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The Los Angeles Rams could be very active this free agency season given all the free agents they have to bid for. After building a strong young core of defenders through the draft, the Rams could look to add an experienced youngster to the defensive line in 2025.
In a recent prediction made by PFF.com's Jonathon Macri, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton could be making his way to the NFC's West division in 2025.
"The Rams linebacker situation wasn’t pretty in 2024, creating an obvious need for stability and experience at the position. Bolton has been a key piece of the Kansas City Chiefs defense over the past four years and could be one of the top free-agent linebackers to hit the market because of that success," Macri wrote.
Going into his age 25 season, after spending four seasons in the National Football League already, the Rams defense could learn a thing or two from the potential free agent signing. Bolton has been an elite defender since breaking into the league in 2021.
The former second round pick has already surpassed 450 career total tackles before truly entering his prime years, so they say. After a strong 2024 campaign, which saw Bolton collect 106 total tackles, 73 solo tackles, three sacks, one interception, and 12.5 stuffs, Bolton will be a hot commodity.
"He’ll likely command one of the bigger contracts this offseason. Linebacker is one of the Rams' biggest needs, so Bolton would be a key addition to return IDP value as an every-down player, likely for multiple seasons," Macri wrote.
According to Spotrac.com, Bolton is projected to get a hefty pay raise from his rookie status. Bolton's market value is listed on Spotrac.com at a four year contract worth $49 million. That equals out to around $12.3 million a year for one of the more experienced linebackers on the market.
The Rams will likely have to make a decision surrounding linebacker Christian Rozeboom as he is set to hit free agency. After the stellar career season in Los Angeles, Rozeboom could also attract several franchises in free agency. If Rozeboom doesn't return to LA, Bolton is likely to be targeted by the franchise.
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Report: Bengals draw hard line in Trey Hendrickson contract talks
Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been holding out from training camp as he seeks a new contract, and it does not sound like the two sides are all that close to a deal. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on "SportsCenter" Monday that there has been "some progress" in negotiations between the Bengals and Hendrickson's representatives over the past week or so. The real disagreement has to do with guaranteed money, and Cincinnati's brass is not budging. "Hendrickson wants a stronger guaranteed structure, particularly later in what should be a multiyear deal. In talking to people with the Bengals they feel like, 'Hey, we've probably relented as far as we can go.' So this is a classic stare-off right now, and it's time to buckle up," Fowler said, via Andrew Peters of Bleacher Report. Hendrickson is set to earn $16M in base salary in the final year of his contract this season. He recently said he has shown a willingness to take less than market value on a new deal, but the Bengals do not want to guarantee him money beyond the 2026 season. Based on what he has said, the 30-year-old Hendrickson is not seeking to become the highest-paid defensive player in football. In order to accomplish that, he would have to top the three-year, $123M extension T.J. Watt signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Hendrickson had 35 sacks over the past two seasons, which was the most in the NFL during that span. He had 17.5 sacks each season and finished second in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024. The Bengals took care of one major offseason issue on Sunday when they finally signed first-round pick Shemar Stewart to a rookie deal. All it will take is one side to budge in the team's ongoing stalemate with Hendrickson, but all parties seem to be dug in as training camp rolls on.
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.
Dodgers facing potential trade decision amid Blake Snell news
Left-handed starting pitcher Blake Snell is in his 10th major-league season after making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016. Snell spent time with the San Diego Padres, then signed a deal with the San Francisco Giants after the 2023 season, which he later opted out of to enter free agency in 2024. The 32-year-old veteran signed a five-year, $182M contract this offseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers after an exceptional 2024 campaign. Snell earned such a lucrative contract thanks to his outstanding career to date, which includes two Cy Young Awards and an All-Star appearance. Over 213 career starts, he owns a 77–58 record, a 3.18 ERA and 1,372 strikeouts. Snell was placed on the injured list on April 6 (retroactive to April 3) with left shoulder inflammation after experiencing discomfort during a bullpen session; he had made only two starts for the Dodgers before the injury. After four minor-league rehab outings, manager Dave Roberts announced on Sunday that Snell is expected to rejoin the rotation next week. With his return looming, the Dodgers have decided to shift to a six-man rotation but now face a decision on right-hander Dustin May’s roster status. May returned to a full-time starting role for the first time in two seasons and has struggled. On Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, May allowed four runs in five innings of work, and he entered the start with an ERA of 4.73. May’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, and he is a candidate to potentially be moved to the bullpen. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Astros Named Great Fit for Thriving Orioles Pitcher at MLB Trade Deadline
The Houston Astros have been on quite a slide lately, struggling in the second half of the season. Since the All-Star break, the Astros have quickly seen their lead in the American League West shrink. As losers of five straight games heading into Tuesday against the Washington Nationals, Houston has some problems. More News: Ranking Left-Handed Hitting MLB Trade Deadline Targets Mentioned for Astros A main reason for the struggles of late has been the number of injuries that the team has had to deal with. For most of the year, they have been without their star slugger, Yordan Alvarez, which has negatively impacted the lineup. Furthermore, recent injuries to Jeremy Pena and Isaac Paredes have left the unit really in need of some help. Hopefully, some of these sluggers get back soon, especially considering the rotation has also had its fair share of people being out. More News: Astros Named as Great Fit for Twins All-Star Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline With the trade deadline just a couple of days away, the team will certainly be looking to get aggressive to try to make improvements. One area that seems to be a priority is in the middle of their rotation. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report recently listed the Astros as a good fit for a potential hidden gem trade candidate in Trevor Rogers from the Baltimore Orioles. “If the Orioles do trade Trevor Rogers, it'll be because they decided to sell high. And there is some sense in doing so, as it was just last year that he flopped hard with a 7.11 ERA in four starts for them.” While Houston is fortunate to have two aces in Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown, the rest of the rotation has some question marks. With a lot of pitchers out, the unit could use another helpful hand to provide some depth. More News: Astros Should Have Major Urgency To Acquire Bat They've Been Seeking Rogers from the Orioles is an interesting name from a team that has already started to be a seller. The 27-year-old left-hander came over from the Miami Marlins in 2024 and struggled with Baltimore. However, he has been excellent for the team so far in this campaign, and despite being under team control, the Orioles could look to sell high. Through eight starts, he has totaled a 4-1 record and 1.49 ERA. With a career ERA of 4.06, the southpaw is currently on a fantastic stretch. While pitching is an area that Baltimore needs to improve on going into 2026, they might be willing to move Rogers this summer if the price is right. Since the Astros don’t need an ace, a pitcher of the caliber of Rogers would provide them with a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm that has some upside. For more Astros news, head over to Astros On SI.
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