As the Los Angeles Rams are beginning organized team activities (OTA’s), their leader on defense finally signed his restricted free agent tender in ILB Cory Littleton:
Littleton was tendered at a second-round level, meaning the Rams will pay him $3.095m for the 2019 season. Once again, Littleton will become a free agent (though unrestricted this time) in 2020.
Littleton started 16 games for the Rams last year, accumulating a total of 125 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, four quarterback hits, four sacks, three interceptions, and 13 pass deflections.
Starting linebacker Alec Ogletree was essentially traded in a salary dump, and Littleton stepped in seamlessly as the signal caller on the defensive side of the ball. Littleton actually proved to be an upgrade, and one that came at a much cheaper price. Littleton’s 2018 was also a strong showing on special teams as he was a pro bowler and second-team All-Pro for his efforts on Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel’s units.