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Division rival’s linebackers may interest Arizona Cardinals

By Jim Koch

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football after a reception against inside linebacker Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football after a reception against inside linebacker Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals could improve at linebacker by signing a pair of Los Angeles Rams who are set to become free agents

Two months from now, the free agency signing period will commence for the Arizona Cardinals and the rest of the NFL. Following a fourth consecutive non-winning campaign, general manager Steve Keim will need to make dramatic improvements to the club’s roster. The Cards defense ranked 32nd-overall in the league in 2019, so that side of the ball should certainly be a priority for the front office.

One area in particular that could use some reinforcements is the linebacker position. Pro Bowler Chandler Jones and tackling machine Jordan Hicks have two of the posts locked down, but the remaining couple of spots are up for grabs. A division rival of Arizona’s, the Los Angeles Rams, have a pair of prospective free agents who could fill those holes.

The Cardinals are in dire need of a pass-rushing compliment to Jones, and Dante Fowler Jr. could absolutely fill that role. In 16 appearances (14 starts) this past fall, the 25-year old Ram produced 11.5 sacks, 58 tackles and a fumble return for a touchdown. Fowler Jr., the third-overall selection of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, was traded to Los Angeles in October of 2018.

Keim struck gold last offseason with Hicks, but the team now needs a productive performer to play next to the talented linebacker on the inside. Cory Littleton, an undrafted free agent of the Rams in 2016, would be an outstanding candidate for that gig. The 26-year old racked up 134 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and nine pass breakups in 16 starts last year.

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Fowler Jr. and Littleton would be fantastic additions to the Arizona linebacking corps. Acquiring one, or both, would go a long way towards making coordinator Vance Joseph‘s group a viable defensive unit. With upwards of $67 million in salary-cap space to work with in 2020, the Cards certainly have the resources needed to bring the duo to the desert.

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