Rams keep Fowler off free-agent market, sign LB to new contract

Another pass-rusher was kept off the free-agent market late Sunday night as the Los Angeles Rams reached an agreement with linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. on a new contract, the team announced.

The new pact is a one-year deal, reports Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Fowler was originally acquired by the Rams from the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trade deadline in October. He picked up two sacks, a forced fumble, and 21 tackles in his eight regular-season games in L.A., but his greatest contribution to the team was the quarterback pressure on Drew Brees that resulted in an interception in overtime of the NFC Championship Game.

The Rams are expected to lose defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and safety Lamarcus Joyner to free agency, but have retained Fowler and added Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle.