Extending these 10 players should be at the top of Rams' to-do list

The Los Angeles Rams and general manager Les Snead have an inbox overflowing with high-priority tasks in need of attention. While we as fans pore over remaining free agents, Snead and his front office are no doubt busily crunching the numbers and negotiating to extend current players.

With a host of veterans whose contracts expire at year's end, the situation is getting more complicated with each passing day. Here are the names that should be at the top of the list.

Four extensions the Rams should be busy getting done

Quarterback Matthew Stafford

While Los Angeles did just rework Stafford's contract, the team and player have agreed to return to the negotiation table after each season and ink a new deal. If Stafford returns next season, he'll likely want another year tacked onto his current contract. While that's business for another day, the team must earmark the necessary funds now.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua

Let's be honest: it would be foolish to claim that Puka Nacua's extension is too expensive to get done, even as it could run up a cost near $170 million. Nacua is arguably the best receiver in the NFL, and he has single-handedly carried the offense against some of the league's stingiest defenses. He is the top priority.

Edge rusher Byron Young

The only way trading for Myles Garrett makes any sense is if the Rams pair him with Byron Young for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, he'll just be getting double-teamed like he was in Cleveland.

For his part, Young is the 'other guy' who remains after the departure of 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse in the Garrett trade. Verse was stronger; Young is faster and more agile. With Young coming off the edge opposite Garrett, the race to the quarterback will be on.

Defensive lineman Kobie Turner

Kobie Turner is worth extending if only for his infectious laugh and smile. Aside from that, he is one of the most talented and versatile defenders on the team. Better still, he is a natural leader, the guy who willingly takes young players under his wing.

The Conductor needs to remain in Horns. Period.

Six more Rams who must be back next season

Offensive tackle Warren McClendon Jr.

While the jury may be out on whether offensive tackle Warren McClendon Jr. can handle a full 17- game workload, he is the best player for the job who is currently on the roster. He turned in an admirable performance filling in for the then-injured, now-retired Rob Havenstein last season. And with four of five projected starting linemen on expiring contracts, securing McClendon is a logical priority.

Right guard Kevin Dotson

Veteran guard Kevin Dotson is a guy you want on your team, not the opponent. He loves Los Angeles, and his body of work speaks for itself. Dotson is tough, physical, and relentless. The only thing lacking is a new Rams contract.

Left guard Steve Avila

The 36th pick in the 2023 draft, left guard Avila was instrumental in helping the Rams turn the corner. He has fought through injury, cross-trained to handle center, and even re-earned his starting role. But when he lines up next to Dotson at the other guard spot, good things happen.

Quarterback Stetson Bennett

The Rams must avoid thrusting rookie first-rounder Ty Simpson into the fire before he is ready to contribute. Not only is Bennett in line to be the primary backup this season, he is worth keeping around for his experience and as an emergency option. He has also run the preseason offense well, with a knack for late-game heroics. On top of that, any extension he signs will be easy on the wallet.

Punter Ethan Evans

The last thing LA needs is to shop for a punter at season's end. Evans has proven to be quite versatile, even to the point of handling kick offs from the tee. He has been extremely coachable as well. It makes sense to extend him.

Kicker Harrison Mevis

LA learned a difficult lesson in 2025 when kicker Joshua Karty suddenly lost the ability to put the ball through the uprights. As his replacement, Mevis, a former UFL kicker, missed only one of 13 field goal attempts while converting all 39 of his extra points. The Rams cannot afford to risk uncertainty in special teams this season, so handing Mevis a modest multi-year contract could be a prudent move.

As always, thanks for reading

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