Very doable: LA Rams roster and retaining 2022 free agents

Rams projected 2022 Free Agents – $71.6 million

If you look back to 2021, the LA Rams did not make a huge effort to extend any of their free agents.  11 players, ranging from starters to rotational players, ended up signing new contracts with other NFL teams. Of the 2021 LA Rams free agents, the team re-signed outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, defensive back Darious Williams, offensive center Coleman Shelton, tight end Johnny Mundt, and inside linebacker Travin Howard.

With the need to fill spots of injured players, the Rams roster is fairly stocked for next season. Out of 53 players, the Rams currently have 39 players under contract. We also know that the Rams have eight picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Assuming that the team will welcome back all 2021 injured players into their previous roles, the team is looking at re-signing six or so of their projected free agents. So here is the breakdown:

Offense (10) – $31.8 million

Starters (4) – $20 million
WR Odell Beckham Jr. – estimated value 2022 contract – $5.0 million
OG Austin Corbett   – estimated value 2022 contract – $8.0 million
OC Brian Allen – estimated value 2022 contract – $5.0 million
PK Matt Gay (RFA) – estimated value 2022 contract – $2.0 million

Rotational/Reserves (6) – $11.8 million
RB Sony Michel – estimated value 2022 contract– $2.5 million
TE Johnny Mundt – estimated value 2022 contract – $1.0 million
RB Buddy Howell – estimated value 2022 contract – $1.0 million
OC Coleman Shelton (RFA) – Qualifying offer: Right of First Refusal – $2.4 million
OT  Joseph Noteboom – estimated value 2022 contract – $4.0 million
QB John Wolford (ERFA) – estimated value 2025 contract – $825 K

Defense (9) – $39.8 million

Starters (3) – $25.8 million
OLB Von Miller – estimated value 2022 contract –  $7.5 million
DB Darious Williams – estimated value 2022 contract – $14 million
NT Sebastian Joseph Day – estimated value 2022 contract – $4.3 million

Rotational/Reserves (6)- $14 million
OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo – estimated value 2022 contract – $4.0 million
DB Dont’e Deayon – estimated value 2022 contract – $5.0 million
ILB Travin Howard (ERFA) – estimated value 2022 contract – $825 K
DB Juju Hughes (ERFA) – estimated value 2022 contract – $825 K
OLB Jamir Jones  (ERFA) – estimated value 2022 contract – $825 K
Troy Reeder (RFA) – Qualifying offer: Right of First Refusal – $2.4 million

Of course, these are only estimates, but the aggregate effect on any available cap space is certainly quite clear. The Rams will not be able to keep everyone. Nor is it likely that the team will even try.