March 16, 2017
Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Rams, according to the Rams' Twitter account.
Horns up for @ConnorBarwin98 🤘🏽 pic.twitter.com/Uo5CdcBUyV
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 16, 2017
Throughout the Chip Kelly era, Barwin was one of the most valuable members in Billy Davis' 3-4 defense because of his versatility. Barwin can cover, rush the passer, and play the run, but was not a dominant player when doing any of those things.
In his first three seasons with the team, Barwin posted very good numbers overall. However, in Jim Schwartz's scheme, Barwin was asked to beat left tackles mano-e-mano, which is not his strength. Here were Barwin's numbers in his four years with the Eagles:
| Connor Barwin | Tackles | Sacks | FF | Pass breakups / batted passes |
| 2013 | 59 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| 2014 | 64 | 14.5 | 2 | 5 |
| 2015 | 54 | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| 2016 | 34 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
Playing in a defensive scheme that has historically been very stat-friendly for defensive ends, Barwin posted the worst numbers of his Eagles career, across the board. Releasing him to save $7,750,000 in cap space was a no-brainer decision.
In Los Angeles, Barwin will play in a 3-4 scheme under Wade Phillips, who should be able to find a role that suits Barwin's skill set. It's good match that could help rejuvenate Barwin's career.
Terms of the deal are not yet known. The Eagles will play the Rams in Los Angeles in 2017.
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