The Rams’ Strategic Free Agency Plans
For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Rams have followed a strategic game plan as they approached free agency. Last year, they re-signed key offensive lineman Kevin Dotson and receiver Demarcus Robinson. This year, the Rams secured left tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Tutu Atwell. With the contract situation for quarterback Matthew Stafford resolved and receiver Cooper Kupp’s future likely taking him elsewhere, the Rams are now focused on improving a team that reached the NFC divisional round before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL’s negotiating period for unrestricted free agents begins this Monday, with the official signing period starting on Wednesday. The Rams have approximately $51.7 million in salary-cap space, ranking them 10th among NFL teams. This financial flexibility will be crucial as the Rams aim to bolster their roster through free agency and the draft.
Quarterbacks and Backup Options
The Rams have a clear priority when it comes to their backup quarterback situation. Jimmy Garoppolo, who played in only one game last season, is a pending free agent and the Rams’ preferred choice to continue in this role. At 33, Garoppolo is likely to test the free agency market, hoping to find a starting opportunity elsewhere. The third-string quarterback, Stetson Bennett, has two years left on his rookie contract and remains a part of the Rams’ future plans. However, the search for a long-term successor to Matthew Stafford is more likely to come through the draft. This strategic flexibility allows the Rams to evaluate the best available options while maintaining a solid foundation at the quarterback position.
Running Backs and Kyren Williams’ Future
Kyren Williams, a standout running back with a year left on his rookie contract, has become a priority for the Rams. General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay have both expressed their desire to extend Williams’ contract. Williams, who is scheduled to earn $5.3 million this season, has made it clear that he wants to remain with the Rams, attributing his success to the coaching staff and his teammates. "I don’t want to go play for anybody else besides the Los Angeles Rams, coach McVay, under Les Snead, and just around all my teammates I’ve been with the last three or four years," Williams said. Blake Corum, another young talent, has three years left on his rookie deal, while veteran Ronnie Rivers is a restricted free agent. The Rams’ running back depth is solid, but an extension for Williams would provide long-term stability and continuity.
Receivers and the Kupp Conundrum
The Rams are facing a significant decision with Cooper Kupp, their star receiver. Kupp is due to receive a substantial $7.5 million roster bonus next week, and the Rams are actively seeking to trade him before this bonus is paid. Whether they can find a team willing to take on Kupp’s salary and bonus remains to be seen. In the meantime, the Rams have secured Tutu Atwell to a one-year, $10 million contract, providing immediate depth at the receiver position. Demarcus Robinson, another pending free agent, faces legal issues that could impact his availability, and General Manager Les Snead has expressed reservations about his future with the team. With Kupp’s departure seeming likely, the Rams will need to explore both free agency and the draft to strengthen their receiving corps, with players like Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and Tyler Lockett available on the market.
Offensive Line and Positional Flexibility
The Rams have made significant moves to solidify their offensive line. Alaric Jackson signed a three-year contract with $35 million in guarantees, ensuring stability at left tackle. The Rams also traded guard/center Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears for a sixth-round draft pick. This trade, along with the re-signing of Jackson, leaves the Rams with a strong core of linemen, including Steve Avila at left guard, Beaux Limmer at center, Kevin Dotson at right guard, and Rob Havenstein at right tackle. Swing tackle Joe Noteboom and Conor McDermott are pending free agents, but the Rams seem well-positioned at the offensive line. This depth and flexibility will be crucial as the Rams aim to protect Matthew Stafford and open up the running game.
Defensive Strengthening and Free Agency Targets
The Rams have several positions where they can improve through free agency, particularly in the defensive ranks. Nose tackle Bobby Brown III, Neville Gallimore, and Larrell Murchison are all pending free agents. Brown, a young talent who played a crucial role last season, will be a key player to retain. Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht, a veteran leader, is also set to hit the free agency market after a strong season where he made 56 tackles and three sacks. The Rams will need to balance retaining key contributors with the potential to bring in new talent. Available free agents like Joey Bosa and Josh Sweat could provide a significant boost to the Rams’ edge rushing group. In the defensive backfield, the Rams have options with players like Chavarius Ward, Rasul Douglas, and Byron Murphy Jr., while the safety position will need to address the pending free agency of John Johnson III. By strategically addressing these needs, the Rams can build a formidable defense capable of competing in the NFC.
