The 2023 offseason was a unique one for the Los Angeles Rams. For essentially the first time under head coach Sean McVay, they didn’t go shopping for veterans, trading away draft picks like Oprah gives away gifts around the holidays.
Instead, the team purged their roster of several veterans, leaving a lot of young players whom casual fans didn’t even recognize in big roles. The results surprised a lot of people, as the Rams played well in 2023.
Los Angeles went 10-7, earning a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. Their postseason was cut short, losing to the Detroit Lions during Super Wild Card Weekend 24-23. But, the performance had to be encouraging as the foundation is being laid for the future.
NFL News & Rumors: Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Los Angeles Rams Updates
The Rams are in a much better spot when it comes to the salary cap and have some building blocks on both sides of the ball to use as foundational pieces. After a reset year, Los Angeles is in a position to be buyers in free agency.
The Rams have almost $32.6 million in projected cap space, a healthy number that places them 11th in the NFL. They can address some of their needs with that amount of money, one of which is their pass rush.
Who could they target to fill that void? In the opinion of ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings is one player to target. Bowen believes that the Rams are the best team fit for Hunter in free agency.
“The Rams have money to spend in free agency, and filling the edge rushing need should be a priority. Hunter’s 16.5 sacks with the Vikings in 2023 were the fifth most in the league, and he also forced four fumbles. Adding Hunter would give the Rams a productive veteran force opposite Byron Young — who had eight sacks as a rookie — with Aaron Donald on the interior. That’s how you upgrade a pass rush,” wrote Bowen.
NFL News & Rumors: Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Los Angeles Rams Updates
That would be quite an impressive trio for the Rams, who have had several star edge rushers in recent seasons. It would also signal a rapid turnaround, as Los Angeles gave several players, such as Byron Young, chances to play a lot in 2023 and they responded with productive campaigns.
Michael Hoecht, who recorded 6.0 sacks last season, is a restricted free agent. Kobie Turner, who led the team with 9.0, is under contract along with Young and Donald. Hunter would be a great addition to this group and would be an upgrade on Hoecht if he departs.
Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
