3 players Rams can't afford to give up on even with their shaky job security

The smallish size of the 2026 rookie draft class may give many returning Los Angeles veterans a false sense of security. But some realize that even without an obvious rookie understudy nipping at their heels, some returning players simply did not put up enough production in 2025 to ensure their place at the table in 2026.

Some players did not see opportunities. Others saw a few. And one tainted a promising season of ever-increasing growth and development into a horrible image that burned into fans' memories of the NFC Championship Game. Still, the trick in football is to use negative performances as positive motivation.

Parting ways is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. And yet, some overzealous fans would insist on doing that. The problem with ridding one problem is that it takes all the positive potential and production with it. That is never good until the Horns have exhausted all other options.

So, who warrants these mulligans? Here are three players who deserve another chance to be heard.

3 players Rams can't afford to give up on even with shaky job security

3. Running back Jarquez Hunter

When the LA Rams selected Auburn rookie running back Jarquez Hunter, the expectation was that he would bolster the offense's explosive plays. Well, the offense did make great strides in that direction, but did so while Hunter sat patiently on the bench awaiting his opportunity to run to daylight.

It's hard to imagine a team moving on from a second-year player who never enjoyed a single snap or touch of the football. That's why it's very difficult to imagine any non-confrontational scenario in which Jarquez Hunter is deemed no longer deserving of a roster slot. Hunter brings an entirely different set of skills to LA's offense. But he can only contribute if he takes the field.

2.. Defensive lineman Ty Hamilton

The expectation for Ty Hamilton to slide into a backup role at nose tackle to support Poona Ford was poorly designed from its conception. Hamilton is a versatile defensive force who is better equipped to follow in the footsteps of defensive lineman Kobie Turner. And his light use in 2025 suggests that the defense struggled to arrive at that conclusion.

Hamilton struggled to carve out a role on a defense that found its own gears slipping as the season wore on. Troubleshooting became the priority, and Hamilton's development and growth were forced to the back burner. But he did gain familiarity, knowledge, and experience in 2025. Now he can leverage all of that to create a larger beachhead for a more productive season.

1. Wide receiver Xavier Smith

Fans who hear Xavier Smith's name instantly recall a fumbled punt in the NFC Championship Game that helped to seal Los Angeles' fate. But Xavier Smith is more than a disgraced NFL punt returner. He is very likely one of the reasons why the offense felt comfortable not bringing back veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell. After all, Smith is a natural deep threat receiver.

He also proved to be the default third wide receiver in 2025, putting up 303 yards on 18-of-24 receptions. And yet, that is entirely masked by one fumbled punt.

Smith is a sole-source, swift, deep threat in this offense at the moment. That comes with a huge set of expectations as well as with an entire spectrum of opportunities. But he has to be afforded those opportunities to come through for LA.

Trusting depth players to step up requires an investment of blind faith sometimes. These three players deserve that trust. They've survived the worst part of their NFL careers and are about to turn the corner to closing in on their true NFL optimal selves. And this team would definitely benefit from a burst of production from all three players this season.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow