The Los Angeles Rams are potentially losing a number of veteran defenders to free agency this offseason. The secondary is likely to take the biggest toll:
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Ahkello Witherspoon, Corner
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Larrell Murchison, Interior DL
Curl and Durant are the top two players on this list and will be attractive options as signees for other teams. Let’s take a look at their possible landing spots.
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Kam Curl
Chicago Bears
The Bears will likely need new safeties with Kevin Byard growing long in the tooth and Jaquon Brisker potentially hitting the open market. Curl makes sense to bring a veteran presence to a team on the verge of contention.
Teams also tend to sign players who perform well against them. Curl just intercepted Caleb Williams in overtime in the Bears’ last game. Could they look to flip the script and join forces with Curl?
Minnesota Vikings
Harrison Smith is on his way out in Minnesota. Curl isn’t the same physical force on the backend as Smith, but he is a sure-handed tackler with a similar skillset. This pairing makes a lot of sense and Smith leaves behind enormous shoes to fill.
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Dallas Cowboys
There might not be a team in the NFL that needs to improve at safety more than the Cowboys. The problem with this match is that Curl is not a great coverage player. He’s a better box player and tackler. While Dallas and Curl will be linked together often in free agency, I don’t see Curl fixing their deep coverage problems. I’m not sure who can, honestly, for how bad it was last year.
Cobie Durant
I wouldn’t rule out Durant returning to the Rams. LA has ample salary cap space but it would be tough to enter the offseason in need of two outside starting corners. Re-signing Durant helps to lock in the floor and then the Rams can look to upgrade over time.
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San Francisco 49ers
It would sting for a division rival to sign Durant, but this match makes sense for the 49ers. San Francisco have discussed their intention of improving in the secondary. Durant’s ability to create turnovers could be an attractive option for teams that are already capable of rushing the passer.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans just need bodies and they’ll have money to spend. Robert Saleh can bank on Durant’s scheme fit and he’ll be a buy-low option in free agency.
New England Patriots
This is the most interest pairing to me. Christian Gonzales is on his way to becoming one of the NFL’s premier corners. Whoever is opposite of him will see ample targets. The ideal match is someone who can give you a lot of snaps and force takeaways. I think Durant would be an enticing option while the Patriots explore longer term solutions.
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