As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for the 2025 NFL offseason, the team finds itself in a strong position to build on its recent success. After winning the NFC West in 2024 with a 10-7 record and advancing to the Divisional Round, the Rams are looking to solidify their roster for another playoff push. With quarterback Matthew Stafford returning for at least one more year on a restructured contract, and key re-signings of wide receiver Tutu Atwell and left tackle Alaric Jackson, the Rams have laid a foundation for continuity. However, with several roster needs and a projected $40.7 million in salary cap space (per OverTheCap), the Rams must strategically target free agents to address gaps and enhance their Super Bowl aspirations. This article explores the team’s recent moves, identifies critical areas of need, and highlights potential free-agent targets.
Recent Moves: Stafford, Atwell, and Jackson
Matthew Stafford’s Restructured Contract
The Rams’ offseason began with a critical decision regarding their veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Turning 37 in February 2025, Stafford remains a cornerstone of the team’s success, having led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2021 and two playoff appearances since. However, his contract, with a cap hit of $49.7 million in 2025, posed a challenge for roster flexibility. The Rams and Stafford agreed to a restructured deal, converting a significant portion of his $23 million base salary into bonus money spread over future years. This move lowered his 2025 cap hit, freeing up additional cap space while ensuring Stafford’s return for at least one more season. While the restructure provides short-term relief, it also underscores the need to plan for the future at the quarterback position, as Stafford’s long-term tenure remains uncertain.
Re-Signing Tutu Atwell
Wide receiver Tutu Atwell, a 2021 second-round pick, has been a polarizing figure in the Rams’ offense. Despite limited snaps behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, Atwell showcased his speed and playmaking ability in 2024, finishing with 42 receptions for 562 yards. With Kupp potentially on the trade block and Demarcus Robinson also a free agent, the Rams prioritized retaining Atwell, signing him to a one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed deal. At 25 years old, Atwell offers a complementary deep threat and gadget player role, fitting well within Sean McVay’s motion-heavy offensive scheme. His familiarity with the system and potential for growth make him a valuable piece, though the Rams must still address the receiver room’s depth and future beyond 2025.
Re-Signing Alaric Jackson
Left tackle Alaric Jackson, an undrafted free agent in 2021, emerged as a cornerstone of the Rams’ offensive line in 2024, protecting Stafford’s blindside effectively. His breakout performance, with just three sacks allowed in 893 snaps (per Pro Football Focus), made him a priority to re-sign. The Rams secured Jackson with a three-year contract including $35 million in guarantees, a move that ensures continuity at a premium position. At 26 years old, Jackson’s youth and upside make him a cost-effective solution compared to the market for top-tier tackles. However, with right tackle Rob Havenstein aging and oft-injured, the Rams must still address the tackle position’s long-term future.
Roster Needs and Strategic Priorities
With Stafford, Atwell, and Jackson locked in, the Rams have addressed key areas of their roster. However, several needs remain, particularly at wide receiver, offensive line depth, linebacker, and cornerback. The team’s defensive front is solid, but improvements in the back seven could elevate the unit. Additionally, with Stafford’s age and contract situation, planning for the quarterback succession is a long-term priority. Here’s a breakdown of the Rams’ needs and potential free-agent targets:
Wide Receiver: Replacing Departures and Adding Depth
The Rams’ receiver room faces uncertainty beyond Nacua and Atwell. Cooper Kupp’s potential trade and Demarcus Robinson’s free agency leave gaps in experience and production. While rookie Jordan Whittington showed promise, the Rams need a veteran presence and additional depth to complement their young core.
- Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Godwin’s versatility as a slot/outside receiver aligns with McVay’s scheme. His 2024 production (projected 90+ receptions, 1,100+ yards) and familiarity with pressure situations make him a strong fit. His market value, estimated at $18 million per year, could be a significant investment for the Rams.
- Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders): At 32, Adams remains one of the league’s elite route-runners, with projected 2024 stats of 100+ receptions and 1,200+ yards. His veteran leadership and ability to win contested catches could stabilize the receiver room, though his age and potential cost ($20-22 million annually) require careful cap management.
- Darius Slayton (New York Giants): Slayton’s speed and deep-threat ability (projected 50+ receptions, 700+ yards in 2024) complement Atwell and Nacua. At 28 years old, he offers a cost-effective option, with an estimated market value of $8-10 million annually, making him a budget-friendly addition for depth and playmaking.
Offensive Line: Depth and Succession Planning
While Jackson’s re-signing addresses the left tackle position, the Rams must bolster depth and plan for the future at right tackle and center. Rob Havenstein’s injury history and age (32 in 2025) necessitate a contingency plan, and rookie Beaux Limmer’s development at center remains uncertain.
- Jonah Williams (Arizona Cardinals): A versatile tackle with experience at both left and right, Williams could serve as a swing tackle or eventual replacement for Havenstein. His estimated market value ($15 million annually) aligns with the Rams’ budget, offering flexibility.
- Cam Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars): Robinson’s experience at left tackle and potential to transition to the right side make him an intriguing option. His physicality fits the Rams’ run-heavy approach, though his injury history could lower his cost to $12-14 million per year.
- Mike Onwenu (New England Patriots): A guard/tackle hybrid, Onwenu provides depth across the line. His 2024 performance (projected 80+ grade per PFF) and affordability ($10-12 million annually) make him a budget-friendly addition.
Linebacker: Adding Speed and Coverage Ability
The Rams’ linebacker corps, led by Omar Speights,lacks depth and coverage ability. Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder (both pending free agents) are serviceable but not dynamic, and the team needs a playmaker to complement their defensive front.
- Dre Greenlaw (San Francisco 49ers): Greenlaw’s speed and coverage skills (projected 80+ tackles, 5+ passes defended in 2024) make him a perfect fit for Chris Shula’s defense. His familiarity with NFC West schemes and estimated $10-12 million annual value align with the Rams’ budget.
- Devin Bush (Cleveland Browns): A budget-friendly option, Bush offers experience and upside. His 2024 stats (projected 60+ tackles, 2+ passes defended) and estimated $5-7 million annual value make him a depth piece with starting potential.
Cornerback: Upgrading the Back Seven
The Rams’ secondary improved in 2024 but lacks a shutdown corner. Ahkello Witherspoon’s free agency leaves questions, and the team needs a veteran to anchor the unit.
- Charvarius Ward (San Francisco 49ers): Ward’s 2024 performance (projected 70+ tackles, 15+ passes defended) makes him a top-tier target. His familiarity with NFC West competition and estimated annual value of $15-17 million fit the Rams’ budget for a splash signing.
- Donte Jackson (Carolina Panthers): Jackson’s speed and ball skills (projected 5+ interceptions in 2024) address the Rams’ need for playmaking. His estimated annual value of $10-12 million offers value, though his inconsistency requires evaluation.
- Jonathan Jones (New England Patriots): A slot corner with versatility, Jones provides depth and experience. His 2024 stats (projected 50+ tackles, 10+ passes defended) and affordability ($8-10 million annually) make him a cost-effective addition.
Quarterback Succession: Planning for the Future
While Stafford’s restructure ensures his 2025 return, the Rams must begin planning for life after him. Stetson Bennett’s development remains uncertain, and the 2025 quarterback draft class (e.g., Quinn Ewers, Carson Beck) offers mid-round options. However, free agency could provide a bridge or reclamation project.
- Jimmy Garoppolo (Los Angeles Rams): Garoppolo, currently with the Rams as Stafford’s backup, could be re-signed as a bridge starter or high-end backup. His familiarity with McVay’s system and 2024 performance (projected limited starts, 1,000+ yards, 8+ touchdowns) make him a viable option. His estimated $10-12 million annual value aligns with the Rams’ budget, though his injury history requires caution.
- Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers): At 36, Wilson offers veteran leadership and mobility. His 2024 stats (projected 3,000+ yards, 20+ touchdowns) and potential cost ($10-12 million annually) make him a short-term option, though his fit requires evaluation. I don’t see this as a viable option.
- Justin Fields (Pittsburgh Steelers): Fields, at 26, offers a dynamic dual-threat skill set with untapped potential. His 2024 performance (projected 2,500+ passing yards, 800+ rushing yards, 20+ total touchdowns) makes him an intriguing reclamation project or bridge starter. His estimated $15-18 million annual value aligns with the Rams’ budget, though his development as a passer requires evaluation.
Strategic Considerations and Salary Cap Management
The Rams’ projected $40.7 million in cap space (after Stafford’s restructure) offers flexibility, but strategic moves are necessary to maximize value. Trading Cooper Kupp and Jonah Jackson (combined $14.7 million in 2025 cap savings, per OverTheCap) could free up additional space, though dead money in 2026 ($58.7 million combined) requires careful planning. Re-signing Ernest Jones and Michael Hoecht, both pending free agents, should also be prioritized, potentially costing $15-20 million annually combined.
To balance immediate needs and future flexibility, the Rams should focus on mid-tier free agents (e.g., Jonah Williams, Dre Greenlaw, Jonathan Jones) while reserving cap space for draft picks and potential extensions. Splashing on a high-end receiver (e.g., Chris Godwin, Davante Adams) could be viable if Kupp is traded, but the team must avoid overpaying for aging veterans (e.g., Adams, Russell Wilson). Adding a cost-effective option like Darius Slayton could provide depth without breaking the bank, while targeting a young quarterback like Justin Fields could address long-term needs.
Wrap Up
The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2025 free agency period with a clear path to contention. Matthew Stafford’s restructured contract, Tutu Atwell’s re-signing, and Alaric Jackson’s extension provide a foundation, but strategic additions are necessary to address roster needs. Targeting receivers like Chris Godwin, Davante Adams, or Darius Slayton, offensive linemen like Jonah Williams or Cam Robinson, linebackers like Dre Greenlaw or Devin Bush, and cornerbacks like Charvarius Ward or Donte Jackson could elevate the team. Planning for the quarterback succession, whether through free agency (e.g., Jimmy Garoppolo, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields) or the draft, is also critical.
With $40.7 million in cap space and potential savings from trades, the Rams have the resources to make impactful moves. By balancing immediate needs with long-term planning, Les Snead and Sean McVay can position the Rams for another Super Bowl run in 2025 and beyond.
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