The Rams’ offseason plans will be heavily influenced by royalty, especially with regard to roster modifications and player development.

As the Los Angeles Rams head into their offseason following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, one word looms large in their plans: royalty. While at first glance this may sound like a vague or unconventional term in the realm of professional football, the idea of “royalty” plays an integral role in the Rams’ offseason strategy—especially in the context of roster modifications, player development, and organizational priorities. It’s not a literal notion of monarchy, but rather a reflection of the franchise’s leadership structure, high-profile players, and the overarching vision that will dictate their direction.

Head coach Sean McVay, general manager Les Snead, and the Rams’ front office have a history of making bold moves to position the team for success, and this offseason is no different. Their strategy will revolve around a few key pillars: keeping the franchise’s “royalty” in place, developing key players who can contribute to a championship-caliber team, and making critical roster adjustments to remain competitive in a tough NFC West division.

1. Maintaining the Royal Core: The Importance of Star Players

The Rams have been led by a number of standout players over the years who have become emblematic of the franchise’s identity. These players, often referred to as the team’s “royalty,” are the backbone of the organization’s continued relevance and success. As the team looks to the future, maintaining these players’ roles within the squad will be essential.

Aaron Donald: A Cornerstone of the Rams’ Defense

There is no player more symbolic of the Rams’ royalty than defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The reigning defensive powerhouse and future Hall of Famer has been the face of the Rams’ defense for nearly a decade. With three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and countless other accolades, Donald has solidified himself as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. His leadership on and off the field is undeniable.

As the Rams move forward, Donald’s role will remain crucial. He not only sets the tone for the defense with his disruptive play but also plays an essential role in mentoring the younger players on the roster. The Rams are known for their aggressive defensive schemes, and much of that aggression flows through Donald’s ability to control the line of scrimmage. Even as Donald ages, his influence on the team and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses will keep him in the Rams’ royalty.

However, there have been ongoing questions about how long Donald will continue playing at an elite level. As the offseason unfolds, the Rams will likely have conversations with Donald regarding his future. If he decides to continue playing, they will look to surround him with more talent to maximize his final years in the league.

Cooper Kupp: The King of the Rams’ Passing Attack

On offense, wide receiver Cooper Kupp is the other pillar of Rams royalty. Kupp has become one of the most consistent and dynamic receivers in the NFL, and his connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford helped propel the Rams to a Super Bowl title in 2021. His role as a reliable and explosive weapon in the passing game cannot be overstated.

Kupp’s ability to dominate both inside and outside the numbers makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. In the offseason, the Rams will undoubtedly look to keep Kupp at the center of their offensive game plan. The Rams’ offense runs through Kupp, and his ability to stay healthy and continue performing at a high level will be a key focus in the offseason.

In terms of roster moves, the Rams will look to bolster the receiving corps around Kupp to provide Stafford with more weapons. While Kupp is undeniably the king of the Rams’ passing attack, the team will need additional playmakers to take the pressure off of him and provide depth at the wide receiver position.

Matthew Stafford: The Quarterback Leading the Charge

Matthew Stafford has solidified his place as one of the franchise’s key figures. After leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2021, Stafford’s performance will continue to be paramount in 2025. As he heads into another offseason with an aging roster and some injury concerns, Stafford’s leadership and ability to execute McVay’s offensive schemes will be critical for the Rams’ success moving forward.

The Rams’ front office will likely work to ensure Stafford has the necessary support in the form of offensive line upgrades and additional playmaking weapons at receiver. In addition, the Rams will be seeking to address Stafford’s durability issues, as they cannot afford to see their franchise quarterback sidelined for extended periods.

2. Player Development: Nurturing the Future of the Franchise

Beyond their established stars, the Rams’ ability to develop young talent will be another crucial element of their offseason. While the team has some long-term contracts committed to key veterans, there is a pressing need for the Rams to identify and cultivate future royalty within the roster. In particular, the development of players in the following areas will be crucial:

Offensive Line: Protecting the Crown Jewel

The Rams’ offensive line has been a persistent issue in recent seasons, with inconsistent play at key positions often affecting the team’s offensive output. Stafford, despite his talent, has been under significant pressure due to a porous offensive line. The Rams have already made moves to improve their line, but further development and investments in this area are essential.

Drafting and developing young offensive linemen will be a top priority for the Rams. A strong offensive line is the foundation for success in the NFL, and this unit will need to be capable of both pass protection and creating lanes for running backs. Players like offensive tackle Rob Havenstein and center Brian Allen are solid pieces, but the Rams will need to add depth and potentially find a long-term replacement for some of their aging players.

Defensive Secondary: Ensuring Long-Term Stability

On defense, the Rams’ secondary will also require attention. While the team has standout players like Jalen Ramsey in the past, there has been a need for young defensive backs to step up and establish themselves as key players. The Rams will focus on developing the young cornerbacks and safeties on the roster to ensure the future of the defense remains strong.

With the departure of key veterans in recent years, the secondary has become an area of concern for the Rams. If they are to remain competitive in the high-powered NFC West, strengthening the defensive backfield will be a priority. Young players like cornerback Cobie Durant and safety Jordan Fuller will need to take the next step in their development and become key contributors.

3. Roster Modifications: A Delicate Balancing Act

While the Rams’ royalty and player development are pivotal, they will also need to make crucial roster modifications in the offseason. Due to salary cap constraints and the Rams’ recent penchant for going “all in” on short-term success, their offseason decisions will be a balancing act. They will need to shed some salary, possibly move some veteran players, and make strategic roster decisions to set themselves up for both short-term and long-term success.

Free Agency and Trades

The Rams have already made moves in free agency in previous seasons to acquire key veterans like wide receiver Allen Robinson and defensive tackle Bobby Wagner. This offseason could see more of the same, as the team looks for complementary pieces that can contribute right away. The Rams are always in win-now mode, but they will need to adjust their roster to ensure long-term sustainability.

Additionally, trades may be on the horizon. If the Rams find themselves with surplus talent at certain positions, they may look to make trades to acquire draft picks or additional salary cap flexibility. Moving veterans who no longer fit into the team’s plans could be an effective way to manage the cap while strengthening other areas of the team.

Drafting for the Future

While the Rams have had limited draft capital in recent years, they will look to make the most of their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team has shown in the past that they are willing to gamble on talent, and they will likely do so again this year. They will need to identify key areas where they can inject youth and athleticism, particularly on the offensive line, in the secondary, and at key skill positions.