7 dream extensions that will happen with latest Rams salary cap figures

VI: This should be the front office's center of attention

The offseason plans for the team may offer opportunities to dabble with new configurations for the team's offensive line for 2024. But do not ignore the fact that changing what was does not guarantee improvement or an upgrade. And if you love to see the team put up significant rushing yards in 2024, then extending center Coleman Shelton has to be among the first things on the the team's 'To Do,' list.

The history of the LA Rams offensive line has generally favored incumbents over newcomers. Even when the team trades for or signs new players, promoting them to a starting role has been more based on necessity than curiosity or meritocracy. The most recent example of that is the team opting to start Joe Noteboom at right guard rather than allow newly acquired interior offensive lineman Kevin Dotson to start.

Coleman Shelton was a dependable competitor in 2023, and did a fine job of snapping the football as well as calling blocking schemes. The dependability did not go unnoticed by HC Sean McVay, who stated that the team is working hard to extend Shelton already.

It makes sense to bring back Shelton. The team had a successful 2023 season on the offensive side of the football. If you eliminate poor showings due to injuries to key offensive linemen, the offense was able to run, pass block, and score rather well. Extending Shelton does not eliminate drafting one or more offensive linemen. It simply reduces the pressure to do so and hit on those picks.

Likely extension terms: Three years $15 million