REPORT: This offseason, the Rams must make important roster decisions.

The Los Angeles Rams find themselves at a crossroads this offseason, with key roster decisions looming that will shape the trajectory of the team for the next few seasons. After a Super Bowl win in 2021, the Rams have experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows in recent seasons. While they remain a competitive team with an elite coaching staff led by Sean McVay, the organization faces significant roster decisions as they look to build a championship-contending team for the near future.

With a mix of established veterans, emerging talents, and some unfulfilled potential, the Rams must address a number of key areas to stay competitive in an increasingly tough NFC West. This report will break down the important roster decisions the Rams must make, focusing on their offensive and defensive needs, player contracts, and overall team balance.

Quarterback Situation: Matthew Stafford’s Future with the Rams

Matthew Stafford’s future with the Rams will be one of the most crucial decisions the franchise faces this offseason. Since being traded to Los Angeles in 2021, Stafford helped lead the Rams to their first Super Bowl win in over two decades, proving to be a key addition for the franchise. However, Stafford’s 2022 and 2023 seasons have been riddled with injuries, inconsistency, and uncertainty. After undergoing surgery for an elbow injury in the 2022 season, Stafford struggled to stay on the field, and his performance in 2023 did not live up to expectations.

Injuries aside, Stafford has shown that he can still be a top-tier quarterback in the NFL when healthy. His arm strength, leadership, and ability to deliver in clutch moments are still highly valued by the Rams. However, with Stafford’s age (he will turn 36 in 2025), the Rams must seriously evaluate his long-term viability as their franchise quarterback. The team’s front office will need to decide if they want to continue investing in Stafford, restructure his contract, or explore other quarterback options in a draft class that could feature some intriguing prospects.

If the Rams believe Stafford has a few more solid years left in him, they may opt to retain him for at least the 2025 season, while also considering bringing in a young backup or developmental quarterback to groom for the future. Alternatively, if they believe Stafford’s best years are behind him or his injury woes will continue to be a concern, they could explore trade options or even move toward drafting a quarterback in the upcoming draft.

Wide Receiver Position: Addressing the Depth Chart

The wide receiver position has been a source of inconsistency for the Rams over the past few seasons. While they have elite talent in Cooper Kupp, who has consistently been one of the top receivers in the NFL, the Rams have struggled to find reliable depth behind him. Kupp’s health will also be an area of concern, as he battled injuries in 2023 and has dealt with multiple ailments in recent years. If Kupp’s injury history continues to be a concern, the Rams will need to bolster the receiving corps to ensure they have enough talent to compete in the high-powered NFC.

Van Jefferson, who has shown flashes of potential, is an unrestricted free agent in 2025, and his status with the team is uncertain. The Rams have other young receivers like Tutu Atwell and Ben Skowronek, but neither has proven to be a consistent game-changer. Adding another reliable veteran or investing in a top-tier rookie receiver could be a priority for the team, especially if they want to ensure Stafford (or a potential successor) has enough weapons at his disposal.

This offseason will likely involve decisions regarding Jefferson’s future, the potential for re-signing him or looking to upgrade with an established wide receiver or someone from the draft. In a division with defensive juggernauts like the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams’ offensive firepower will need to match up in order to stay competitive.

Defensive Line and Pass Rush: Rebuilding the Front Seven

The Rams’ defense has been one of the stronger points of the team in recent seasons, but their defensive line, especially the pass rush, has been inconsistent at times. Aaron Donald, arguably the best defensive player in the league, remains the anchor of the defensive line, but his age (he will turn 33 in 2025) raises questions about how much longer he can maintain his elite level of play. The Rams need to plan for a future without Donald, whether that comes sooner or later. This offseason could be crucial in finding and developing the next dominant defensive lineman to pair with the future Hall of Famer or to eventually take his place.

Beyond Donald, the Rams’ pass rush has lacked a consistent secondary option. Leonard Floyd, a solid edge rusher, is no longer with the team, and the Rams need to find a reliable complement to Donald. The upcoming draft is deep in pass-rushing talent, and Los Angeles may look to invest a high pick in a young, dynamic defensive end or outside linebacker. Additionally, free agency could provide opportunities to sign a veteran pass rusher to help add depth to the position and relieve pressure from Donald.

The Rams must balance their long-term goals with their short-term aspirations for 2025. With Donald still on the roster, the team could prioritize bringing in a pass-rusher who can complement his skill set and contribute right away. However, if the Rams are thinking further into the future, it would be wise to look at developing a younger talent who could eventually step into the leading pass-rusher role once Donald’s career winds down.

Offensive Line: Improving the Protection and Depth

The Rams’ offensive line has been one of the most underappreciated aspects of the team in recent seasons. While they have had moments of success, they’ve also struggled with consistency, and their inability to provide adequate protection for Stafford and open running lanes has hampered their offense. The departure of longtime left tackle Andrew Whitworth after the 2021 season left a noticeable hole in the Rams’ offensive line, and although they’ve tried to fill that gap with new players, the results have been mixed.

The Rams will need to decide whether to commit resources to improving their offensive line through free agency or invest heavily in this position during the draft. Several players on the roster, such as Rob Havenstein and Brian Allen, remain staples, but there are still areas in need of improvement. Whether it’s finding a long-term replacement for Whitworth or adding depth to ensure that their offensive line can protect Stafford (or a future quarterback) for a full season, the Rams must make addressing the offensive line a priority this offseason.

With many teams in the NFC West focused on bolstering their defenses, the Rams will need to keep up by ensuring they can consistently protect their quarterbacks and establish a more effective running game. A solid offensive line is key to both of these objectives.

The Linebacker Group: Need for Stability and Depth

The Rams’ linebacker corps has been inconsistent in recent seasons. While they’ve had standout players like Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones, the depth and overall play of the unit have been inconsistent at best. Wagner, who had a resurgent 2023 season, is no longer in his prime, and there are concerns about his ability to continue at a high level moving forward. Jones has shown promise as a leader and tackler in the middle, but the team needs more depth and playmaking ability in the linebacker position.

This offseason, the Rams may look to improve their linebacker depth by either adding a veteran free agent or targeting a versatile linebacker in the draft. The linebacker position is crucial in the modern NFL, and with the emergence of dynamic running backs and mobile quarterbacks, the Rams will need to ensure they have a linebacking corps capable of both defending the run and covering in pass protection.

Special Teams: Stability and Value

Finally, the Rams will need to assess their special teams situation. While special teams often fly under the radar, they can make a significant impact on a team’s success. The Rams have been solid in this department, but they’ll need to make sure they have reliable kickers, punters, and return specialists going into the 2025 season. If there are any weaknesses in the special teams unit, it could cost the Rams in tight games.