The Los Angeles Rams haven't exactly done anything to move the needle in free agency so far, but the surprising retirement of Aaron Donald has got to create more of a sense of urgency.
L.A. can't afford to be complacent, especially with a top-12 number in terms of available salary cap space. Many marquee free agents are already off the board, but one former San Francisco 49 remains as a very attractive target.
The Rams need to sign Chase Young.
Rams Rumors: Former 49er Chase Young a Perfect Free Agent Target
Edge rusher was already one of the Rams' biggest needs this offseason, and now with Donald gone it should be even more of a priority to add pass-rushing help in free agency. And Chase Young would offer the most bang for their buck.
The 49ers acquired the former No. 2 overall pick as a short-term rental from the Washington Commanders last year, and he became a free agent after playing just half a season for the 49ers.
Young's 2.5 sacks in San Fran (plus 1 in the Super Bowl) don't look like anything special on paper, but relying solely on that number underrates how much of an impact he had.
Pro Football Focus gave Young a 75.8 pass rush grade on the season, and his 74 pressures ranked No. 13 among all edge defenders.
Young isn't some one-dimensional rusher that only plays on passing downs either, having actually graded out even better against the run than on pass-rush snaps in three of his four NFL seasons. He's a true every-down difference maker.
The Rams' +450 odds to win the NFC West rank second in the division, obviously trailing the favored 49ers (-240).
One signing won't suddenly make the Rams the favorites, but this move would help L.A. start to close the gap.
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