NFL Trade Rumors
Projected Cap Space: $35.7 million
Draft Picks: 7
Notable Free Agents:
1 – Offensive Tackle
Let’s set aside the quarterback position for now, because the Rams have a fascinating situation looming with veteran QB Matthew Stafford that could radically change the makeup of their team. It won’t change the fact they’ll have needs elsewhere on the roster, and the top need could be tackle.
Jackson and Noteboom have been the two players entrusted with the blind side in Los Angeles since Andrew Whitworth retired. Noteboom was supposed to be the heir apparent but lost his spot to Jackson, a former undrafted free agent who has worked his way into a larger pay day than what the Rams might be comfortable paying. Noteboom is also a free agent, though he could perhaps be brought back on an affordable deal as a swing tackle.
On the other side, Rams RT Rob Havenstein turns 33 in May, has been a bit banged up over the past two seasons and is entering the final year of his contract. He’s due $11.5 million in 2025, $5 million of which comes in the form of an option bonus due on March 19. The Rams would save $4.5 million in cap space by cutting Havenstein — and create the need to find two starting tackles instead of just one.
2 – Wide Receiver
With the Rams intentions of trading WR Cooper Kupp becoming public, Los Angeles is looking at a major overhaul of the receiver position. Robinson and Atwell are on expiring deals as well, which could mean the Rams are swapping out three of their leading four receivers behind Puka Nacua.
Robinson could be kept on a cheap deal and the Rams have talked up 2024 sixth-round WR Jordan Whittington. Still, the Rams would be remarkably short on playmakers if they didn’t add anyone else to the receiving corps around Nacua, shallower than any other year under HC Sean McVay.
3 – Cornerback
In the first year in a decade for the Rams’ defense without Aaron Donald, the transition overall went well thanks to hitting on several recent draft picks in the trenches. Los Angeles took OLB Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, in the first round last spring and followed up with second-round DT Braden Fiske. Along with 2023 third-rounders like DT Kobie Turner and OLB Byron Young, the Rams have a solid nucleus to build around up front.
The secondary is not in as good of shape outside of safety. Cornerback...
