Think on this for a second ....this whole defense is set ready to return as Rams next season. The biggest free agency issue is a non issue on Rodney McLeod status as a RFA. Rams 9th DL Alex Carrington is a UFA but in truth he has only 1 tackle & injured most of the time...Rams are better off with a vacancy than to pay for his services again.
The 8 DL'ers of Long, Quinn, Hayes, Sims, Brockers, Langford, Donald & Westbrooks on paper
looks to be one of the best DL's in the NFL. I see no need of any major insertions of $$$ or valuable draft wealth into the DL. I see where many members here are suggesting of releasing Kendall Langford due to his expense in the Cap hit...I would NOT suggest this.
The other large defensive unit of Rams is a very young secondary, Fisher & Snead have stockpiled young very good players. Jenkins, Johnson,Gaines, McGee & Roberson are the CB's & they all return. The safeties have Barron, McDonald, Davis, Alexander & C.Bryant set to return. Three of which are high 1st, 3rd & 4th rd picks.
This unit should be exceptional too.
The weakest area of the defensive is the smaller LB'ing unit.
All three of our starters return in 2015 same LB'ing cadre that started since 2013. It should be said that both Fisher & Williams use 5 & 6 DB's on the field than a standard 3 LB'ers. This unit could use some infusion of younger talent. Two of our current journeyman Lb'er will be UFA's. I would suggest adding a good veteran & then turn to the draft & use a 5th & 7th rd draft picks for LB'ers.....
http://www.spotrac.com/free-agents/nfl/linebacker/
In conclusion Rams are in great condition defensively next season. The real problems this Ram team has is on the offensive side where this team is very shaky at the
most important NFL position,
the QB & in the unit that is assigned to protect this most important QB position
the OL. That's where Snead & Fisher needs to turn their major attention too after the new year begins.