4 Rams players Les Snead has no business letting return in 2026

With the 2026 NFL Free Agency market looming on the horizon, fans are beginning to wonder if the Los Angeles Rams will splash the headlines as aggressively pursuing the biggest names as soon as the market opens. But it's often the team that loses in the offseason that wins on the football field.

And there is the matter of LA's need to extend current top-performing players as well.

That point was perfectly illustrated in the recent bidding war for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The Baltimore Ravens landed him and his $30 million salary for two first-round picks. But upon closer inspection, Rams outside linebacker Byron Young has been just as productive at 1/20th of the cost.

The grass is not always greener..

But sometimes, it is. Los Angeles has remained a top contender because the front office does not bank on sentiment if there is a chance to upgrade the roster. So, who are some players who have worn out their welcome? Here are four such players who, for one reason or another, have no business returning for 2026.

4 Rams players Les Snead has no business letting return in 2026

1. - ILB Troy Reeder

Veteran inside linebacker Troy Reeder has been a fixture on the defense, primarily because the team did not invest much into the role. But with the extension of Nate Landman, the steady contribution of Omar Speights, and the unstoppable rise of Shaun Dolac, the team no longer needs to value Reeder's experience over youth. The team needs to fill the pipeline with young contributors now.

2. - CB Derion Kendrick

Derion Kendrick was released twice in 2025, and his return to balance the depth chart late in the season only demonstrated that Kendrick does not fit this secondary. He flashed potential before injury in 2024. But that light has dimmed once more.

3. - RB Ronnie Rivers

Running back Ronnie Rivers has talent and promise. But he will not have the chance to prove himself on this roster. Buried behind Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and now Jarquez Hunter, Rivers has a shrinking shelf life of NFL relevancy. It's now or never for the fiesty running back. Hopefully, some new NFL team will give him a chance to show what he can do.

4. LT DJ Humphries

With the dire medical situation of left tackle Alaric Jackson, the team wisely added veteran left tackle DJ Humphries. But despite getting the lion's share of snaps at left tackle in training camp, he struggled in 2025. And that's a huge problem. The reason to add veteran depth is to ensure consistent play. Humphries simply did not deliver.

There may or may not be a great deal of activity out of Los Angeles when the free agency market opens this week. But don't look for these players to sign extensions. If nothing else, Les Snead will have them on speed dial only if the team needs roster depth, and if they are willing to return on a very team-friendly deal.

Otherwise, this could be their bus stop. As always, thanks for reading.