5 Rams who should be on the Rams New Year's resolution list for extensions

The 11-4 Los Angeles Rams have plenty of football left in 2025. But even with two games remaining on the regular season schedule, and up to four games remaining in the postseason, it's the end of the calendar year. With a team that has been building momentum and a small free agency class, many fans are eager to see what the upcoming draft has in store.

Still, we know that rookies are not plug-and-play options. When the team needed to turn the corner in 2023 and 2024, rookies were ideally suited to compete with a blank slate. But now, after reaching the playoffs for the third consecutive year, the front office is less inclined to start over with rookies. But veterans are expensive.

So, which veteran free agents are both integral and affordable? That's what we are about to find out.

The team knows that the salary cap currency is not unlimited. Extensions are coming due for young stars, and the team needs to spend money to lock those players for years to come. So there is no unlimited supply of money to spend right now. Bargain shopping is the order of the day on this shopping trip.

Still, bargains are available, as long as general manager Les Snead knows where to look.

5 Rams whose expiring contract could be New Year's bargains

QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy Garoppolo is one of the most accomplished yet least expensive options for Los Angeles. Other options involve significantly more outlay, more investment of coaching energy, or both. But Garoppolo is only ideally suited to back up Matthew Stafford. After Stafford's MVP-caliber season, he will be back, and Garoppolo will be the best backup quarterback in the NFL.

WR Xavier Smith

While speedy wide receiver Xavier Smith may not be a key contributor on the offense, he is smoking hot in versatility. He can return punts and kickoffs, while chipping in on the offense as the opportunity presents itself. He's caught 13 of 16 passes for 230 yards on just 175 offensive snaps. The team will need veteran experience in 2026, and Smith is the right guy at the right price.

Cornerback Roger McCreary

While Roger McCreary has done little for LA's secondary so far, he is a cornerback who deserves a full training camp before the team entertains the option to part ways. He is a solid defensive back whose pedigree has not shown up on the football field.

But it will.

McCreary was a beloved young rising star for the Tennessee Titans, and he will almost certainly show that same potential if given a wholesome shot for the Horns. Right now, he is due to return from injured reserve in time to compete in the final two games. He should be an affordable option for 2026. Snead should make sure to ink him for another year.

Safety Kamren Curl

There are many reasons to love Kamren Curl. While not getting many headlines, he is ideally suited as a consistent, durable defensive back who does it all well. And nearing 27 years old lands him in the prime of his NFL career. In two seasons, he has amassed 1,985 defensive snaps. That's jaw-dropping.

Over that time, he has 187 tackles, two interceptions, 3.0 quarterback sacks, 13 pass deflections, and allowed just 65.4 percent of passes targeting his receiver to be completed. He is a physical run-stuffer who can cover as well.

Quentin Lake will be offered significant money. Curl is the more likely bargain in free agency.

Guard Justin Dedich

Undrafted interior offensive lineman Justin Dedich has been a bit active for the team in just his first two NFL seasons. He has appeared in 27 games with seven starts. And with starting right guard Kevin Dotson nursing an ankle injury, he is likely to get two more starts this season.

At 6-foot-2 and 296 pounds, Dedich is more aligned with Coleman Shelton than Kevin Dotson. That is to say that he is less formidable in terms of size and power, but quite adept at agility and ferocity. His jackhammer technique is worth noting, as he has slid into the starting role without a discernible decline in effectiveness.

He can perform well in three interior offensive line positions and has started at both guard spots. Best of all, he will be a relatively inexpensive contract to sign in 2026.

While other Rams free agents will test their market value, these five are both vital and affordable. Yes, the team has plenty of draft picks to select rookies for the team. But, like in the 2025 NFL Draft, rookies no longer translate into automatic starters. These five ensure that the team has adequate depth, regardless of who might be selected.

As always, thanks for reading.