The Los Angeles Rams ended the 2024 regular season with the 11th-lowest sack total. Tyler Dragon of USA Today believes the team needs an upgrade and suggests Philadelphia Eagles EDGE rusher Josh Sweat as a potential target.
Sweat recorded 8.0 sacks during the regular season and added another 5.0 in the playoffs. In Super Bowl 59, he had a standout performance with a game-high 2.5 sacks. Dragon noted that Sweat’s decision to change his representation indicates he is seeking a significant pay increase.
The Eagles may struggle to retain him, as his strong playoff performance will attract numerous suitors. Pairing him with Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse could create a formidable pass-rushing duo.
CBS Sports’ Leger Douzable praised Sweat as an “unsung hero” of the Super Bowl. At 27, Sweat had an 11.0-sack season in 2022, and the Rams could benefit from adding him to their defense, especially since Aaron Donald was the last Rams player to reach double-digit sacks in 2021.
Sweat, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Eagles for 2024, could provide a significant boost to the Rams’ pass rush if the Eagles don’t re-sign him.
Rams Could Face Financial Issue With Eagles DE Josh Sweat
Sweat has earned $39.8 million in his career, according to Over The Cap, and is expected to secure a significant payday given the limited availability of elite options. Spotrac estimates his annual value at $18.8 million, suggesting a three-year, $56.4 million contract as a potential deal.
As of February 11, Over The Cap projects the Rams will have $38.3 million in cap space for the offseason, with the possibility of creating more through contract restructures and other moves.
However, their needs might not justify targeting Sweat.
The Rams selected edge rusher Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 draft, giving them a larger presence on the outside. They also have Byron Young, a third-round pick from 2023, who recorded 7.5 sacks, outperforming Verse’s 4.5 sacks as a rookie.
Young, 27, is entering the third year of a four-year, $5.5 million deal.
The Rams also have Michael Hoecht, a versatile former undrafted free agent, who posted 3.0 sacks in 2024 and will be a free agent.
Given their current roster, a depth option or possibly another draft pick could be a smarter choice for general manager Les Snead than signing Sweat, especially with pressing needs at quarterback with Matthew Stafford and wide receiver with Cooper Kupp.
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