10 potential trade targets for Rams before deadline
[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
Cameron DaSilva
The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner, with all deals needing to be made by Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. ET. The Rams are once again positioned to be buyers, sitting at 5-2 and tied for second in the NFC West.
Les Snead said not to expect a “big splash” from the Rams before the deadline, but he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of making a trade if the right player comes available. For a team that acquired Dante Fowler Jr. and Jalen Ramsey in the last two years, nothing is out of the question.
Here are 10 potential trade targets for Los Angeles ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
1
Falcons EDGE Takk McKinley
McKinley is a former first-round pick who has not lived up to the billing, especially in the last two years. The Falcons have talked to teams about trading McKinley and he certainly seems available, which makes him an intriguing target for the Rams – especially considering he’ll be a free agent next year.
He had 13 sacks in his first two seasons but his production declined slightly in 2019 when he had just 3.5 sacks in 14 games, and he has just one in four games played this year. He’s currently battling a groin injury but if he can return in the near future, he would provide a spark for a Rams defense that still needs pass-rush help at outside linebacker.
2
Jaguars ILB Myles Jack
In 2018, it was Dante Fowler. Last year, it was Jalen Ramsey. Could another Jaguars defender be on his way to the Rams at the trade deadline? Les Snead has built a good relationship with Jaguars GM David Caldwell and hopefully he’s at least put in a call about Jack.
The Rams refused to spend on the linebacker position this offseason and Jack won’t come cheap, both in regards to the cost to acquire him and his contract. But he’s a perfect fit in a 3-4 scheme at inside linebacker, showing the range instincts and tackling ability to thrive in Brandon Staley’s system. Acquiring Jack would fill one of the last holes on the Rams’ roster, even if it would cost the Rams at least a Day 2 pick. He’s a stud, just turned 25 and is signed through 2023.
3
Washington EDGE Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan is only playing limited snaps behind Montez Sweat and Chase Young. He’s not doing a bad Washington team much good, and given the status of the Football Team, it would be wise for the front office to trade him.
Sean McVay is familiar with Kerrigan from their time together in Washington so there’s a connection to explore. He wouldn’t be asked to play every snap on defense, but in a rotation with Samson Ebukam, Terrell Lewis and Jachai Polite, he’d provide value and an impact as a pass rusher. Despite playing less than half the snaps, Kerrigan still has four sacks in 2020.
4
Cowboys EDGE Aldon Smith
Almost nothing has gone right for the Cowboys this season, but Smith has been a rare bright spot. Dallas is clearly intent on selling in what seems like a lost season, trading Everson Griffen and cutting both Dontari Poe and Daryl Worley.
Smith has been a pleasant surprise this season with four sacks and three tackles for loss – his first games back in the NFL since 2015. He provides elite athleticism and length on the edge, which the Rams could use.
5
Jets ILB Avery Williamson
Williamson has bounced back nicely from missing the entire 2019 season by making 50 tackles, recording one interception and breaking up three passes in six games this year. He has plenty of experience in a 3-4 defense and with the Jets miles out of contention, they should be sellers at the deadline.
Williamson isn’t one of the best linebackers in the league, but he’s a veteran with 80 career starts and would be an upgrade over Micah Kiser and Kenny Young inside. Where he struggles is in coverage, though, so he’d likely be limited to two downs.
6
Texans ILB Zach Cunningham
Cunningham plays for a Texans team that’s on a precipitous slide at only 1-6. Houston should be a seller at the deadline, especially with the post-Bill O’Brien rebuild on the horizon. Cunningham isn’t great in coverage – he’s allowed a passer rating of 142.4 on 24 targets this season – but he’s rangy and is mostly solid against the run. In seven games, he has 71 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss, building on a 142-tackle season in 2019.
Money might be an issue in acquiring Cunningham, however, who has cap hits of at least $11.4 million in each of the next four years through 2024. That could make a deal really difficult to make for L.A., which already has a top-heavy cap situation moving forward. Maybe they could make it work as a short-term rental before trading him in the future.
7
Bills EDGE Trent Murphy
Murphy is only playing about half the defensive snaps for Buffalo but has two sacks and five QB hits in six games. He’s been floated as a trade candidate this season, considering he’s in the last year of his contract, which makes him a possibility for the Rams. He has excellent size at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, and is good against the run on the edge.
The Rams want to give their younger players opportunities, but Murphy would provide some veteran experience opposite Floyd.
8
Bengals WR John Ross
If there’s one thing the Rams offense could use more of, it’s speed. And as you’ve probably heard, Ross has plenty of it. The Bengals speedster ran a 4.22 in the 40-yard dash before the 2017 draft but that hasn’t earned him many opportunities on the field. He has just 51 career catches, including two this season.
Josh Reynolds is currently the Rams’ field-stretcher outside but Ross would bring even more speed to an already-strong receiving corps. Even if he were used sparingly to take deep shots or on jet sweeps, he’d be worth considering for a sixth- or seventh-round pick.
9
Cardinals LB Haason Reddick
Reddick’s name is seemingly brought up every time trades are floated, and his value may never be higher than it is now. He’s in the midst of a career year, posting five sacks and nine QB hits in seven games (two starts). His athleticism and speed on the edge creates problems for opposing tackles, while he can also play inside linebacker in a pinch.
It’s unlikely the Cardinals would trade their budding star to a division rival, but if Reddick is indeed available in the last year of his contract, the Rams should think about making a deal happen.
10
Lions ILB Jarrad Davis
Let’s be clear: Davis has not been good in the NFL since he was picked in the first round of the 2017 draft. He’s only played 146 snaps on defense and although he’s having more success in that limited role, he has yet to prove he can be a three-down linebacker.
However, it’s hard to be completely confident that Micah Kiser and Kenny Young will get the job done for the rest of the season. They’ve had struggles of their own and the depth behind them isn’t great in the event that someone gets hurt. For a sixth- or seventh-round pick, he might be worth a look for L.A., even with as poorly as he’s played.
