Los Angeles Rams free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Defensive Lineman Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets in action against the Atlanta Falcons in a heavy rain storm during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

1. Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive Line

The biggest need for the Rams is to maintain getting pressure on the quarterback. The Rams finished with 48 sacks a season ago, but things have changed. All-Pro Aaron Donald had 11, but Los Angeles just dealt Robert Quinn, who had 8.5 sacks this past season. One way to attack what could become a weakness is to take a calculated gamble on ex-New York Jet Muhammad Wilkerson.

Still only 28 years old, Wilkerson has two double-digit sack seasons on his resume. He would normally be a coveted free agent but he does carry his share of baggage with him. He basically “worked” his way out of New York because he couldn’t be bothered to show up on time for meetings and loafed his way through his contract.

Big money won’t be on the table for Wilkerson this off-season and he’s going to be motivated to get another deal. The culture in LA is night and day different than the one in New York. Playing for a winning team makes a lot of difference to most players.

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The Rams obviously don’t mind taking a risk if the talent is there as evidenced by the Marcus Peters trade. It’s important not to bring too many disruptive elements into a locker room. However, if the Rams can pull the best out of Wilkerson, an incentive-laden deal could pay off in spades. Any player that can get pressure is naturally going to be even better lined up next to Donald.

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