2016 NFL Free Agency: Possible James Laurinaitis Landing Spots
By Erik Lambert
The Los Angeles Rams knew that if they were going to keep the large number of big-name free agents set to depart in March, they’d have to find a way to create enough cap space to fit them all. That meant making some hard decisions on some choice veterans. Among them was linebacker James Laurinaitis. For seven years he manned the middle of that Rams defense, never missing a single game, never having fewer than 100 tackles and becoming a team captain along the way.
He made plays attacking the line of scrimmage and was always around in coverage. Unfortunately, the business side of things finally caught up to him. Set to turn 30 and nursing a considerable salary cap hit, the Rams made the hard choice to cut him.
Via his Instagram, here's former Rams LB/Buckeye All-American @JLaurinaitis55 after getting cut today ... pic.twitter.com/6VSMFHT07s
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 19, 2016
Such is the life of a modern pro football player. Even so, Laurinaitis should have a market waiting for him in 2016 NFL free agency. He’s healthy, productive, experienced and shouldn’t cost that much. Who are some possible team that have reason to come courting next month?
Atlanta Falcons
Paul Worrilow was a warrior who exceeded expectations for a time, but the Atlanta Falcons know his ceiling won’t go any higher at this point. They need somebody who can do more in the middle of that defense. Laurinaitis has more size and more consistent production in his history Throw in his leadership capabilities and it’s not hard to see him as an upgrade.
San Francisco 49ers
One thing that has become commonplace in free agency is players preferring to stay within their own divisions. That means going from one team over to a rival team. The San Francisco 49ers are searching for somebody they can team with All-Pro NaVorro Bowman at inside linebacker. Laurinaitis has seen them enough times in their NFC West battles to like that possibility.
Chicago Bears
Vic Fangio knows a thing or two about the value of inside linebackers. He’s coached some really good ones in the past like Patrick Willis and Ray Lewis. So it’s safe to say what he saw in his first year with the Chicago Bears wasn’t good enough. Or even good for that matter. Their inside linebackers were too beaten or out of position too often during the year. Laurinaitis may not be a Willis or Lewis, but he’s a step in the right direction.