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Rams43
On the one hand, Fowler definitely improved an anemic Ram edge rush. I just rewatched that first Cards game and Longacre was seemingly just going through the motions. Highly ineffective.
Another positive for Fowler is that some of his contributions don’t show up on the stat sheet but do enable teammates to make more plays.
Finally, his play kept improving right through the playoffs, a good trajectory, indeed. I would hate to see him continue that trend next year for another team. Sigh...
But on the other hand, let’s face it, Fowler didn’t blow the doors off, either.
What to do?
It is my belief that Joe Thomas hit the nail on the head when he declared that the Rams are one elite edge rusher away from being “unstoppable”. Fowler isn’t elite, but he’s potentially a very good edge player. So I guess I favor the compromise of signing him to a fairly reasonable contract with incentives. Something in the $8-9 million range?
Would be a fair compromise for both parties, I think. If Fowler insists on more, then it’s sayonara, baby.
As an aside, even if Fowler is extended we still need an upgrade on the other side. Ebu is NOT the answer. I hope and pray that Snead can secure another good edge to replace Ebu via trade or FA so that he can be free to just take BPA at need positions in the draft.
I do believe that if Wade gets two quality edge players for this season then we are a top 5 D and are favorites to return to the SB. Those are the stakes. So, can Snead make that happen?
It is a bit of a dilemma as you note because he was right in that middle ground where he was not bad but wasn’t great. And I think we would like great at that position.
Here is it what I would do.
I would not extend Fowler at all. I would let him hit the free agent market just like they did with Watkins.
There will be several options in free agency especially after cuts and I firmly believe the Rams need to be prepared to pay a hefty sum, if necessary, to resolve this position.
As an aside, I like Brockers but this is why I’ve been heavily banging the drum that he should be a cap casualty. We need that money for a more important position. And as you and the article note, it’s risky to rely on the draft if we need immediate production next year.
Here is a list of possible options after cuts (some obviously won’t make it to FA):
Fowler
Clowney
Dee Ford
Za’Darius Smith
Shaq Barrett
Justin Houston (huge cap number that KC may have to sacrifice to retain Ford.)
Vernon
Preston Smith
I think between that list and other names that I'm sure Snead knows about, we'll find something good.
But IMO, option A would be seeing if I can upgrade the position even beyond Fowler's talent. If not, so be it. I'd try to resign him then.
