10 of our boldest predictions for the Los Angeles Rams 2025 offseason

With the opportunity for NFL teams to designate players who are facing expiring contracts with either the Franchise or Transitional tags, the Los Angeles Rams have managed to draw close enough to the 2025 NFL season to warrant another gaze into the crystal ball. If you haven't guessed what that means, it's time to give Punxatawny Phil, that weather forecasting groundhog, a run for his money at prognosticating.

We tried our hand at the 10 bold prediction for 2024, and feel that we batted .500. The only matters of dispute was the fact that the team did not extend C Coleman Shelton, and the team did re-sign DB John Johnson III. In Shelton's case, the team did intend on extending Shelton, but the front office pivoted to Detroit Lions IOL Jonah Jackson instead. And in the case of John Johnson III, the team did not re-sign JJIII until the team needed his veteran leadership back to help a secondary deal with unexpected injuries.

10 bold predictions for LA Rams 2025 offseason

There is plenty of canvas to paint on regarding bold predictions, as almost anything is within the realms of possibilities. After all, the teams has already shown its hand insomuch as the team will be parting ways from veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp. And if the team is unable to lure Matthew Stafford to return to training camp with their price, that relationship is entire severable now as well.

It's that severability of the contract that has pitted Stafford and the Rams at opposite ring posts.

But while 'Anything Goes,' is as good of a theme as any for the Rams this offseason, it's not the rule. More options make the act of nailing bold predictions more challenging. But, who doesn't love a challenge? So let's dive into the maelstrom and see what our crystal ball can scry this year:

(10) - Rams will extend four defensive players, including:

In the past two seasons, the Rams front office has been more willing and generous in extending players on the offensive side of the football. Of course, with a new defensive coordinator hired in 2024 named Chris Shula, the plan was almost certainly to add new players whose skills aligned with what Shula wanted to emphasize in his defense.

Now with a successful and better-than-expected 2024 under their belts, the team has a solid 'feel' of what does and does not work. Armed with that knowledge and experience, it makes far more sense for the team to want to build on 2024's success by trying to retain some level of continuity. From the projected exodus of players on expiring contracts, the team truly cannot afford to lose some key players in 2025. They are:

• DT/OLB Michael Hoecht - A versatile defensive chess piece that is at home in either a two-point or three-point stance. He affords the team significant versatility to flex defensive looks and assignments.
• NT Bobby Brown III - One of the unsung heroes of the defense. Like the shade of a mighty oak tree, Bobby Brown's ability to gobble blockers on the line of scrimmage shades his linebackers enough to allow them to step up and make huge stops.
• DB John Johnson III - While injured through 2024, there were signs of JJIII throughout the secondary last season. John Johnson is adept at both run and pass defense, a trait that he seems to have passed on to younger safeties on the Rams roster. His leadership is vital to 2025, even if his on-field time is limited to a rotational role.
• LB Christian Rozeboom or Troy Reeder, but not both - The Rams' defense got a B-12 shot after undrafted linebacker Omar Speights finally started for the team. But that is not to say that the team can just write off all veteran linebackers. If the team wants a serviceable, but not particularly outstanding, backup linebacker for 2025, Rozeboom is the logical choice. If the team is more interested in special teams play, then Reeder is the logical choice. But it will be one or the other, not both.

(9) - Rams will extend WR Tutu Atwell to a team-friendly one-year deal

The Rams' offense faces a massive exodus of play-makers from the wide receiver room. While both wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson have expressed a deep desire to remain with the team for 2025, I'm not certain that either veteran will get his wish. The Rams are pivoting to feature third-year wide receiver Puka Nacua. And his sidekick will almost certainly be second-year wide receiver Jordan Whittington.

With the expired contracts of Tyler Johnson and Tutu Atwell too, can the offense hope to be effective in 2025 with so many moving parts at the skill positions?

The more I think about it, the more I am convincing myself that the team will re-sign Tutu Atwell to a team friendly one-year contract. While that may not seem to pass the litmus test at first glance, hear me out before giving it two thumbs down.

Of all wide receivers on the move this offseason, it's not controversial to project Tutu Atwell's market as one of the softest of the bunch. Atwell has never been used properly in the Rams offensive scheme, despite delivering everything that has been asked of him. But he has toggled remarkably well from starter to rotational receiver to bench warmer throughout the 2024 NFL season. That level of flexibility alone should make him a priority to bring back in 2025.

The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with tight ends, and the Rams front office has tried to land an elite tight end in each of the past two drafts. If that pattern continues in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Rams will be adding a rookie tight end to the roster for 2025. No Rams receiver is more equipped to amplify the team's 12-personnel package than Tutu Atwell.

Over his four NFL seasons, Atwell may not have flirted with 1000+ receiving yards, but he showed steady and continuous growth and development in an offense that seemed far-too-reluctant to throw his way. And despite being a stretch-the-field type of receiver, he put up a 60.4 percent catch rate. And his minor role in the offense did not stunt his average yards per reception, which clocks in at 13.6 YPC.

If the Rams intend to become more explosive on offense, retaining the most explosive player on offense is the best first step in that direction.

(8) - Rams will sign at least 2 veteran FAs in 2nd wave of free agency

The LA Rams roared to life in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market. Not only did the ink IOL Kevin Dotson to a long-sought extension, but the team signed free agent defensive back Kamren Curl, defensive back Tre'Davious White, and interior offensive lineman Jonah Jackson as well. Unfortunately, despite the aggressive intentions of the team, the return on the signings were nowhere near what the team expected.

One such player I expect to generate some interest is Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Nick Bolton. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing in at a burly 237 pounds, Bolton is a stomper, a snarling inside linebacker who has a long list of NFL Playoff experience, a fearless demeanor, and the strength and confidence to mop up on any play. There will be other names that draw more attention in free agency, which leaves Bolton and the Rams time to navigate a multi-year deal that both will appreciate. I like something around a 3-year deal valued at $20.5 million.

Another player I like is a name that is familiar to Rams fans and is none other than NT Greg Gaines. Gaines was a staple on the Rams defensive front before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and playing on two consecutive one-year contracts. Now, he hits free agency once more. While 29 years old, I like the idea of the team reinforcing the run defense at an affordable cost. Gaines's lackluster production in the Buccaneers system makes him a value-added option, and the truth is that he would benefit from being the 'seasoned veteran,' surrounded by the pack of wild dogs on the Rams' defensive front in 2025. I like Gaines on a one-year deal incentivized up to $3 million.

(7) - Rams avoid rush to sign FAs in 2025 NFL Free Agency market

As soon as the 2024 NFL Free Agency market opened for business, it seemed as though the LA Rams front office rushed to land their guys quickly. While that is great and exciting news for the fans who get a chance to see tangible results from the team's efforts to restock the roster, the results of that swift shopping spree left a lot to be desired. You could even argue that the results of many free agent signings, such as IOL Jonah Jackson and DB Tre'Davious White, did very little to improve the team at all in 2024.

So why repeat that strategy?

The team has several reasons to focus initially on extending players (see 10 and 9 above), and that will certainly consume a significant chunk of the team's band width right out of the gates. For the remainder of free agency, I expect the Rams to seek the best value possible, not the fastest signings possible. That could take time, and that may frustrate some fans as the Rams roster forms slowly.

While it may not happen as quickly as some fans might prefer, I am very optimistic over the team constructing a superb roster. But this year, fans will need to be patient.

(6) - Draft a tight end no later than Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft

The LA Rams have aggressively pursued trading up in the 2023 and 2024 NFL Drafts, and on both occasions, the front office targeted the top tight end in that draft class. Well, the tight end position is loaded in the 2025 NFL Draft. Will the Rams have their hearts set on the best of the bunch? Perhaps, if it was that simple. You see, depending on which 2025 NFL Draft big board you reference, or which draft analyst you trust, you could be looking at one of four or five different tight ends in this draft as your top prospect.

So it falls to reason that with the history of recent NFL drafts tapping no more than one tight end in Round 1, the Rams could have a huge number of quality options to choose from. It even falls to reason that the Rams could entertain the idea of trading back from their 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and still emerge with the best fit tight end of this rookie class for their offense.

Why I love the idea of the Rams drafting a top-tier tight end has multiple reasons:

1. The team has already shown persistent interest in doing so in the past.
2. The exodus of WR Cooper Kupp could be backfilled by a route-running tight end who can catch the football.
3. The team has to have one eye on replacing TE Tyler Higbee, and FA tight end Colby Parkinson is not his successor.
4. The Rams are looking for their version of San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle, and this is an ideal draft class to aim for one
5. Whether or not Matthew Stafford returns, the Rams must improve their rushing offense, and a solid tight end is a great step in that direction.

The Rams offense loves to use wide receivers in multi-purpose roles, but that has sometimes clashed with their durability and availability. If the team can attack the problem from the other direction, adding tight ends who have wide receiver skills in terms of route-running and catching passes, that durability issue could be resolved.

(5) - Rams sign LT Alaric Jackson to multi-year deal

Blue collar left tackle Alaric Jackson is a working man's hero. Rising from the ranks of an undrafted offensive tackle out of Iowa, Jackson has been a nose-to-the-grindstone performer who shows up, blocks anyone in front of him, and does so willingly and happily. He rose through the ranks to ultimate take over as the team's starting left tackle in the midst of the 2022 NFL season, and has not looked back. All the while, he was paid less that his backup, swing tackle Joe Noteboom.

Now, it's Alaric Jackson's turn to be paid.

Yes, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp are getting the NFL headlines, but no player is more important to extend by the Rams in my opinion than Alaric Jackson. And as time ticks away, the pressure to get that extension done is mounting quickly.

Revisiting the 2024 NFL season, the Rams had due cause to play backups at various positions throughout the year. But the team seemed to struggle most whenever the lineup did not include LT Alarric Jackson. Jackson sat out three games in 2024: Week 1, Week 2, and Week 18. Not only were the Rams 0-3 in those games (out of a 10-7 season), but the offensive line surrendered 10 quarterback sacks in those three games. The offensive line only surrendered 31 quarterback sacks all season, meaning that for the 14 games that Alaric Jackson did play, the group allowed just 21 quarterback sacks.

The front office came through in 2024 by inking Kevin Dotson to a solid yet team-friendly multi-year deal. That success should carry over to 2025, and the Rams should not let Alaric Jackson test free agency. If he does, the Rams may not win the bidding war that will ensue.

(4) - Rams will draft a quarterback in this draft

I am probably higher on young quarterback Stetson Bennett than anyone I know. Even when the team was uncertain whether or not Bennett would return for the 2024 NFL season, I was not only convinced that he would be back, but I was certain that he would perform at a level that would earn him a spot on the 53-man Rams roster. That is exactly what happened.

I cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that the front office has been compelled into a series of short-duration contracts with veteran quarterbacks to fill the backup quarterback role since 2022. That series of veteran quarterbacks has included Baker Mayfield, Carson Wentz, and most recently, Jimmy Garoppolo. While the series of contracts has served to provide adequate bridge coverage for the backup quarterback position, the dynamics of the Rams quarterback room are changing in 2025.

Not many draft analysts are touting this draft class in terms of the quarterback position. Yes, the top prospects of the class have Round 1 grades. But there is a 'pack,' of intriguing prospects in this draft class that could lure the Rams to select a project quarterback in this draft. Per nfldraftbuzz.com, the 2025 quarterback class has some high-ceiling prospects that could fall to Day 3 of this draft. With the investment into the coaching staff to ensure quarterback whisperers, it's time to put a new quarterback on the Rams roster.

(3) - Rams can't reach contract agreement with QB Matthew Stafford

I'm not here to judge, to point at either the Rams or Matthew Stafford and blame them for the impasse that has paralyzed their contract (re)negotiations. I'm simply here to state the obvious. The LA Rams and Matthew Stafford have very different views right now as to what Stafford's services in 2025 are worth. And that is the same impasse that plagued the two sides in 2024.

They resolved the matter last year by kicking the can down the road, and into 2025.

From Matthew Stafford's perspective, he is putting his body through an annual exercise of pain and injury. From the team's perspective, the offense was the most expensive group in the NFL in 2024, and yet came in as the 20th-ranked offense in terms of points scored. Both statements are true. Neither statement bodes well for common ground to rework Stafford's contract in 2025.

But is Stafford to blame? Stafford threw for 3,762 passing yards in 2024. That was the 13th best quarterback performance in the league last season. Stafford completed 65.8 percent of his passes in 2024. That clocks in at the 19th -ranked quarterback in 2024. Stafford threw 20 touchdowns passes in 2024. That ranked 15th-best in the NFL last year. But what about all those offensive linemen injuries?

The Rams allowed 31 quarterback sacks in 2024, the sixth-fewest of any NFL offensive line.

You could make the argument that the Rams lack of a productive running offense forced too much of the burden on Stafford. And the season statistics do reveal that the Rams did come in with a dismal 24th-ranked rushing offense, the team has not relied upon a good ground assault in the past. In 2021, the year the Rams won Super Bowl LVI, the Rams rushing offense was worse, coming in as the 25th-ranked rushing offense.

Forget what you think that you know about the offense in 2024. The Rams are paying for what Matthew Stafford can do under center in 2025. He is a year older now, at 37 years old. The Rams saw that Jimmy Garoppolo had total command of the team in Week 18. I would love to see Stafford return. I just don't see the team meeting Stafford's rock-bottom price to get him back. I'm not even sure that they should.

(2) - Rams will release Cooper Kupp, and trade Matthew Stafford

The LA Rams have told veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp that they are seeking his 'immediate' trade. But as we all know, if NFL teams believe that they can wait it out and simply sign a veteran after they are released, that is exactly what they will do. And so, I cannot see any team shelling out even a Round 7 pick in the 2030 NFL Draft to acquire Kupp.

Which means that the team will outright release him.

But what about some team trading for Stafford? Well, that is a different story altogether. The Rams have Stafford under contract though 2026 and want him to return. The thing is, Stafford is almost certainly going to hold out if there are no changes to the terms of his current contract. So the Rams have permitted Stafford and his agent to survey other teams to determine what his fair market value might be elsewhere.

Of course, speculating on what another team may pay Stafford is a far cry from the negotiating table and actually signing a contractual obligation to that effect. I think the strategy is the last gasp effort on the part of the front office to get Matthew Stafford to set a realistic number that he will play for in 2025 and 2026. But I'm not convinced that the Rams will automatically cut a check at that level.

And the Rams do have some incentives if the price point is not to their liking to consider a trade. After all, how valuable could a Round 2 pick be in the Rams possession with their current hot streak of nailing the drafts recently?

At some point, the team and Stafford will part ways. If not in 2025, then in 2026 or 2027. And that reality casts an ominous shadow over any actions taken by the team today. The Rams won Super Bowl LVI, but fell to 5-12 the following season. The Rams advanced to the Divisional Round this past year. But if the team makes the wrong roster moves, the team could fall just as quickly in 2025.

(1) - Rams will extend QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Some fans hated the fact that the Los Angeles Rams signed former foe Jimmy Garoppolo to be the team's backup quarterback in 2024. But the team learned two valuable lessons from that signing. First and foremost, Garoppolo proved that he can run this offense very well. In fact, his Week 18 performance of 334 passing yards was the top mark of any Rams quarterback in 2024.

And he was throwing to backup receivers.

The front office may be painted into a corner with the Matthew Stafford contract fiasco, but the team wisely trialed Jimmy G in 2024, and as a result, have a true NFL starting quarterback with post-season experience as an option for 2025. I'm not suggesting that Garoppolo is an upgrade by any means. I'm simply saying that he is familiar with the offense, has the confidence and trust of the coaching staff, and is likely the best and most economical option for the team for the 2025 NFL season.

Adding Garoppolo to the quarterback room for 2025 will feed into the team's desire to land a top tight end in the draft. And it will also feed into the team's interest in platooning running backs to optimize their production in 2025. Most of all, extending Garoppolo removes the high-cost options of bidding for one of the top quarterback free agents who could be signed in 2025.

The Rams have many more moves to make. But from this early vantage point, these moves are by far the boldest 10 predictions we have ever cited in the offseason. And to tell you the truth, I hope I'm wrong on several.

As always, thanks for reading

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