season and are in need of defensive talent. Young struggles against the run, but Los Angeles has Kobie Turner and Aaron Donald to help with that."
In his rookie season in 2020, Young earned a Pro Bowl nod and won Defensive Rookie of the Year. But from 2021-22, Young missed 22 games in large part due to a right ACL and patellar tendon injury.
Healthy in 2023, Young recorded five sacks in seven games for the Washington Commanders before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers at the deadline. In total, he finished the regular season with 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits.
There is interest from the NFC Champion Niners in bringing back Young, according to ESPN.
Young would add to a Rams defense that hit a pair of home runs with their first two defensive picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, adding both Kobie Turner and Byron Young to support future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
Whether the Rams address their need for an edge rusher during the NFL Draft or during free agency, Young is an intriguing option.
Winners of the Super Bowl two seasons ago, L.A. hopes to build on the surprisingly successful season and look for their productive rookie class to make the second-season leap. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Rams have a first-round pick for the first time since 2016.
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