For the second consecutive year leading up to free agency, the Rams have followed a familiar strategy.
They secured a key offensive lineman and retained a contributing receiver.
In 2024, that meant re-signing guard Kevin Dotson and receiver Demarcus Robinson. Last week, they followed suit with left tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Tutu Atwell.
With quarterback Matthew Stafford’s contract situation settled and receiver Cooper Kupp likely to move on, the Rams now turn their attention to strengthening a roster that reached the NFC divisional round before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFL’s negotiation period for unrestricted free agents begins Monday, with signings permitted once the new league year starts Wednesday.
According to Overthecap.com, the Rams have approximately $51.7 million in salary-cap space, ranking 10th among NFL teams. Their primary needs include a cornerback, wide receiver, and inside linebacker, among other positions.
Rams Roster and Pending Free Agents by Position
Quarterbacks
Backup Jimmy Garoppolo appeared in just one game last season but remains the Rams’ preferred choice to fill that role again. However, the 33-year-old is expected to explore free agency in search of a starting opportunity.
Stetson Bennett, last season’s No. 3 quarterback, has two years remaining on his rookie deal, while the Rams’ long-term successor to Stafford is more likely to come from the draft.
Running Backs
Kyren Williams, entering the final year of his rookie contract, is a priority for an extension. Both general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have emphasized their commitment to keeping him. Williams, set to earn $5.3 million this season, has expressed his desire to remain with the Rams.
Rookie Blake Corum has three years left on his deal, while veteran Ronnie Rivers is a restricted free agent.
Receivers/Tight Ends
The Rams are seeking to trade Kupp before he becomes eligible for a $7.5 million roster bonus next week. Whether they find a suitor willing to take on his contract remains uncertain.
With Kupp seemingly on his way out and No. 1 receiver Puka Nacua on a team-friendly $1 million salary, the Rams signed Atwell to a one-year, $10 million contract.
Demarcus Robinson is a pending free agent, though Snead appeared lukewarm about re-signing him, especially given Robinson’s pending legal issues related to a DUI charge.
Available free-agent receivers include Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and Tyler Lockett.
At tight end, Hunter Long is a free agent, but with Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen on the roster, any additions at the position may come via the draft.
Offensive Line
The Rams solidified their line by signing Jackson to a three-year deal with $35 million in guarantees and trading guard/center Jonah Jackson to the Bears for a sixth-round pick.
Barring further changes, their starting five consists of Jackson (LT), Steve Avila (LG), Beaux Limmer (C), Dotson (RG), and Rob Havenstein (RT).
Swing tackle Joe Noteboom and Conor McDermott are free agents.
Defensive Line
Pending free agents include nose tackle Bobby Brown III, Neville Gallimore, and Larrell Murchison.
Brown, a 2021 fourth-round pick, played a key role in critical fourth-down stops last season. Gallimore overcame injuries to perform well in the playoffs, while Murchison spent the year on injured reserve.
Outside Linebackers
Veteran Michael Hoecht, who played on a $3 million restricted free-agent tender, is set to test the market. He recorded 56 tackles and three sacks last season.
Free-agent edge rushers include Joey Bosa and Josh Sweat.
Inside Linebackers
Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder, both former undrafted players, are pending unrestricted free agents, while Jake Hummel is a restricted free agent.
Historically, the Rams under McVay have not allocated significant resources to this position.
Notable free-agent inside linebackers include Dre Greenlaw and Nick Bolton.
Defensive Backs
Cornerback Darious Williams was a solid addition in free agency last year, but Tre’Davious White was dealt to the Ravens for a draft pick at the trade deadline.
Ahkello Witherspoon, who rejoined the team on a veteran-minimum deal in 2023, is a candidate to return. Snead stated the Rams are “definitely” considering re-signing him. Meanwhile, the team waived cornerback Tre Tomlinson.
Top free-agent cornerbacks include Chavarius Ward, Rasul Douglas, and Byron Murphy Jr.
Veteran safety John Johnson III, who spent most of last season on injured reserve, is also a free agent. The Rams return Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, and Jaylen McCollough.
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