Green Bay Packers: 5 Early 2020 free agent targets
By Joe Kipp
4. Cory Littleton, LB
There’s a theme going on here if you haven’t noticed. The Packers need help at the inside linebacker position even if they elect to keep Blake Martinez. Arguably the best free-agent linebacker, Cory Littleton, is expected to be available thanks to the Los Angeles Rams being cash-strapped in 2020.
Like Joe Schobert, Littleton was a core special-teamer who earned his starting role as time went on. And, like Schobert, Littleton made a Pro Bowl as a special teams player. After the Rams traded away Alec Ogletree to the New York Giants two seasons ago, Littleton has been as reliable as anyone.
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Littleton is ranked the No. 6 overall linebacker in the NFL through 14 games in 2019. He’s amassed 124 tackles (69 solo), five tackles for losses, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks. A do-it-all playmaker on the second level, Littleton is one of the most important players on the Rams defense.
The problem is the Rams don’t have much cap space in 2020 ($25 million projected). After trading for cornerback Jalen Ramsey earlier this season, Los Angeles will have to commit a large contract to their star corner, and also have other players to take care of. Because of that, the Packers could swoop in and sign Littleton.