:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8377258/20120809_ajw_sz2_089.jpg)
The St. Louis Rams need some help on the defensive line, a unit nursing a list of minor nicks and dings that is impacting the depth chart with the season opener just around the corner. On name to keep your eye on is Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Darryl Tapp.
Defensive tackle is the biggest area of concern for the Rams, especially with rookie starter Michael Brockers dealing with an ankle injury. They have a need at defensive end as well with Eugene Sims injured and an underwhelming lineup behind the starters.
Tapp, who turns 28 in September, is a six-year veteran who Rams fans will remember from his time with the Seahawks. Philadelphia acquired him in 2010, and with a group of young depth on their defensive line, many expect them to move on without him.
Tapp is due $2.6 million in salary this season.
Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon is another name that could land on the market Friday, thanks to the depth at that position. Here's Geoff Mosher of CSN Philly on Dixon:
Reality is settling in for the fourth-year veteran who arrived in 2009 as a rookie free agent cut loose by the Redskins and claimed quickly off waivers by the Eagles. A stout, 322-pound defensive tackle with better-than-average quickness and lateral movement, Dixon quickly carved his niche in the team's run defense. By 2010, he started 10 games in place of an injured Brodrick Bunkley.
Philly may try to trade those players before giving them up with the roster cuts. Many teams are furiously working the phones on Friday morning to salvage at least something for their players.