Grading LA Rams free agent signings after Day 1 of 2025 NFL Free Agency market

The Los Angeles Rams and GM Les Snead certainly fooled me. After an aggressive opening salvo in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market that resulted in mixed results, I was convinced that the Rams would circle the wagons and weather the tumultuous early days of the 2025 NFL Free Agency market by taking care of their vital players with team-friendly extensions.

I could not have been more wrong.

While the Rams clearly waded into the opening of free agency with a plan and a purpose, this was not a chaotic broo-ha-ha in which Snead opened fired with lucrative contracts that made many NFL players independantly wealthy. The Rams were aggressive, but disciplined. The team made calculated offers but only to players who had been meticulously vetter in terms of what the Rams roster needs are, and how well that player could address those needs.

From the moment that the team informed veteran wide receiver that his services would no longer be required, the Rams stepped into the 'it's just business,' mindset that often leads to difficult impacts on NFL players and their families. But at the same time, the windows that close for some players become doors that open for other players.

And that has been the theme of the Rams free agency shopping spree so far. This is not about loading up with the most expensive players. It's more akin to a master chef selecting only the finest ingredients for his evenings menu, rather than a five cart shopping junket to the neighborhood Costco.

There is a bit of artistry in what Rams GM Les Snead does, a meticulous yet rewarding way in which he adds players to the Rams roster like a surgeon reshaping someone's injured body to promote full health. Snead is a true wizard at his craft. Throughout the entire process, he sees not what is there, but what this team could become. And with every inking of a contract, he moves the team closer and closer to that vision. So, what has Snead done so far in 2025? You're going to love this:

(1) - Settling terms with QB Matthew Stafford

Nothing happens until the Rams got matters settled with QB Matthew Stafford. No, this was not some stunt for publicity or clicks. The Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford faced a huge challenge: How to set the fair market value for a 37-year-old NFL quarterback. As much dispute over the pre-ordained outcome, I am confident that the struggle to come to terms was very real. And from the perspective of the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, two teams that had proposals to trade for and compensate Matthew Stafford, they believed it was very real as well.

It was.

As Les Snead termed it: "We have renewed our vows," with Stafford., at least for one more season. Ans sod, the key player is back. But that was only the beginning.

Grade: A

(2) - Putting protection first on priorities

When the LA Rams settled terms on a new contract with Stafford, the team instantly came to an agreement with veteran left tackle Alaric Jackson. That was no accident. I saw the re-signing of starting left tackle as the keystone of the entire 2025 offseason. Had the Rams failed to accomplish this, their 2025 push for the NFL Playoffs would be a struggle. With Jackson back, the Rams are a full green light-go to returning to the playoffs, and hopefully more.

Alaric Jackson may not be the guy to wow fans in a broadcast booth, but he is a fierce defender of Matthew Stafford. It was fitting that he was the first player extended after the team worked through getting Stafford back. The best part is that Jackson returns on a very team-friendly deal.

Grade: A+

(3) - Owning up to a bad fit

Perhaps one of the underestimated elements that makes Rams GM Les Snead so special is his no-nonsense manner of owning up to a bad fit for the team. The Rams rolled the dice on former Detroit Lions IOL Jonah Jackson to upgrade the offensive line. That didn't work out. While the initial urge for many GMs is to simply look the other way and hope that the recollection of the misfire fades from memory, Snead attacks the miss as earnestly as he fights to improve the roster.

The Rams found a trade partner in the Chicago Bears. While a return of a Round 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft may feel light, the trade:

• Got Jonah Jackson off the books
• Ensured that the Rams starting center will remain Beaux Limmer
• Satisfies a disgruntled player to compete for a starting role elsewhere
• Loads the Rams draft ammunition with another pick on Day 3

While the exchange may not seem like an NFL headliner, it's the type of move that raises my respect and admiration of Les Snead as the Rams General Manager.

Grade: A

(4) - Ensuring OL depth

The LA Rams are savvy enough to consider the Rams' depth chart from top to bottom. While fans may not be sold on young center Dylan McMahon, the Rams know that this young center is worth having in 2025. Dylan McMahon was the lone ERFA candidate up for re-signing in 2025, and they are ridiculously cheap extensions. It was the right choice to bring McMahon back as a solid backup to Beaux Limmer. But it was a no-brainer.

Grade: B

(5) - Look out for the little guy

While he has yet to get a full workout in the Rams offense, I don't think it's fair to equate wide receiver Tutu Atwell's limits of on-field production with physical limitations. In four NFL seasons, when the team has redirected targets his way, he has responded. It's simply a basic truth that he does not attract his share of targets.

I love the concept of getting Atwell back. He has speed, versatility, and familiarity with this offense. And whenever the team gives him the opportunity, he delivers on the football field. But I fear that the Rams offense will revert to the same old 'we'll get back to you,' usage that translates into one of the most dangerous offensive weapons gathering dust and cobwebs while sitting on the bench hoping for a chance. The reported $10 million for one year is a great price if he gets plenty of work in 2025. It's a horrendous overpay if he sits and hopes for a chance.

Grade: B-

(6) - Getting Stafford new ammo

Persuading Stafford to stick around for 2025 was more than just tossing money his way. The Rams made it known that his closest friend, WR Cooper Kupp, would not play a part in the journey for 2025. So, the Rams had to ensure to their quarterback that they would have a new array of weapons at his disposal for the new season. And WR Davante Adams is a veteran wide receiver that almost all NFL teams coveted.

But the addition of Adams is a double-edges sword, and something that I am still wrestling over. Admas is at his best when he gets 150+ targets in an NFL season. The thing is, the last time the Rams targeted any wide receiver at least 150+ targets was 2021 when Cooper Kupp was targeted an insane 191 times. Will Adams get his optimal amount of work? I'm a bit skeptical about that. And that is why I'm hedging my optimism a bit.

Grade: B

(7) - Shoring up that run defense

Stopping a rushing offense starts on the defensive line of scrimmage. Try as they might, the Rams simply did not have an answer for Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley in 2024. But, they took a huge step to solving that problem when they signed former Los Angeles Chargers NT Poona Ford. The Rams defense is young and hungry, but the group needs stiff run defense. That is Poona Ford's specialty.

I loved Ford's agility, power, and presence. But in all honesty, I never expected the Los Angeles Chargers to allow him to escape. He was a huge reason why they were so good in 2024. And Ford's presence on that defensive front allowed pass rushers like Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa to aim at the quarterback unfettered with run defense. That is exactly what the Rams defensive front needs in 2025.

Poona Ford is a powerhouse at nose tackle.

Grade: A+

(8) - Getting the best backup back on the Rams roster

While veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo has had extensive experience leading the NFC West Division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, in the past, there is certainly a calming effect with his smiling upbeat perspective that pervaded the Rams locker room in 2024. No, he doesn't walk on water. But after the challenges of fighting the locker room antics of both the 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders over who will be the starting quarterback, he has found a safe haven with the Rams.

And it shows.

The Rams are likely still in the market for a young quarterback. But the lack of quality and quantity of NFL worthy talent among rookie prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft creates far too much risk of emerging from the draft empty handed. While the team has Stetson Bennett on the roster, the return of Garoppolo ensures that the Rams roster can miss on a young quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, and still be fine.

While reportedly a one-year deal for $11 million, the base cap hit is just $4.5 million with incentives that elevate the max value to $11 million. It's a superb contract.

Grade: A

(9) - Rams lose NT Bobby Brown III to the Carolina Panthers

In life, it's impossible to make everyone happy. And from the social media reaction of NT Bobby Brown III to a complimentary article about his run-stuffing prowess, it was clear that the veteran defensive lineman was unhappy and dissatisfied with his role in the Rams defense. If there is one thing I have learned about Rams GM Les Snead, it's that he won't force players to remain. And so, the writing was already on the wall over Brown's return for 2025.

Brown has agreed to a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers for a deal worth $21 million. Brown gets to prove his versatility on the Panthers defensive front. Should the Rams have re-signed him? I don't think they had the role or compensation that he found with the Panthers.

Grade: B-

(10) - Rams lose TE Hunter Long to the Jacksonville Jaguars

Some have expressed hope that the Rams might extend veteran TE Hunger Long. But it was pretty clear that the team was ready to move on from him in 2024. Not only did the team sign free agent tight end Colby Parkinson to a substantial three-year contract, but the team tried in vain to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to land Georgia rookie TE Brock Bowers. Having been denied the opportunity to trade up for a tight end in the past two drafts. consensus is that the Rams will draft a tight end in 2025.

All of this led me to conclude that there was no room at the inn for this blocking tight end to return for 2025. And yet, former Rams personnel executive James Gladstone appreciated what a solid blocking tight end can add to an offense. And so, Long found a friendly face and a new contract for two years to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars for $5 million.

The Jaguars got a good deal. But the Rams simply have no need for Hunter Long any longer.

Grade: B

(11) - Rams lose OLB/DT Michael Hoecht to the Buffalo Bills

I'm not sure if I'm lost on this one, but it truly seemed to me that OLB/DT Michael Hoecht was that hidden ingredient to DC Chris Shula's ability to flex his new NFL defense into so many varied looks and fronts. Hoecht was a unicorn, a blend of running back, down defensive lineman, and edge rusher, and that combined to make him a swiss army knife asset in a defense that love to baffle offenses with ridiculously awkward looks that simply worked.

If Shula is a master sculpture of NFL defenses, than Hoecht was his favorite stone chisel. Hoecht was able to line up over center, over the end, or simply stick to a two-point stance as an outside linebacker. While he was demoted from a starting role upon the arrival of rookie OLB Jared Verse, he was a solid contributor.

Hoecht was great at run defense off the edge, solid at pass defense. But he turned up the volume in the playoffs. Per Pro Football Focus, Hoecht amassed an overall grade of 80.1 in postseason play. He was one of the Rams' unsung defensive heroes in 2024. Hopefully, one of the younger outside linebackers like Keir Thomas, Nick Hampton, or Brennan Jackson can step into the wake of Hoecht's departure.

The Bills lured Hoecht with a three-year deal worth up to $24 million. I think that's a bargain, but with so many players log-jamming at OLB, a price the Rams were unwilling to pay.

Grade: C-

That sums up all of the confirmed Rams personnel moves through the first day of the 2025 NFL Free Agency market. The Rams are rumored to be nearing a deal with C Coleman Shelton, but there have been no confirmations that an agreement has been reached. And with this summary, we now pivot to Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Free Agency market.

Who might the Rams target today? We compiled a list as Day one concluded. The first wave of free agency has not abated, so some of those players may have already agreed to terms. It's a fast flowing pace right now. We'll stay abreast of today's actions, so feel free to visit our Free Agency tracker frequently for the latest moves.

As always, thanks for reading.

More Rams events and analysis