Free Agent Signings: How did the Rams grade after the first day of legal tampering?
The Los Angeles Rams have been active on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period, making several key signings to bolster their roster for the 2025 season. With the new league year set to begin on March 12, the Rams are looking to build on their 10-7 record and NFC West title from the 2024 season. Let’s break down and grade each of the major signings announced today, evaluating their impact and potential risks.
1. WR Tutu Atwell – 1 year, $10 million (fully guaranteed)
Analysis:
Tutu Atwell, a 2021 second-round pick, has been a bit of an enigma in his four years with the Rams. While he has shown flashes of speed and playmaking ability, he has often been underutilized in Sean McVay’s offense, overshadowed by stars like the soon to be departed Cooper Kupp and standout Puka Nacua. However, his decision to stay with the Rams on a one-year, fully guaranteed $10 million deal signals confidence in his ability to contribute more significantly in 2025. This move also ensures depth at wide receiver.
At $10 million, this is a significant raise for Atwell, who will need to prove he can be a consistent No. 3 option behind Nacua and potentially Davante Adams (more on him below). The fully guaranteed nature of the contract minimizes risk for Atwell but puts pressure on the Rams to get more production out of him.
Impact:
- Adds depth and speed to the receiving corps.
- Provides insurance if Nacua or Adams miss time due to injury.
- Allows Atwell to compete for a larger role in the offense.
Risk:
- Atwell’s production has been inconsistent, and $10 million is a steep price for a player who has yet to break out.
- If he doesn’t step up, the Rams may regret not allocating this money elsewhere.
Grade: B-
This signing is a low-risk, high-reward move, but the price tag feels a bit high for Atwell’s current resume. If he can finally live up to his draft pedigree, this could be a steal. Otherwise, it’s an expensive depth piece.
2. WR Davante Adams – 2 years, $44 million ($26 million guaranteed)
Analysis:
The Rams made a splash by signing veteran wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year, $44 million deal, with $26 million guaranteed. Posts found on X indicate that this signing signals the end of Cooper Kupp’s tenure with the Rams, as Adams brings elite production and veteran leadership to the receiving corps. At 32 years old, Adams is still one of the NFL’s top receivers, and pairing him with Puka Nacua creates one of the league’s most formidable duos.
The contract is effectively a one-year, $20 million deal, with the option to move on after 2025 if Adams declines. This flexibility is crucial, given Adams’ age, but the $23 million average annual salary is below market value for elite receivers, making this a cost-effective move for the Rams. Adams’ familiarity with high-powered offenses and his ability to elevate quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford make this a significant upgrade.
Impact:
- Creates a dynamic one-two punch with Nacua, potentially opening up the offense.
- Provides Stafford with a proven, reliable target in critical situations.
- Signals a shift in roster construction, after trading or releasing Kupp.
Risk:
- Adams will turn 33 in December 2025, and age-related decline is a concern.
- The Rams are committing significant cap space to the wide receiver position, which could limit flexibility elsewhere.
- If Adams struggles to adapt to McVay’s system, the guaranteed money could become a burden.
Grade: A
This signing is a bold move that positions the Rams as contenders in 2025. Adams’ production and leadership outweigh the risks, and the contract structure provides an out if needed. Pairing him with Nacua could make the Rams’ passing attack unstoppable.
3. NT Poona Ford – 3 years, up to $29.6 million
Analysis:
With Bobby Brown III signing with the Carolina Panthers, the Rams moved quickly to sign nose tackle Poona Ford to a three-year deal worth up to $29.6 million. Ford, who played for the Chargers in 2024, brings veteran presence and run-stopping ability to the middle of the Rams’ defensive line. This signing will solidify their interior defensive line.
Ford has been a consistent performer throughout his career, and at 29 years old, he should remain effective for the duration of the contract. The deal’s structure, with up to $29.6 million, suggests there are incentives tied to performance, which could align with the Rams’ goals of improving their run defense.
Impact:
- Strengthens the interior defensive line, addressing a key area of need.
- Provides stability and leadership on a young defense.
- Allows the Rams to allocate resources elsewhere, knowing the nose tackle position is secure.
Risk:
- The contract’s value is significant for a rotational player, and Ford will need to justify the investment.
- If Brown III signs elsewhere for less, the Rams may regret not re-signing him.
- Ford’s effectiveness could decline as he enters his 30s.
Grade: B
Ford is a solid addition, but the price tag feels slightly high for a player who isn’t an every-down starter. If he can anchor the run defense and stay healthy, this signing will pay dividends. However, the Rams will need to ensure they’re getting value for their investment.
4. C Coleman Shelton – Deal terms TBD (reportedly close to signing)
Analysis:
The Rams are reportedly finalizing a deal with center Coleman Shelton, who spent the first five years of his career in Los Angeles before playing elsewhere in 2024. Shelton’s familiarity with the Rams’ system and his versatility across the offensive line make him a logical target. While the terms of the deal are not yet public, this move suggests the Rams are prioritizing continuity and depth along the offensive line.
Shelton’s return could allow the Rams to shift players like Steve Avila back to guard, creating a more cohesive unit. However, the lack of finalized terms makes it difficult to fully evaluate the financial commitment.
Impact:
- Provides depth and versatility to the offensive line.
- Brings familiarity with McVay’s system, reducing the learning curve.
- Could allow for positional flexibility among other linemen.
Risk:
- Without knowing the contract details, it’s unclear if the Rams are overpaying for a backup.
- Shelton’s performance in 2024 (with another team) is unknown, so there could be concerns about regression.
- The Rams may need to address other needs, and this signing could limit cap space.
Grade: C+ (pending contract details)
Shelton’s return is a smart move for depth and familiarity, but the grade could shift depending on the contract terms. If the deal is cost-effective, this could be a steal. If it’s expensive, the Rams may regret not pursuing other options.
5. QB Jimmy Garoppolo – 1 year, $11 million
Analysis:
The Rams are bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo on a one-year, $11 million deal to continue serving as Matthew Stafford’s backup. Garoppolo, who joined the Rams in 2024, played in only one game last season, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the regular-season finale against the Seahawks. Despite limited playing time, head coach Sean McVay has praised Garoppolo’s professionalism and value in the quarterback room.
At 33 years old, Garoppolo is no longer viewed as a long-term starter, but his experience and familiarity with McVay’s system make him a reliable backup. The $11 million price tag is steep for a backup, but the Rams are prioritizing stability behind Stafford, especially given his injury history. This move also suggests the Rams are not planning to draft a quarterback early in 2025, though they could still add a developmental prospect later.
Impact:
- Provides a proven backup for Stafford, who has missed games due to injury in recent seasons.
- Brings veteran leadership and familiarity with the Rams’ system.
- Allows the Rams to focus on other positions in the draft, knowing the quarterback room is set.
Risk:
- The $11 million salary is high for a backup, especially with limited cap space.
- Garoppolo’s injury history and declining performance in recent years raise concerns.
- If Stafford stays healthy, Garoppolo may not see the field, making the investment less impactful.
Grade: B
Garoppolo’s return is a safe move for a team that values quarterback depth, but the price tag feels excessive for a player who may not play much. If Stafford misses time and Garoppolo steps up, this signing could prove valuable. Otherwise, it’s an expensive insurance policy.
Overall Assessment:
The Rams have been aggressive on the first day of free agency, addressing key needs at wide receiver, defensive line, offensive line, and quarterback. The signing of Davante Adams is the standout move, earning an A grade for its potential to transform the offense. Tutu Atwell’s re-signing is a gamble on potential, while Poona Ford’s addition strengthens the defense. Coleman Shelton’s return is a solid depth move, but the lack of contract details limits its evaluation. Jimmy Garoppolo’s re-signing provides stability but comes at a high cost for a backup.
Overall Free Agency Grade (March 10, 2025): B+
The Rams are building a roster capable of contending in 2025, with Adams and Ford providing immediate impact, and Garoppolo offering insurance. However, the financial commitments to Atwell, Ford, and Garoppolo carry some risk, and the Shelton deal needs clarification. If these moves pan out, the Rams could be one of the NFC’s top teams next season.
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