After tiny 2026 Rams draft class, Rams 2027 extensions come into focus

You know the drill. The Los Angeles Rams face a tsunami of expiring contracts at the end of 2026. And no matter how creative general manager Les Snead and the legal team are, there is no way this team can afford to pay fair market value for every veteran.

Tough decisions

But after a 2026 NFL Draft that appeared to selectively target backing up the oldest veterans on the roster (or recently retired), it seems that the question over who gets extended may be coming into focus. What do I mean? Let's start by examining the newly drafted rookies:

Now, overlay the drafted rookies with the corresponding oldest veterans on the team facing the last year of their respective contracts:

• QB Matthew Stafford (38) -> QB Ty Simpson
• TE Tyler Higbee (33) -> TE Max Klare
• OT Rob Havenstein (33, retired)/ IOL Kevin Dotson (29) -> OL Keagan Trost
• WR Davante Adams (33) -> WR CJ Daniels
• NT Poona Ford (30) -> NT Tim Keenan III

Well, now, that's a deliberate and unmistakable pattern. While Los Angeles cannot be viewed as planning to sever ties with solid contributors, the draft was all designed to give this roster a built-in alternative. That is exactly what the assistant general manager, John McKay, admitted to in a recent interview.

Draft is great news for many Rams veterans awaiting extensions

The players drafted in 2023, the same draft class that Mel Kiper was unhappy with, now have further evidence that the LA Rams will be negotiating their extensions in the weeks or months ahead. That includes:

• IOL Steve Avila
• Edge rusher Byron Young
• Defensive lineman Kobie Turner
• Wide receiver Puka Nacua
• Punter Ethan Evans
• Offensive tackle Warren McClendon Jr.
• And some players who may / may not be extended
• Quarterback Stetson Bennett
• Defensive end Desjuan Johnson

Of course, other players are up for extensions and may be part of the front office's long-term strategy. On the other hand, in the event of some unlikely meltdown or personality clash, this list does not insulate players from being shown the door (ala running back Cam Akers).

Yes, changes are coming. To be quite honest, after a shockingly brief five-rookie draft, those changes may already be here.

As always, thanks for reading.

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