While the Los Angeles Rams made one of the more surprising splashes in free agency earlier this week by signing three-time All-Pro wideout Davante Adams, they’ve also endured some notable losses this offseason as well. From their anticipated release of 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp to them missing out on highly-touted names they were previously favored to land, including former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Sweat, the Rams already taken its share of blows in recent days. The latest domino fell on Monday afternoon, as former Los Angeles defensive tackle Bobby Brown III left to join the Carolina Panthers.
Brown III agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with Carolina that can reach as high as $27 million based on incentives. This past season, he recorded a career-high 44 total tackles and 6.5 stuffs, helping to anchor an otherwise lackluster Los Angeles defensive line that recorded only 38 sacks in 2024 (tied for 11th-worst in the NFL). The now-former Ram had recently expressed his frustration on social media with his role and playing time in Los Angeles last season. After LA signed nose tackle Poona Ford on Monday as well, it became clear that Brown III’s departure was seemingly all but imminent. Nevertheless, the Rams will likely need more than the 310-pound Ford to bolster one of their weakest position groups from last season. Despite finishing the 2024 campaign with a 10-7 record and an NFC West divisional title, LA’s lackluster defensive front proved to be one of its fatal flaws in the postseason.
Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley ran for 205 yards en route to a 28-22 Divisional Round victory over Los Angeles last January. If Los Angeles wants to return to the playoffs this coming season, adding more strength in the trenches will be a must in the next few months.
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