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?