Kendall

Langford

The Rams appear determined to land a defensive tackle to replace Fred Robbins. Langford is a fallback option in case free agent Jason Jones lands in Seattle or back in Nashville.

Langford’s agent says the Packers have “inquired” about the free agent, but no visit is scheduled yet. It would do against GM Ted Thompson’s grain to engage in a bidding war. Langford has a tentative visit scheduled with the Rams, but only if he gets out of the Queen City after being wined and dined by the Bengals.

The Dolphins have recently jump-started discussions with Langford after putting their own free agents on hold to free up money for a Peyton Manning pursuit. Langford is expected to draw interest from the Falcons if he reaches the open market on Tuesday.

Langford took a step back in 2011, notching just 20 tackles and zero sacks in the final year of his rookie deal. A candidate for a long-term extension last summer, Langford might be forced to settle for a one-year deal on the open market. Despite the disappointing stats, Langford still graded out positively in Pro Football Focus’ year-end rankings.

The deal includes $12 million guaranteed. Unsurprisingly, the Rams were able to outbid the penny-pinching Bengals. It’s an extremely-nice haul for a player who took a small step back during the final year of his rookie deal last season, but solid signing for a team that let itself get long in the tooth along its defensive line the past few seasons. However, Langford will be forced to switch to a 4-3 defense after playing in a 3-4 in South Beach. Somewhat of a hybrid lineman, Langford has excelled as both a pass rusher and run stuffer during his career. His signing likely takes the Rams out of the running for free agent DL Jason Jones.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Langford “might” set up a visit with the Patriots, and the Falcons are also interested. Langford’s preference is to stay in Miami, as long as the Dolphins pay him at market value.

“I don’t think it will be hard at all,” he said. “We played a little over and under [in Miami]. I played some three-technique, so I think I’ll excel at it.” Langford, 26, is viewed as an “ascending player” and received interest from several teams before signing in St. Louis. He will need to master leverage on the interior, because smaller guard and centers won’t struggle to get underneath the 6-foot-6 Langford’s pads if he comes out of his stance high.

Langford would be following DC Mike Nolan to Atlanta under that scenario. It’s an interesting report considering Langford was an effective 3-4 end, and the Falcons will run a 4-3 scheme even with Nolan on board. Langford would presumably move inside to the three-technique if signed.

Langford went down midway through the second half, but returned near the end of the fourth quarter. Although he’s seen heavy snaps, Langford has just one tackle through St. Louis’ first three games.

Langford has never sat out a game during his eight-year career, but this injury puts him in danger of missing Week 1. With Arthur Jones suspended and Henry Anderson (knee) still on the active/PUP list, the Colts are extremely thin on the defensive line. They will likely look to bring in some help.