Ahkello Witherspoon and 3 other Rams who are playing themselves off the team

IOL Jonah Jackson

When the LA Rams signed free agent interior offensive linemen Jonah Jackson to the roster, they were opting for the alternative to re-signing center Coleman Shelton. Rookie C Beaux Limmer was still awaiting the 2024 NFL Draft, and the team needed to fill the vacated roster spot. I get it. But the plan to fix one vacancy involved making changes at two positions.

Complicating the matter even further was the incessant number of injuries that hammered the offensive line, preventing the group from working out their bugs in training camp. Neither Jackson nor Avila are particularly adept at playing center. So when injuries forced the team to elevate rookie Beaux Limmer to a starting role, the Rams found themselves paying for a starting offensive guard, but without a spot to play him

Jackson needs reps. But he won't get them now, unless a teammate is injured. The Rams still have a need for a versatile interior offensive lineman who can slide in to play multiple positions. The team released IOL Logan Bruss, lost IOL Zach Thomas to the New England Patriots vie the waiver wire, and lost both Coleman Shelton and Tremayne Anchrum Jr. to expired contracts.

Would Jackson accept a pay cut to remain with the Rams? If not, the team has to consider parting ways. Jackson is getting paid to start. But right now, he is only warming the bench.

TE Colby Parkinson

Ironically, veteran tight end Colby Parkinson is delivering exactly what the Rams should have expected. He has caught 25 passes every season since 2022, has put up 240+ receiving yards in each of the past three seasons, and has extended his streak of scoring at least one touchdown for three seasons. So why is his name on the list?

With the team signing him to a multi-year deal, the value of the contract suggests that the team expected significant improvement. And that was the basis of our C+ grade at the time he signed with the Rams. Our choice at the time was the other Seahawks tight end, Will Dissly. Dissly would eventually sign with the Los Angeles Chargers for less dollars, and his production has been much better.

Even after the team added Parkinson to join Hunter Long, Davis Allen, and injured TE Tyler Higbee, the team fought hard to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select TE Brock Bowers. Now, after 11 games, Parkinson has found himself demoted to TE2 or TE3. With the team likely to reinstate starting TE Tyler Higbee, he could find himself without any offensive snaps.

Mare Rams News and Analysis