Chicago Bears: 5 Inside linebackers to target in 2020 NFL free agency

Cory Littleton (Age: 26)

In this article, I’ve mentioned undrafted rookies who worked hard to make their mark in the NFL. Well, Cory Littleton has done the most to go from a rookie battling just to make the team to becoming one of the best linebackers in the league.

Littleton has become the most durable linebackers in the league. He has yet to miss a game in his four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. In his first two seasons, he played in every game but only started five games. In 2018, the Rams made him a starter and he just blossomed.

In the last two seasons, Littleton started every game. He recorded 259 tackles (15 for loss), five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He also had 22 passes defended. Some cornerbacks would love to have those passes defended numbers.

The Rams would love to keep Littleton but they have some decisions to make. They’re stuck with huge contracts for Jared Golf, Aaron Donald, Todd Gurley, Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Cooks. They have about $108.8 million tied to just those five players.

Ramsey is due for a new contract after the 2020 season, and Dante Fowler Jr. and Littleton are due to become free agents this offseason. The Rams won’t have enough money to pay everyone.

Imagine having a linebacker corps that trots out Smith, Littleton, and Khalil Mack as three of their four starters. They can pick up a linebacker opposite of Mack in the draft for a low price. Then add Akiem Hicks and Goldman and the Bears defense can help Mitchell Trubisky and the offense by shutting down the opposition every week of the season. The offense depended on the defense to reach 12 wins in 2018 and that could happen with an even more dominant defense in 2020.

It may be difficult to acquire Littleton but Pace was creative at getting other talents on the roster. He could do it again and remind fans of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense.