Los Angeles Rams: 5 Big-name targets in 2018 NFL Free Agency

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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against defensive end Trent Murphy #93 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedExField on November 20, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. Trent Murphy, OLB, Washington Redskins

First things first. As of this writing, the Washington Redskins were hoping to retain the talented pass rusher and had reportedly made an offer to the reserve outside linebacker. And Matt Miller of Bleacher Report added that the San Francisco 49ers were in the hunt as well.

Here’s what is known. The Los Angeles Rams have a definitive need at the position thanks to recent events. It will become official on Wednesday but the team traded Robert Quinn to the Miami Dolphins. And there’s a distinct possibility that the starter on the opposite side, Connor Barwin, will test the free-agent market.

Let’s not also overlook the fact that outside linebacker Trent Murphy missed the entire 2017 season with a torn ACL suffered in the preseason. A second-round pick in 2014, he started 23 games during his first two years in the league. But while he was reduced to a backup role behind Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith in 2016, the pass-rushing specialist finished with career highs in tackles (46), sacks (9) and forced fumbles (3).

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All told, the Rams racked up an impressive 48 QB traps this past year. But 13.5 of those sacks came from Quinn (8.5) and Barwin (5). It’s imperative that the club gets some veteran help at the position and Murphy would be an ideal addition.

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