One trade, cut and signing the Los Angeles Rams should make

The return of a healthy Matthew Stafford at quarterback and the shocking emergence of rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua helped the Los Angeles Rams bounce back from a five-win season in 2022 to make a return trip to the playoffs. 

They still have a few more areas to address before they can get back to a Super Bowl level, so let's take a look at one trade, one cut and one signing they should consider this offseason.  

TRADE: CB Carlton Davis (Tampa Bay)

The Rams' pass defense was a big weakness in 2023 as they struggled to fill the void that was left by the offseason trade of Jalen Ramsey. The Rams finished 20th in the NFL against the pass, allowing more than 230 passing yards per game. It's a big problem they need to address. The Rams have never been shy about using trades to upgrade their roster, and they would be wise to make a run at Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis. 

Injuries have forced Davis to miss 16 games over the past three seasons, but when healthy he is an outstanding cover corner who would immediately upgrade the Rams' secondary. He has intercepted nine passes in his career, including two in 2023. 

With Tampa Bay likely to franchise-tag defensive back Antoine Winfield, they could look to trade Davis, get back a draft asset and save $6 million against the cap. After the compensatory picks are announced the Rams could have as many as 11 draft choices in April, giving then plenty of flexibility to look for a trade. 

CUT: OT Joe Noteboom

The Rams already made one significant cut along their offensive line, releasing center Brian Allen. Noteboom could, and probably should, be next. 

He has a significant contract that carries a $20 million salary-cap number for this season, which might be too expensive for a player who may not even have a spot in the Rams' starting lineup. Releasing him would carry a $15 million dead cap number, but it would give them an additional $5 million in salary-cap savings. 

That money could go toward upgrading the team's pass rush and defensive backfield, which were among the team's biggest weaknesses during the 2023 season. 

SIGNING: EDGE Brian Burns

The possibility of signing Burns comes with the caveat of, "assuming he is not re-signed or franchised by the Carolina Panthers." 

But if Burns does make it to the open market, the Rams should be one of the first teams placing a call to him. Not only is he one of the best edge-rushers in the NFL, but the Rams have also reportedly tried to trade for him in recent seasons. Everything about the Rams' pass defense needs an overhaul, from the secondary to the pass rush itself.

Burns has 46 sacks in 80 career games, and is coming off a 2023 season that saw him register eight sacks to go with one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, 16 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits. He is only going to be 26 years old on opening day and is still in the prime of his career. Having him and Aaron Donald chasing down opposing quarterbacks would be a huge boost to the league's 20th-ranked pass defense.