Former Rams pass rusher hits the open market

The Cleveland Browns released EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo on Thursday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former Los Angeles Rams pass rusher was on a three-year free agent deal with Cleveland:

Okoronkwo didn’t realize his potential in Los Angeles, though he did flash pass rushing capabilities in limited opportunities.

Okoronkwo left the Rams to sign a one-year free agency contract with the Houston Texans in 2022. That’s when he solidified himself as a starting level player and parlayed the “prove it” deal into a bigger payday from the Browns:

2019, Rams - 115 defensive snaps (including playoffs)

2020, Rams - 181

2021, Rams - 314

2022, Texans - 517

2023, Browns - 459

2024, Browns - 464

Could the Rams use Okoronkwo?

It was tough losing Michael Hoecht in free agency to the Buffalo Bills this offseason. Even if Jared Verse and Byron Young are a formidable duo on the EDGE, you can never have too many pass rushers in the NFL. Hoecht was also often on the field at the same time as Young and Verse—and Los Angeles will either need to change their defensive plan or find someone who can fill a similar role.

The current options as depth and situational contributors are third round rookie Josaiah Stewart, last year’s fifth rounder Brennan Jackson, 2023 fifth rounder Nick Hampton, and 2022 UDFA Keir Thomas.

Jackson played sparingly last season as a rookie, noting only 47 defensive snaps. It’s not like we’ve seen more of Hampton, as he played 70 snaps in his first season but just 11 a year ago.

While LA has invested significant mid-round draft capital into the EDGE group, they are left with unrealized or untapped potential. Given that the Rams have Super Bowl hopes in 2025, it may be wise to reunite with a familiar face and proven veteran.