Turf Show Times
Can Rams make the jump from playoff fringes to the Super Bowl in 2025?
In order for the Los Angeles Rams to make the jump from a fringe playoff team over the last couple of seasons to the Super Bowl in 2025, they’ll have to make a few key roster improvements this offseason.
Let’s take a look at each position and assess how urgent each need is ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft:
Matthew Stafford has expressed his intention to return to football in 2025, but the Rams have not made it clear whether they want him as the quarterback next season. An adjustment to the veteran’s contract will likely be required in order for the team and Stafford to renew their marriage for at least another year.
But even if Stafford is back for 2025, Los Angeles must take steps to future proof the position and prepare for life after the soon to be 37 year old’s playing days are done. That could mean bringing in a reclamation project in free agency or a trade that has a viable future as a NFL starter or investing through the draft. Taking a quarterback early comes with opportunity cost, and that means possibly not being able to improve areas of the roster that can readily contribute to a Super Bowl run next year.
What’s matters most is finding the right long-term fit at the most important position in football.
Kyren Williams will almost certainly be LA’s workhorse back again in 2025. Maybe Blake Corum will carve out a more regular role next season, but even if he’s on the field his skillset is very similar to that of Williams.
What the Rams need is an explosive back that can rip off big plays both through the air and on the ground. This free agency crop likely doesn’t carry the answer. There will be options in the draft, and likely late because LA is looking for more of a complementary-type player instead of an every-down back.
Cooper Kupp’s return is not likely at this point, at least barring a significant adjustment to his contract. Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson are all slated to hit free agency this spring.
That effectively leaves the Rams with Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, and Xavier Smith at receiver. Smith is the team’s punt returner and has played sparingly on offense. Whittington played well with both Kupp and Nacua absent early in the season though he didn’t contribute much once they returned.
Based on sheer numbers there will need to be additions at pass catcher. A reunion with Robinson makes sense, and the veteran has undeniable chemistry with Stafford.
The unfortunate truth is that receivers are expensive to acquire. They get paid big bucks in free agency and the best rookies often are taken in the first three rounds...
