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https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...ency-draft-trades-extensions-coaching-changes
Move I liked: Receiving a future first-round pick in a draft-day trade with Atlanta
Move I disliked: Re-signing WR Tutu Atwell
The Rams' offseason was great because it involved moves that will help the team win now and later.
The offseason began with rumors that Stafford could be leaving, and the Rams granted him permission to talk to other teams to discuss his value. Though Stafford had conversations with the Giants and Raiders, he ended up re-signing with Los Angeles on a reworked deal that pays him a fully guaranteed $40 million in 2025 and a non-guaranteed $40 million in 2026. That's a good value for the team, considering Stafford's ability.
This seemed well-played by the Rams, who to some degree called Stafford's bluff. Stafford got more money from them than he previously was slated for, but they were able to keep a top quarterback at an affordable price.
The team also made two other high-priced moves to support its QB. Most notably, the Rams signed wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year deal that averages $22 million per season (and includes $26 million fully guaranteed). At 32, Adams is not the player he once was, though he managed 2.1 yards per route run last season and his open score in ESPN's receiving metrics was a more-than-respectable 77.
There are no guarantees, but I like this move, especially coupled with the team's decision to release Cooper Kupp. He is also 32 but is three years removed from his latest 1,000-yard season. The Rams were right to move on.
L.A. also re-signed left tackle Alaric Jackson to a three-year deal that averages under $18.8 million per year with $35.4 million fully guaranteed, per Roster Management System. Jackson has become a plus starter at tackle and was above average last season in pass block win rate and run block win rate.
The Rams also scored big in the trade market. Most notably, they traded down with Atlanta on draft night in a deal that netted Los Angeles picks 46 and 242 and a 2026 first-rounder for Nos. 26 and 101. This was a big score, as the Rams came away in great shape in terms of average value but with upside for much more. If the Falcons fail this season -- which is squarely in the range of outcomes -- the Rams will have netted themselves a very high pick. And with Stafford being 37 years old, that pick could help bring them his successor.
They also pulled a coup in trading guard Jonah Jackson to the Bears. The Rams were on the hook for $8.5 million in guaranteed money out of a total $17.5 million owed to Jackson -- whom the Rams tried to move to center before he suffered an injury and was later benched. At that price, Jackson was a potential cut candidate, and if he was going to be traded, I figured the Rams would have to eat a portion of the contract.
I figured wrong. The Bears came in and gave the Rams a sixth-round pick to take Jackson and the full contract off their hands.
Not everything was perfect, though. The Rams signed Atwell to a one-year, $10 million deal that had me wondering: Who was clamoring to pay him $9 million?
Los Angeles Rams: A
Biggest move: Retaining QB Matthew StaffordMove I liked: Receiving a future first-round pick in a draft-day trade with Atlanta
Move I disliked: Re-signing WR Tutu Atwell
The Rams' offseason was great because it involved moves that will help the team win now and later.
The offseason began with rumors that Stafford could be leaving, and the Rams granted him permission to talk to other teams to discuss his value. Though Stafford had conversations with the Giants and Raiders, he ended up re-signing with Los Angeles on a reworked deal that pays him a fully guaranteed $40 million in 2025 and a non-guaranteed $40 million in 2026. That's a good value for the team, considering Stafford's ability.
This seemed well-played by the Rams, who to some degree called Stafford's bluff. Stafford got more money from them than he previously was slated for, but they were able to keep a top quarterback at an affordable price.
The team also made two other high-priced moves to support its QB. Most notably, the Rams signed wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year deal that averages $22 million per season (and includes $26 million fully guaranteed). At 32, Adams is not the player he once was, though he managed 2.1 yards per route run last season and his open score in ESPN's receiving metrics was a more-than-respectable 77.
There are no guarantees, but I like this move, especially coupled with the team's decision to release Cooper Kupp. He is also 32 but is three years removed from his latest 1,000-yard season. The Rams were right to move on.
L.A. also re-signed left tackle Alaric Jackson to a three-year deal that averages under $18.8 million per year with $35.4 million fully guaranteed, per Roster Management System. Jackson has become a plus starter at tackle and was above average last season in pass block win rate and run block win rate.
The Rams also scored big in the trade market. Most notably, they traded down with Atlanta on draft night in a deal that netted Los Angeles picks 46 and 242 and a 2026 first-rounder for Nos. 26 and 101. This was a big score, as the Rams came away in great shape in terms of average value but with upside for much more. If the Falcons fail this season -- which is squarely in the range of outcomes -- the Rams will have netted themselves a very high pick. And with Stafford being 37 years old, that pick could help bring them his successor.
They also pulled a coup in trading guard Jonah Jackson to the Bears. The Rams were on the hook for $8.5 million in guaranteed money out of a total $17.5 million owed to Jackson -- whom the Rams tried to move to center before he suffered an injury and was later benched. At that price, Jackson was a potential cut candidate, and if he was going to be traded, I figured the Rams would have to eat a portion of the contract.
I figured wrong. The Bears came in and gave the Rams a sixth-round pick to take Jackson and the full contract off their hands.
Not everything was perfect, though. The Rams signed Atwell to a one-year, $10 million deal that had me wondering: Who was clamoring to pay him $9 million?
