Los Angeles

Rams

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Atwell’s deal is fully-guaranteed. The former No. 57 overall pick hasn’t lived up to his lofty draft capital, but Atwell is coming off a career-high in catches (42) and receiving yards (562) and has totaled 81-1,045-3 over the last two seasons. The one-year deal makes a lot of sense for both parties, as Atwell is a four-year vet of Sean McVay’s system, and the Rams are rumored to be moving on from Cooper Kupp, which could create an opportunity for more targets in 2025. It’s unlikely Atwell will emerge as an every-down option, but the explosive receiver will undoubtedly have a role in 2025.

When asked about Kupp returning to the Rams for next season, Snead said, “There is a scenario, but when you get into probabilities that would be the least likely.” The Rams have been trying to find a trade partner for the 31-year-old but are still exploring options. Kupp is set to make $29.7 million next season, a number that is too big for the Rams and is likely a thorn in trade negotiations with other teams. He has still been a productive receiver, but Puka Nacua has become the alpha in the Rams offense. Expect the team to continue to look for a trade partner for Kupp, though if nothing works out, he could return through some contract re-negotiation.

Allen was a key starter at center for a Rams team that won Super Bowl LVI. Initially picked in the fourth round of the 2018 draft out of Michigan State, Allen became a full time starter in 2019. He sat out the 2020 season due to injury, but started 16 games in 2021. Named a Pro Bowl alternate that season, Allen instead went to the Super Bowl and won with the Rams. Injuries would derail his next two seasons in Los Angeles, eventually getting released last year. He spent last offseason with the Browns, but did not play in 2024 after suffering a calf injury and getting released. Allen comes away from his six-year career with a ring and the 29-year-old now heads into retirement.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that Tomlinson won the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award, given to college football’s top defensive back. Tomlinson played sparingly as a 2023 rookie and dealt with late-season injury issues. He was placed on the 2024 injured reserve list after suffering an undisclosed, season-ending preseason injury. Hopefully, a fresh start can revitalize a once-promising career.

Jackson had been given permission to seek a trade after signing a three-year deal worth $51 million last offseason. Jackson started one game at center for the Rams after missing the first eight weeks of the regular season with a nagging shoulder injury. In Chicago, Jackson will join an offensive line graded by Pro Football Focus as last year’s eighth best pass blocking unit. He’ll rejoin Ben Johnson, who was Detroit’s offensive coordinator when Jackson played for the Lions in 2021. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue reports the Bears will take on Jackson’s salary.

McVay says Stafford, 37, isn’t worried about the possibility of the team investing into a quarterback of the future. McVay didn’t mince words about his desire to retain Stafford as the team’s lead quarterback as long as he desires to play, but also said he wants to ensure he has somebody in place when Stafford is no longer “leading the way.” What that looks like is anybody’s guess, but it sounds like the Rams will pull the trigger on a young signal-caller if they think they’ve pinpointed a prospect who can lead them into the future.

It certainly doesn’t seem like the trade market has borne much fruit for the Rams. Kupp fell behind Deebo Samuel in the wideout trade pecking order, and with Kupp turning 32 in June it seems unlikely the Rams will be able to do better than the fifth-rounder the 49ers pulled from the Commanders for Samuel. This cracks the door open just a little for a Kupp return, though the Rams would likely want him to take a paycut from his $29.7 million cap figure. Kupp was targeted more than five times in a game just once in his final five games of last season, including the playoffs.

McVay said he expects to have a similar conversation with Stafford next season, while adding he wants Stafford to remain with the team as long as he’s interested in playing. We still don’t know the exact financial terms of Stafford’s re-worked deal, but it sounds like the team will only look to satisfy his contract demands for this season. That means we could get a repeat of this drama in 2026, while the Rams appear to have protected themselves against Stafford falling apart in 2025.

Havenstein appeared in 11 games for the Rams last season due to ankle and shoulder injuries that sidelined him for multiple weeks. Per PFF, the veteran tackle allowed three sacks and 20 pressures while earning a blocking grade of 74.1. He’ll be 33 at the start of next season and is entering the final year of his contract. Havenstein is entering the twilight of his career, but a strong 2025 could be enough for the Rams to retain him on a short-term deal next offseason.

Higbee missed most of the 2024 season due to a torn ACL he suffered late in the 2023 season. The veteran tight end caught 8-of-12 targets for 66 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in three games last season. He’ll be 32 next season and is on the final year of a two-year extension he signed in 2023. Higbee did catch 7-of-10 targets for 54 yards and a score against the Eagles in the playoffs, hinting at a bigger role for 2025 now that he has passed the early recovery stages of the ACL tear.