Coleman Shelton's path to remaining with Rams is simpler than it seems

The Los Angeles Rams offensive line is about as stacked as possible without featuring a Pro Bowler. Within that group, center Coleman Shelton is rather obviously the odd man out. Entering his age-31 season, he is older than the rest. At 6-foot-5 and 292 pounds, he boasts less bulk than the behemoths around him. 

Instead, he relies on athletic quickness, instincts, and communication. Those are incredibly valuable traits, which The Athletic's Nate Atkins points out. "His chemistry with Stafford on pre-snap audibles and protection adjustments has become his superpower," Atkins writes.

Shelton does share one thing in common with three of his linemates, which is his status as a pending free agent. That context could actually mean that, despite his apparent standing as the black ram of the bunch, he has a better chance to be back next year than it might seem at first glance.

Ahead of 2026 free agency, Shelton was thought to be a cut candidate due to the portion of his $9.5 million cap hit the Rams would save by releasing him before his salary guarantee date. He's still here, and due to his experience and lower cost, he may be one of the team's more viable offensive-line re-signings on the table next offseason.

Shelton has experience and affordability on his side

From a talent perspective, Shelton cannot match the caliber of his counterparts: Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila at guard, and projected starters Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon at tackle. Rookie Keagen Trost is naturally a tackle but with the potential flexibility to play anywhere on the line. He seems like a decent bet to be starting by 2027.

Plugging in Trost on a cheap rookie deal won't be enough for the Rams to field an adequate offensive front. Dotson, Avila, and McClendon are all on expiring contracts. All should command lucrative deals in free agency. With other extensions to get done, LA can't pay everyone.

They should be able to pay Shelton if both parties are interested in a return. He last signed a two-year, $12 million contract to join the Rams in 2024 and should be available at a similar or lesser cost. 

Says Atkins, "If Shelton can maintain his play at age 31 this season, he could be a nice fit for a new contract that benefits the player and the team with so much to juggle regarding the future of this group." Leaning into that familiarity and connection with Stafford, assuming No. 9 is back for another year, is Shelton's path to staying in Los Angeles. 

It only helps his case that, accounting for his 2024 hiatus with the Chicago Bears, Shelton has four years of experience, including 49 starts, during the Stafford era. Among Rams linemen, only Jackson has made more (51). 

Shelton has also spent six of his seven seasons in Sean McVay's offense, the most on the current offensive line. Whatever Shelton lacks in ability, he has made up for, to some extent, by putting in his dues with the franchise. 

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