Rams 2026 Mock Offseason: Building The Perfect Offseason

The Los Angeles Rams 2025 season went very similarly to the one in 2024. The Rams came just four points and a few plays away from representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. It was the sign that the front office needed that this younger core was ready to be a legitimate contender.

With the window closing with Matthew Stafford as the quarterback, the Rams will be looking to capitalize on that, especially following an MVP season. With two first-round picks and cap space, the Rams will have flexibility in how they approach the offseason.

This will be one of the more exciting offseasons in recent memory. Les Snead should once again have an ‘all in’ mindset which could lead to some exciting moves. They are right there with the top contenders in the NFC. Now, it’s about getting over the hump to compete for another Lombardi Trophy.

Below, I’ll attempt to predict how the Rams will approach the next few months by laying out a full-scale mock offseason that includes potential extensions, free agency signings, and draft picks, all while keeping a running log of the team’s cap space.

As a note, the Rams have already made some moves. However, we’re not accounting for those unless it’s a move that I also decide to make. While I waited longer than usual to do my mock offseason, we also have a very clear picture on who will be available once free agency officially begins.

Los Angeles Rams Salary Cap Room, before the NFL Combine: ~ $41.6-million

Los Angeles Rams depth chart entering offseason (practice squad and IR included)

Offense

QB – Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett

RB – Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter, Ronnie Rivers, Jordan Waters,

WR – Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Scott, Brennan Presley, Tru Edwards, Mario Williams

TE – Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, Nick Vannett, Mark Redman

RT – Warren McClendon, David Quessenberry

LT – Alaric Jackson, DJ Humphries, AJ Arcuri

RG – Kevin Dotson, Justin Dedich

LG – Steve Avila, Dylan McMahon, Wyatt Bowles,

C – Coleman Shelton, Beaux Limmer

Defense

DE – Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Ty Hamilton

NT – Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, Bill Norton

EDGE – Jared Verse, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Keir Thomas, Nick Hampton

ILB – Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Troy Reeder, Eli Neal

CB – Darious Williams, Emmanuel Forbes, Ahkello Witherspoon,Cobie Durant, Roger McCreary, Joshua Wallace, Derion Kendrick, Cam Lampkin, Alex Johnson,

S – Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Tanner Ingle, Nate Valcarcel

S – Special Teams

P – Ethan Evans

K – Harrison Mevis

LS – Jake McQuaide

*Note: Italicized players indicate pending free agents

*Note: The offseason salary cap uses the team’s top 51 cap hits, which factors into how much cap room new contracts will take off the books. For example, if the Rams sign a player that has a $1 million cap hit, you subtract the 51st-highest cap hit (e.g. $500,000) from the $1 million, equaling an additional ~$500,000 on this year’s cap from the new contract. All contract information comes from Over The Cap and Spotrac. I will always take the lower project cap number for a more realistic and conservative approach.

Rams’ top needs: CB, OL, WR, LB

Work the Cap

Trade for CB Trent McDuffie

For the record, making a move for Trent McDuffie is something that I would have done before the trade was made last week. It was something that I wrote about last month and the type of move that was needed to take this secondary to the next level. McDuffie is a great fit as a versatile chess piece and someone that fits the Rams’ profile at the position.

Rams Receive: Trent McDuffie

Chiefs Receive: No. 29 overall pick + 2026 5th round pick + 2027 3rdround pick

Cut CB Darious Williams

It was reported over the weekend that cornerback Darious Williams retired. Either way, Williams wasn’t returning and the Rams will save $7.5 million in cap space. Williams may be one of the best undrafted free agent finds of the Les Snead era. His pick six against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2020 playoffs is iconic. However, after last year, it was time to move on.

Restructure WR Davante Adams

Heading into the season, Adams has a cap hit of $28 million. While Adams was good last season, it’s hard to see him playing on that number in 2026. According to Spotrac, the Rams can process a simple salary conversion and open up some cap space here. This would drop Adams’ cap hit from $28 million down to $14.6 million which is much more manageable.

Restructure LT Alaric Jackson

Another contract that the Rams can restructure is Alaric Jackson’s. Processing a conversion on Jackson’s contract can drop his cap hit from $25.4 million down to $11.2 million. While it shouldn’t be expected that the Rams will be big spenders in free agency, this would give them flexibility to sign a player or two.

Running Cap Total: $68.2 million

The Rams have already moved on from Darious Williams via his retirement. However, the contract restructures will be something to watch. This is something that the Rams haven’t been very aggressive with, especially as they’ve cleaned up their salary cap over the last two years. However, the clean slate should allow them to start being more aggressive again to open up cap space.

Stay or Go: Impending Los Angeles Rams Free Agents

*Note: Contract numbers are based on market values set by Pro Football Focus and Spotrac.

Place ERFA Tender on K Harrison Mevis

Bringing in competition for Mevis should certainly be considered. With that said, Mevis was consistent once he took over and should be brought back. The ERFA price tag makes sense.

ERFA Tender: 1 year, $1.01 million

Place ERFA Tender on iOL Justin Dedich

Justin Dedich has shown that he’s at least a good spot starter on the interior. He can play both guard spots, and that’s a valuable piece to have as depth on the offensive line. The ERFA price tag makes this a no-brainer.

Contract: 1 year, $1.08-million

Sign S Kam Curl

The Rams typically haven’t re-signed safeties, but Curl is a must re-sign. Curl was arguably one of the best run-defending and tackling safeties in the NFL last season. He finally found his role in the Rams’ defense and he thrived. This is a deal that the Rams officially got done, but it’s also something they needed to do before the start of free agency. We’ll follow a similar structure here as Josh Metellus who signed a three-year, $36 million contract at safety last offseason

Contract: 3 years, $36 million

Estimated 2026 cap hit: $4.7 million

Sign CB Roger McCreary

My guess here is that the Rams bring back one of Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary. Given McCreary’s injury last year, it’s hard to envision exactly how he fits in the defense. Meanwhile, an argument can be made that Durant was the Rams’ best cornerback towards the end of last season and in the playoffs. He had the one gaffe in the playoffs against the Bears, but he’s consistently been one of the more productive cornerbacks on the ball for the Rams. McCreary may be a better fit right now because of his ability in the slot. He’s also the cheaper option. According to PFF, Durant could cost upwards of $10 million a year. Meanwhile, the number for McCreary ranges from $3 million via PFF and $6.2 million via Spotrac.

Contract: 2 years, $12.3 million

Estimated 2026 cap hit: $7.3 million

Move on from…

• WR Tutu Atwell
• CB Cobie Durant
• CB Ahkello Witherspoon
• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• TE Tyler Higbee
• OT DJ Humphries
• WR Xavier Smith
• OT David Quessenberry
• LS Jake McQuaide
• TE Nick Vannett
• LB Troy Reeder
• CB Derion Kendrick
• EDGE Nick Hampton
• EDGE Keir Thomas
• RB Ronnie Rivers

Some of these are very difficult decisions. The Rams ended up bringing back Tyler Higbee, but an argument can be made that it was time to move on. Higbee hasn’t been effective over the last two years. David Quessenberry is also a player that the Rams opted to bring back. While the Rams may want to bring back Jimmy Garoppolo, he’s going to have a market. The Tutu Atwell experiment has played out and both sides need to go their own directions. Xavier Smith is another player that the Rams tendered, but he’s limited as a receiver and ineffective as a returner.

Draft pick allotment

Before the Los Angeles Rams dive headfirst into free agency, we need to account for how much their 2026 draft class and the signing bonuses for undrafted free agents will count against the cap. According to OverTheCap, the cap space needed for the draft class is just $4.8M.

Rams’ Salary Cap room before free agency: ~$53.18-million

Unrestricted free agency

*Begins March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET

Sign CB Riq Woolen

There are two players that I am watching in free agency at cornerback for the Rams. Those players are Riq Woolen and Jaylen Watson. Woolen has experience in the NFC West and is just 25 years old. He gives the Rams a unique mix of size and speed on the outside which they currently lack. His height, weight, and arm length are all above the 95th percentile. Watson could be an option as well given his familiarity with Trent McDuffie. The Rams have paired teammates together in the past. However, my choice is Woolen as he is the perfect fit as the CB2 in the Rams defense.

Contract: 3 years, $45 million

Estimated 2026 cap hit: $13.15 million

Sign EDGE Leonard Floyd

Floyd may not be the most exciting signing, but he might be exactly what the Rams need on the edge. The Rams need an experienced player that can be a leader along the defensive line and pass rush. There is some familiarity here and Floyd knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Floyd isn’t going to get 10 sacks a season like he would in his prime, but he can still be productive in a rotational role and provide a veteran presence with Jared Verse and Byron Young.

Contract: 1 year, $8.9 million

Estimated 2026 cap hit: $8.9 million

Sign TE Charlie Kolar

This is how I’m replacing Tyler Higbee. At this point, it makes the most sense for Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson to lead the tight end group. Kolar brings some upside as a receiver, but his value comes as a blocker. Signing Kolar would add depth to the tight end room and allow the Rams to continue building what they started in 13 personnel last year.

Contract: 1 year, $1.67 million

Estimated 2026 cap hit: $1.67 million

Sign OT Josh Jones

The Rams still need a swing tackle on the offensive line and Josh Jones would be a great fit. Jones is an experienced player with significant snaps at both left and right tackle. One of Jones’ best games last year came against the Rams in Week 16.

Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million

Estimated 2026 cap hit: $3.5 million

Rams’ Salary Cap room before the draft: ~$25.96 million

2026 NFL Draft

*Draft simulation completed using Mock Draft Database’s Mock Draft Simulator

Now that the Rams have taken care of some of their own and addressed a few needs in free agency, it’s time to look at the draft. The Rams will have a first-round pick and will be selecting 13th overall. At that spot, they’ll be looking to add a potential young, star player and then fill out the rest of the draft with depth and role players.

Rams’ top needs, post-free agency: WR, QB, OL, LB

The Pick at 21: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

TRADE: Rams receive Pick 21 and 53 via the Steelers and trade back from 13

It’s very possible that the Rams end up moving back from the 13th overall pick and try to recoup some of the lost draft capital from the Trent McDuffie trade. The board at 13 simply might not be attractive enough for the Rams to stay at that spot and make a pick. After not being able to bring back Jimmy Garoppolo, a quarterback makes too much sense right here. Simpson would play the role of the Rams’ backup in 2026 while learning behind Matthew Stafford. It’s also the perfect landing spot for Simpson who won’t have to start right away. Simpson fits right into the Rams offense from a schematic standpoint. He needs to get better at handling pressure, but this is a player that the Rams and McVay will like.

The Pick at 53: OL Gennings Dunker, Iowa

The Rams need offensive line depth that can potentially develop into a starting-caliber player. Both Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson are entering the final year of their contracts. It’s possible that the Rams aren’t going to be able to bring back both players. Having a backup plan to Warren McClendon at right tackle also makes sense. Dunker provides flexibility for both options, but projects better as a guard in the NFL. Dunker provides immediate depth, but has starting upside.

The Pick at 61: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

It’s hard to find a more Rams wide receiver in the draft than Sarratt. The Rams may look more towards a field stretcher at wide receiver. However, Sarratt fits the typical Rams archetype at the position. Sarratt isn’t extremely fast, but he’s a great route-runner and fantastic on in-breaking routes. Despite having Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the Rams need to upgrade at their third wide receiver spot. Sarratt does that and also provides someone that has stepped up when his number is called in late-game situations.

The Pick at 115: DL Zane Durant, Penn State

TRADE: Rams receive Pick 115, pick 161, and a 2027 5th via the Ravens and trade back from 93

There may not be a better fit on the defensive line in the draft for the Rams than Zane Durant. Much like Sarratt, Durant fits the Rams’ archetype on the defensive line. He’s slightly undersized, but he makes up for that with his speed and an extremely quick get-off. Durant has room to grow as a pass rusher, but he’s feisty against the run.

The Pick at 161: LB Taurean York, Texas A&M

York is another player that is slightly undersized, but the Rams have a history of getting value out of those players. The Texas A&M linebacker is only 5’11 with 30-inch arms, but he’s one of the smartest linebackers in the class. This is someone that could potentially push Speights as he complements Nate Landman well. He was the second-highest graded linebacker in coverage last season via PFF.

The Pick at 207: iOL Matt Gulbin, Michigan State

Earlier in the offseason, I was able to bring back Justin Dedich as interior depth. However, it was just a one-year deal and there are still some uncertainties with Beaux Limmer. Gulbin played at center last season for Michigan State, but has played across all three positions along the interior. If he develops well, Gulbin could take over for Coleman Shelton.

The Pick at 231: TE Dallen Bentley

It may seem odd taking another tight end after signing one in free agency. However, if the Rams continue in 13 personnel, keeping five tight ends on the roster makes sense. Bentley also provides someone that can take over for Davis Allen as he is on the final year of his rookie contract.

The Pick at 250: RB Chip Trayanum, Toledo

With Ronnie Rivers not returning, the Rams do need some depth at running back behind Jarquez Hunter. Trayanum brings special teams upside and is 225-pounds. He’s a power runner which the Rams lack.

The Pick at 251: S Devan Boykin, Indiana

This is another special teams pick with the hope that Boykin can also compete with Jaylen McCollough. He’s an extremely versatile player as Indiana lined him up all over the field. His real impact will be on special teams where he has extensive experience.

Other Offseason Business

Decline Emmanuel Forbes’ Fifth-Year Option

The Rams must decide by May 1 whether or not to take on Emmanuel Forbes’ fifth-year option. Forbes’ fifth-year option is set to cost $12.6 million. It’s hard to see the Rams bringing Forbes back at that price. They may re-sign him next offseason, but it won’t be at the $12.6 million price.

Extend CB Trent McDuffie

It’s very possible that the Rams could wait to get McDuffie done until after the season to see how he fits into the defense. With that said, the Rams may just try to get this done as soon as they can. It’s been reported that the Rams and McDuffie are close on making him the highest paid cornerback in the NFL.

Contract: 4 years, $122 million ($30.5M APY)

Extend WR Puka Nacua

The Rams shouldn’t wait on Puka Nacua. He’s proven over the last two years that he’s a top-three wide receiver. Since being drafted in the fifth-round, he’s been one of the most valuable players in the NFL. It’s time for the Rams to reward Nacua. An average of $38.5 million per year would put him higher than Justin Jefferson but behind Ja’Marr Chase.

Contract: 4 years, $154 million ($38.5M APY)

Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart Post-2026 NFL Draft

Offense

QB – Matthew Stafford, Ty Simpson, Stetson Bennett

RB – Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter, Jordan Waters, Chip Trayanum

WR – Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Elijah Sarratt, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Tyler Scott, Brennan Presley, Tru Edwards, Mario Williams

TE – Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Charlie Kolar, Davis Allen, Dallen Bentley, Mark Redman

RT – Warren McClendon, Josh Jones

LT – Alaric Jackson, AJ Arcuri

RG – Kevin Dotson, Justin Dedich

LG – Steve Avila, Gennings Dunker, Dylan McMahon, Wyatt Bowles

C – Coleman Shelton, Beaux Limmer, Matt Gulbin

Defense

DE – Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Ty Hamilton, Zane Durant

NT – Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, Bill Norton

EDGE – Jared Verse, Byron Young, Leonard Floyd, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson

ILB – Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Taurean York, Eli Neal

CB – Trent McDuffie, Riq Woolen, Roger McCreary, Emmanuel Forbes, Joshua Wallace, Cam Lampkin, Alex Johnson

S – Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Devan Boykin, Tanner Ingle, Nate Valcarcel

S – Special Teams

P – Ethan Evans

K – Harrison Mevis

LS –

This would give the Rams 69 players heading into training camp next year with the potential to add some undrafted free agents and make another late free agent signing or two.

Wrapping Up

Overall, there will be some that won’t like if this is the direction that the Rams go primarily because of the Ty Simpson pick. However, this should be the expectation for the Rams offseason. The immediate needs will be addressed in free agency while their future will be addressed in the draft. There are several directions that they can go and this is one of them.

Defensively, the secondary gets the revamp that is needed since the team moved on from Jalen Ramsey. McDuffie becomes the star player on defense at cornerback while Woolen is a known commodity with upside across from him. Bringing back McCreary gives the Rams another option in the slot and Forbes goes from being a starter to a depth player.

Some will want the Rams to do more at linebacker, but it’s hard to see them being aggressive at that position. Still, the Rams add another pass rusher with experience that can lead that group forward in Floyd.

The controversial move is Simpson, but with less competition to get the QB2 of this draft, it’s also an opportunity for the Rams to take advantage of that. Also in the draft, the Rams get a solid WR3 and some key offensive line depth.

While I have around $25 million left over, this is enough to mitigate some contract inaccuracies with the 2026 cap hit projected by Spotrac. That should also account for some of the contract extensions and give the Rams some cap space if they want to make an in-season signing or trade.

The question is whether or not this would be enough to get the Rams to make a Super Bowl push. That would still be very much up in the air. However, these types of moves would put the Rams in a good position to continue to be top contenders in the NFC in 2026.