The Los Angeles Rams have roster needs beyond quarterback Matthew Stafford, with linebacker emerging as a key position to address this offseason. With Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder, and Jake Hummell set to hit free agency, Omar Speights could be the only returning player with starting experience.
One potential solution is Super Bowl champion, who is set to become a free agent after a breakout season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The linebacker position is always interesting because it allows us to see how teams value off-the-ball linebackers against their other needs,” Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe noted. “The Rams certainly have a need at linebacker, but they also have other needs at left tackle, wide receiver, and potentially quarterback. They have the cap space to address a few of those needs, but how they prioritize them will be intriguing to see.”
Baun had an impressive year in Philadelphia, making him the top-ranked linebacker in Pro Football Network’s free agent rankings. However, teams must weigh his strong 2024 campaign against his limited track record as a starter.
“Just based on pure production, Baun is the best linebacker available, but there are more proven commodities,” Rolfe added.
Baun made an impact against the Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff, recording five tackles and recovering a fumble. If he hits the open market, Los Angeles could be a prime landing spot to bolster its linebacker corps.
Eagles LB Zack Baun Went From Special Teamer to All-Pro
Zack Baun, 28, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and spent four seasons with the team, mostly contributing on special teams. He had a breakout season in 2024, starting all 16 games and recording career highs with 151 combined tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 interception. His performance earned him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
Baun played under a one-year, $3.5 million contract for the 2024 season, and with his impressive year, he’s expected to be a priority for the Philadelphia Eagles. Spotrac projects Baun’s value at $9.7 million annually, with a suggested contract of $19.5 million over two years.
For the Rams, who have $44.4 million in projected cap space this offseason (potentially more depending on Matthew Stafford’s situation), Baun could be a priority if they look to bolster their linebacker corps. However, the Rams might also consider drafting a linebacker instead of investing heavily in a free agent. Given their past roster decisions, this could be a viable path for Los Angeles.
Former Rams LBs Set to Hit Free Agency
Even former Rams linebackers are generating interest this offseason, with Rolfe mentioning Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones as notable figures.
“The interesting aspect of the linebacker market for the Rams is that they’ve had both Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones on their roster, trading one and releasing the other,” Rolfe said. “Although we may not see the outcome, talks with both players could be intriguing.”
Jones started 15 games for the Rams in 2023. He enters free agency after playing the 2024 season with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.
Wagner, a long-time Seahawk, started 17 games for the Rams in 2022. He spent the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders, helping them reach the NFC Championship Game against Baun’s Eagles.
Be the first to comment