The Los Angeles Rams signed free safety Eric Weddle, as the team probably will move on from LaMarcus Joyner this offseason. Weddle and the Rams agreed to a contract just about 24 hours after his release from the Baltimore Ravens. Eric Weddle’s deal is a two-year deal worth $10.5 million which could also earn him up to $12 million in incentives.
The #Rams have agreed to terms on a 2-year deal with Pro Bowl S Eric Weddle worth up to $12.5M, source said. $10.5M base. He considered retirement, but quickly landed… back on the field.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2019
Last season, Weddle did not intercept any passes, but that does not tell the story of his season. He earned a grade of 80.7 from Pro Football Focus that put him 10th among all safeties. Weddle is 34 and has lost a step, but he has a very high football IQ to make up for loss of speed.
Joining Weddle on the Rams secondary will be Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, John Johnson III, and nickel cornerback Nickell Roby-Coleman. All these guys have excellent ball skills, which will lead to many interceptions and pass breakups.
Last season the Rams struggled with tackling in the defensive backfield. Adding Weddle, who is a reliable tackler, should help them out. Also, he is a strong locker room presence and will help out the young players in the secondary.
Under Wade Phillips, Weddle has lots of potential. Phillips likes his defenses to create turnovers. In his entire career, Weddle has 29 total interceptions and eight forced fumbles.
This was a great move by the Rams to help solidify the secondary with another High-IQ player. Weddle checks all the boxes and his leadership will be much needed in the locker room with all the different personalities on the Rams team.
One thing you can count on with Weddle is that he will be at the right place at the right time.
The Rams defense did not live up to the hype last year but was still solid. Aaron Donald was once again a force on the interior defensive line, creating lots of pressure. This ultimately earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Rams will need to get some edge rushers to make this defense complete, but with Weddle added to the back end, their defense as a whole will be dangerous.
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