7 Los Angeles Rams players who won't be back in Horns next year

(7) - Wide Receiver Tyler Johnson

While not possessing great speed, WR Tyler Johnson proved to be capable of playing in the NFL. This 6-foot-1 208-pound veteran wide receiver was good, but not good enough to secure a steady role and number of targets in this offense. He is a crisp route runner, and a physical-style receiver who does not run past defensive backs, but can out muscle them for the football. In two seasons with the Rams, Johnson caught 28 of 44 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns.

He has a meaningful niche role in an NFL offense as either a possession style of receiver or that surprise who is sent downfield to catch a deep pass. His longest in 2024 was 63 yards.

The problem is that Johnson offers the same style and skillset to this offense and WRs Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson, but does not deliver at the same level as his teammates. If the Rams find a need to restructure the contract of Cooper Kupp and meet some resistance, Johnson could be re-signed to a team friendly deal. But the Rams need playmakers now, and after two seasons of Tyler Johnson, I'm not sure the team believes Johnson is one.

(6) - Running back Ronnie Rivers

When the LA Rams drafted rookie RB Blake Corum in Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectation was that he would pry carries from starting RB Kyren Williams. While that did not happen, it did create a logjam on offense with four running backs with uncanny similar builds and running style. That made it very difficult for Ronnie Rivers to earn any playing time.

Just as it makes Rivers unlikely to return to the Rams roster in 2025. Of course, with Rivers and anyone named on this list, a willingness to return for the veteran minimum on a one-year deal could change circumstances dramatically. But the Rams have four running backs of almost identical speed, stature, and style. It doesn't offer any advantage to the team to stockpile clones, and miss an opportunity to add game-breaking speed or thunderous power to the backfield.

I like Rivers. He has the potential to score in this offense. But he won't get a chance buried on the depth chart. And he offers nothing different to carve out a niche for playing time.