3 Rams in contract years who will blow the roof off all expectations

Okay, so Los Angeles Rams fans are aware that 25 players are in their contract year. Financially, that creates a great deal of problematic financial decisions right around the corner. After all, funds earmarked to extend one player are eliminated from extending others. That's going to be troublesome for a team that hopes to remain competitive.

But are there any benefits? After all, 25 players who know it's now or never have to put it all on the football field. There may not be a tomorrow. Of course, some players may be sitting down to a hefty pay hike as soon as the team settles up with MVP Matthew Stafford.

Players like wide receiver Puka Nacua and edge rusher Byron Young are likely to be extended. Their production is trackable, quantifiable, and among the NFL's best. But what about the players whose roles are more difficult to quantify?

So, who might show up bigger, brighter, and bolder in 2026? Well, the reality is that many of the stars from the 2023 NFL draft are capable. But in the interest of brevity, here are the three most likely LA players poised to shatter expectations this season.

3 Rams in contract years who will blow the roof off all expectations

1. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner

Nobody expected former Wake Forest defensive lineman Kobie Turner to evolve into more than a rotational player. But this guy can play. Despite being one of the most double-teamed interior defensive linemen in the NFL, he has amassed 24.0 quarterback sacks, 167 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, and 43 quarterback hits in just three seasons.

While his production has not improved, his role most certainly has. He has become the defensive leader, a guy who is always smiling off the field, while always in the action on the field. He's been a mentor to many newcomers. In 2026, he will take a step up to lead by demonstration.

2. Left guard Steve Avila

One of the unsung heroes of the offensive line. Steve Avila has not had the opportunity to settle into his left guard role and dominate. In 2023, he was a rookie. In 2024, the team tried to move him to center, with disastrous results. In 2025, an injury sidelined him, and he struggled to regain his starting role. But in 2026, don't look for Avila to be left behind.

After getting called out by head coach Sean McVay in 2025, Avila proved once more why he is vital to this offensive line. In 2026, he won't be fooling around. Perceiving himself to be vulnerable to no extension, he will force LA to reconsider with dominating play.

3. Inside linebacker Omar Speights

The style of inside linebacker Omar Speights resembles that of veteran Nate Landman. In 2025, Speights faded into anonymity, allowing Landman to take center stage. But in 2026, in the final year of his contract, Speights will be a bit more motivated. And he has the snarl and ferociousness to pull it off.

Pushed by second-year inside linebacker Shaun Dolac, and a host of defensive backs in nickel and dime packages, Speights has little wiggle room. But the guy keeps showing up and improving. His numbers jumped 27 percent in 2025, and that was despite sitting out passing downs. Curiously, he only allowed 63 percent of passes targeting his receiver to find their mark. Speights is going to show up even better this season.

Yes, Los Angeles faces tough decisions over who to extend at season's end. But these three players have no intention of making those decisions easy. Others may show up big this season, but these three are set to rock the NFL in 2026.

As always, thanks for reading.

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