NFL free agency: One player each team should sign in 2019

Los Angeles Rams: OLB Za’Darius Smith

During the previous offseason, the Los Angeles Rams swung for the fences, trading for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib in separate deals. General manager Les Snead also signed Ndamukong Suh to a one-year, $14 million contract.

While quarterback Jared Goff plays on a rookie deal, why not continue an aggressive approach to free agency? The Rams have built a winning roster; players may opt to sign a lucrative short-term contract, win and return to the market.

Za’Darius Smith should be a hot name that comes up in March. The fourth-year pro has served in a reserve role in all four years with the Baltimore Ravens, starting in only 11 contests. Still, the Kentucky product has made his presence felt near the pocket. He’s already matched a single-season high in sacks with 5.5 this season.

The Rams acquired Dante Fowler Jr. in an exchange with the Jacksonville Jaguars for a third-round pick and 2020 fifth-rounder. Paired with Smith, the duo would pump some juice into the defense’s pressure off the edges. As a result, there’s less pressure on Aaron Donald to battle double-teams in the trenches.

As a starter, Smith should be able to shatter his regular-season sack totals. With so much attention on Donald on the inside, he could flash as one of better upstart edge-rushers under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. At 26 years old, there’s clear upside to his game and production. He could land on the NFL radar as a rising star with more opportunities to showcase his talent.