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Last week, we looked at possible free agent fits for Rams’ linebacker Cory Littleton.
Along with Littleton, pass-rusher Dante Fowler is a high-profile Rams’ player, who will be popular next week when the open market period begins.
The Rams are not expected to place the franchise tag on either Littleton or Fowler. They are projected to have a reported $15-20 million salary-cap space and the franchise tag for linebacker is more than $15 million. So, the Rams are going to risk losing both players,
Effective pass-rushers are among the most-sought after in free agency so Fowler will surely be in demand after registering a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2019.
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Here are some teams that could make a run at Fowler:
Baltimore: It’s already being reported that the Ravens may have interest in Fowler. The Ravens are projected to have $30 million in cap room, so they could fit in Fowler, especially if he is their top target. The Ravens have one of the best defenses in the NFL and should be a real Super Bowl threat this season, which will likely appeal to Fowler.
Buffalo: The Bills are a team on the rise and Fowler – even though he’s so far played his entire high school, college and NFL career in either Florida or California and might not love Western New York winters, he could be excited about joining them. Buffalo needs more pass-rushers and Fowler could fit into Sen McDermott’s scheme well. The Bills have a projected $82 million cap room making this is a real fit.
Houston: The Texans need someone like Fowler badly. They have $61 million in cap room and should be a contender. That should appeal to Fowler in addition to the fact there is no state taxes in Texas.
Las Vegas: The Raiders need help at all layers of the defense and they need another pass-rusher to pair with second-year defensive end Maxx Crosby. He had 10 sacks as a rookie. The Raiders have plenty of cap space and, yes, there isn’t any state taxes in Nevada.
New York Giants: The Giants are expected to spend big on defense next week. It wouldn’t be a shock if they target Fowler.
New York Jets: The Jets should be in the market for a pass-rusher and they have the cap space. There could be a MetLife Stadium battle for Fowler.
Seattle: If Jadeveon Clowney leaves, the Seahawks would need a veteran pass-rusher. The idea of saying in the NFC West could appeal to Fowler. And, yes, there are no state taxes in Washington either.