While Rams and Patriots players are presumably focused on the Super Bowl, there are a number of impending free agents who could boost their stock with a solid performance tomorrow.
Below, we’ve explored the impending free agents who will be on either the Rams’ or Patriots’ rosters for the championship game (with some help from Spotrac.com). The following list does not include players on the injured reserve (a grouping that includes players like Los Angeles running back Malcolm Brown), nor does it include players on the reserve/suspended list (a grouping that includes New England wideout Josh Gordon).
Los Angeles Rams
- RB C.J. Anderson
- DE Dante Fowler Jr.
- LB Bryce Hager
- CB Troy Hill
- WR Khadarel Hodge (ERFA)
- S Lamarcus Joyner
- LB Cory Littleton (RFA)
- LB Matt Longacre
- QB Sean Mannion
- WR Jojo Natson (ERFA)
- OG Rodger Saffold
- CB Sam Shields
- DT Ndamukong Suh
- DE Ethan Westbrooks
- LB Ramik Wilson
Former NFL agent (and current CBS Sports analyst) Joel Corry recently explored which big-name players could boost their free agent stock with a standout performance tomorrow. Among Rams 
players, Suh is a name that naturally bounces off the list. Following his release from Miami, the 32-year-old inked a one-year, $14MM deal with the Rams, and he proceeded to compile 59 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 16 games. He’s improved his play in the postseason, tallying four QB hits in two games. Suh’s big-play ability will make him a name to watch during the Super Bowl, and a standout performance could lead to him receiving some lucrative offers this offseason.
A former first-rounder, Fowler was unceremoniously dealt to the Rams back in October. The 24-year-old has shown flashes during his brief tenure with Los Angeles, and he leads Rams players in postseason sacks (1.5). Teams will surely take a flyer on Fowler this offseason, and a big performance will only help to boost his stock. The same sentiment goes for Anderson; the veteran has emerged as a key piece for the Rams since he joined the team in December. We can only assume that the team will rely on Todd Gurley during the biggest game of the season, but Anderson has shown that he can still be productive.
Meanwhile, Saffold should be considered one of (if not the) premier offensive guard on the market, and even a lackluster Super Bowl showing shouldn’t hurt his free agency stock.
New England Patriots
- P Ryan Allen
- DT Malcom Brown
- OT Trent Brown
- WR Phillip Dorsett
- DE Trey Flowers
- K Stephen Gostkowski
- WR Chris Hogan
- LB Ramon Humber
- CB Jonathan Jones (RFA)
- CB Jason McCourty
- LB Albert McClellan
- WR Cordarrelle Patterson
- DT Danny Shelton
- DE John Simon
- OT LaAdrian Waddle
Trey Flowers is the most intriguing name on this list, as the 25-year-old could end up being one of the top pass-rushers on the market. As Corry points out, players like Frank Clark (Seahawks), Jadeveon Clowney (Texans), Dee Ford (Chiefs) and Demarcus Lawrence (Cowboys) could easily be franchised, meaning Flowers could be in line for a big 
payday (although Corry cautions that the Patriots could also choose to franchise the former fourth-rounder). Flowers had another solid season in 2018, compiling 57 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. While he isn’t as big of a name as some of the Rams’ impending free agents, Flowers has a chance to become a household name by the end of tomorrow’s game.
Trent Brown is another intriguing name on the list. However, barring some catastrophic performance, it’s unlikely the Super Bowl will impact his impending free agent stock. The Patriots acquired the six-foot-eight lineman from the 49ers during the draft, and he proceeded to start all 16 games as Tom Brady‘s blindside protector. With 2018 first-rounder Isaiah Wynn expected to return from a torn Achilles next season, there’s no guarantee that Brown will be back in New England.
It’s interesting that both the Patriots kicker and punter will hit free agency this offseason. The team certainly isn’t afraid to let their long-time special teamers go (see: Adam Vinatieri), but you can assume that both Gostkowski and Allen will be back in New England in 2019. Hogan and Patterson are another two names to watch during the Super Bowl, as the two wideouts have a chance to be big contributors if they draw Brady’s eye.
Given the scarcity of dependable offensive linemen I think Stafford and Brown could well be retained by their current teams. Patterson is probably the guy who could gain the most by a huge SB game performance. He can provide some backup depth at WR while chipping in some returns – which would provide a coach with a few options.
Stafford?