NFC West Notes: Rams, Woods, Fowler

The Rams are facing a potential cap crunch, as Vinny Bonsignore and Rich Hammond of The Athletic write. An eventual extension for quarterback Jared Goff will cost the Rams upwards of $25MM per year, meaning that tough decisions could on the way.

Edge rusher Dante Fowler, who re-signed with L.A. on a one-year deal, could very well play his way out of town in 2019. Wide receiver Robert Woods, who is slated for a $9.1MM cap hit in 2021, could be pushed out in advance to create breathing room for Brandon Cooks, who will count for $16.8MM against the cap. Cornerback Marcus Peters might not be long for the Rams either – the club can cuff him with the franchise tag for 2020, but his cost may be prohibitive beyond that point.

From a financial perspective, Andrew Whitworth‘s expected retirement after the 2019 season should help matters. When/if the 37-year-old hangs ’em up, that’ll take $10.7MM off of the books.

Here’s more from the NFC West:

• Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick is entering a pivotal year, as Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic writes. The versatile defender has been moved yet again, this time to inside linebacker. If he can thrive in his third new defensive system in three years, Reddick could have his fifth-year option exercised for the 2021 season. If not, the former No. 13 overall pick will be on course for free agency following the 2020 campaign. Last year, Reddick managed 80 tackles and four sacks in his first season as a starter.
• Last week, the 49ers formally released offensive tackle Anthony Davis, paving the way for him to resume his football career elsewhere.
• Over the weekend, former Seahawks second-round pick Malik McDowell lashed out against the team over a financial grievance and signaled an interest in returning to football.