5 winners and 2 losers for Rams after the first wave of free agency

Yes, the Los Angeles Rams were arguably the runner-up to winning Super Bowl LX last season. But 2026 is a brand new season, bringing a brand new roster. Would general manager Les Snead find a way to upgrade a roster that was nearly good enough to win it all?

That's what fans hoped to find out.

Of course, the biggest question mark was answered as soon as veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford pledged to return for 2026. That was all Snead needed, as it triggered the all-in aggressiveness that he has come to be known for. Has he gone all in? Some fans think so. Others do not.

But something all fans can agree on is the effectiveness of roster moves so far. While every offseason has both winners and losers, the sense of many fans is that Los Angeles appears to be far more competitive even before the 2026 NFL Draft arrives.

So, who are the biggest winners and losers for this team? Let's find out:

Who are the winners and losers for the Rams after Wave 1?

The Los Angeles Rams have 61 players under contract per Over the Cap.com, which indicates this team has plenty of work remaining. Still, Snead has already splashed NFL headlines with one blockbuster trade.

Was it enough to get fans excited for a new season?

Loser 2: Free agent Rams cornerbacks

Both Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary have signed with new teams, and there is little hope that oft-injured Ahkello Witherspoon will fare any better. It was obvious when LA obtained both Kansas City Chiefs starting cornerbacks that it was prepared to start a new chapter for the secondary.

Loser 1: Former DB coach Aubrey Pleasant

A struggling secondary in 2025 led to the unexpected departure of former defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant. Not only did the team opt to flip the page on returning cornerbacks, but it also chose to part ways with Pleasant.

Winner 5: Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone

Newly hired ST coordinator Bubba Ventrone has to be pleased with LA's efforts to retool his special teams unit. Unlike the recent past, the team appears to be investing in special team specialists who can elevate the overall performance of the team. Both long snapper Joe Cardona and linebacker Grant Stuard have mastered covering kickoffs and punts.

Coverage was bad on special teams in 2025. It should be much improved this year.

Winner 4: New DB Coach Jimmy Lake

LA was not caught napping with the promotion of new defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake. In many ways, it was Lake's connection to his former collegiate players that led to the blockbuster trade for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. But you can suggest that trade led to the team adding Jaylen Watson as well.

Winner 3: Cornerback duo Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson

It's one thing to be traded in the NFL. But it's another thing altogether to be reunited with his former teammate on the new team. And for starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, that gives the pair a jumpstart on setting up shop in Los Angeles.

Both McDuffie and Watson can be expected to hit the field running in 2026, as they have already proven chemistry and communication.

Winner 2: Defensive coordinator Chris Shula

When ESPN made the effort to name LA defensive coordinator Chris Shula as one of the offseason's biggest winners, it's time to sit up and take notice. Shula has been tested by leading one of the NFL's least expensive defenses over the past two seasons. Well, they are starting to get paid.

That should help Shula coach his defense to new heights.

Winner 1: Outside linebacker Keir Thomas

Imagine the pleasant surprise experienced by outside linebacker Keir Thomas upon learning that he would be back for 2026. After sitting out the entire 2025 NFL season, his future was as uncertain as anyone on the team facing an expiring contract. But there seems to be something about Thomas that this team loves.

This was not motivated by charity. Rather, the team needs depth among pass rushers, and Thomas provides that. Of course, he will need to stay healthy to showcase his talents. But LA believes in him, so fans can as well.

So far so good. There are many more vacancies to fill on the Rams roster, but the heavy lifting at filling needed vacancies and smoothing out the depth chart appears to be addressed well enough to allow Les Snead enough flexibility to focus on the best opportunities for the rest of the way.

As always, thanks for reading.