Cory Littleton signs with Las Vegas Raiders

UPDATE: Corey Littleton signs a 3-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. This is a big get for the Raiders, who need his tremendous consistency at line backer.

We could be looking at one of the biggest free agency periods in recent memory if some of the notable names actually hit the open market. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Derrick Henry are just a few of the big names set to hit unrestricted free agency when the new league year opens on March 18th. One or more stands a good chance of signing a contract with their current team before then, but there is a chance one or more is taking calls when the tampering period opens on March 16th.

2019 in review

Littleton is anticipated to be one of the most sought after defensive players heading into this free agency. A huge reason for that is his emergence over the past two seasons as a dominant linebacker, especially in coverage. He’s average 84 tackles during that course, while racking up a total of six interceptions in his three-year tenure with the Los Angeles Rams. Keep in mind, he’s never missed a single game in his four-season career.

Possible destinations

Aside from a possible return to the Rams, if they can find the salary, Littleton will be high on the list for many teams. He could get expensive, which would be justified, but that would narrow the suitors down. Green Bay’s Blake Martinez is likely to test the market, so the Packers may have their sights set on Littleton. A more logical destination would be a team like the New York Giants or the Denver Broncos, who both have plenty of cap space and are looking to use it.

Do the Rams want to keep him?

There’s a chance that LA can find a way to fit Littleton back into the squad, but it’s a slim chance. The Rams have already dedicated so much of their cap space to the likes of Jared Goff, Aaron Donald, Brandin Cooks, Todd Gurley and quite possibly even Jalen Ramsey. Whether or not those moves were the right ones to make is yet to be determined. But it does mean that there isn’t much room for an emerging superstar linebacker to get a sizable paycheck.

It’s worth noting that NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reported that Rams head coach Sean McVay told him that Littleton “is a priority for him. With some of the tweaks they’re going to make in their new defensive scheme, they want to keep him.”

Fantasy implications

Wherever Littleton lands, he will bring his overbearing skill set with him. He should improve the pass game for any defense, though he has been a bit susceptible in the run defense. It will be tough to make fantasy implications for a linebacker, but depending on which team Littleton plays for next season, it could be relevant for your decision making process.

Rumored interest

There are no rumors circulating at this point.