3 Rams veterans who likely won't be back next season

The Los Angeles Rams have faced their fare share of disappointment this season. That's what happens when the reigning Defensive Player of the Year reaches midseason on the team's injured reserve roster. For now, Myles Garrett is not due back anytime soon. To compensate, other players have had to share the burden of his absence.

Some players have done so remarkably well. Other players have struggled when their opportunity arrived. Still others have yet to be given any chance to contribute. And the lack of opportunities tells a lot about the player and the team's plans for them.

General manager Les Snead faces a difficult challenge in managing the current roster while setting up the same team to succeed next season. The Rams have more than two dozen pending free agents, many of whom are at risk of not returning. Extension dollars will be limited. Here are three veterans whose return is unlikely.

Rams may have already decided to part ways with these 3 veterans

1. Wide receiver Tutu Atwell

The trade that reunited the Rams with Atwell made little sense when it was announced. It makes even less sense now. Despite limited snaps from Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and a lack of production from the remaining receivers, Atwell sits on the bench. That's even more confusing when tight end injuries are factored in.

Atwell has plenty of potential. It's just that this offense refuses to give him opportunities. With so little regard on game day, a return in 2027 feels impossible.

2. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Forbes has settled into a solid role as a depth corner who has allowed just a 50 percent completion rate. He has, though, allowed a touchdown in 112 defensive snaps, nor has he shown the ability to tackle consistently.

In a niche role, Forbes can succeed. But the Rams have better options on the roster. They have already depleted their DB budget with recent extensions and additions. In short, it's a numbers game. There is simply no more money to spend on Forbes.

3. Tackle David Quessenberry

Quessenberry has been outstanding in his swing-tackle role this season. He started at left tackle while Alaric Jackson served his one-game suspension in Week 6. He surrendered a sack in that game, but Pro Football Focus has graded him well, with an overall grade of 83.0 after seven games and 61 offensive snaps.

The challenge to extending Quessenberry is that the team could lose four starters in 2027. Quessenberry will almost certainly command lower priority than center Coleman Shelton, guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson, or right tackle Warren McClendon.

LA's offensive line has performed remarkably well as a group, despite receiving no individual accolades. It's that greater-whole-than-sum-of-parts that complicates Snead's task for next season. Snead knows that he must bring back everyone to sustain the same level of excellence. But in retaining whom he can, he will exhaust his o-line funds, leaving Quessenberry without a meaningful offer.

Of course, if any player listed here is willing to accept a very team-friendly deal, things could change. But right now, this trio appears on track to play elsewhere in 2027.

As always, thanks for reading.

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