LA Rams free agency tracker: Signings, trades & live updates: Updated 4/22 11:00 am

There is a smoldering sense of optimism among fans of the LA Rams. This is a team that did what many NFL Insiders, analysts, pundits, and bloggers considered next to impossible to do. Despite shedding elite players, taking on a stifling amount of dead salary cap funds in 2023, entering the draft with no pick in Round 1, and having next to nothing to spend in the 2023 NFL Free Agency market, the Rams turned a 5-12 season around into a 10-7 playoff year.

If you dare to dig a bit deeper into the team's path in 2023, you will find that the team was no better than 8-18 over the past 26 games as they limped into their Week 10 BYE. But then a funny thing happened. The team got healthy again. The young players learned how to win and close out games. But best of all, the coaching staff began to run the football consistently.

The team in 2024 is light-years ahead of where it was at this point in time just one year ago. This is a team that knows what it must do to stay successful. And many of the key contributors are coming back for 2024. Still, some players intend to test their fair market value this year. And others may not be back at all, no matter what the price.

For now, the NFL 'Legal Tampering,' period has begun. Events over the next week or so can lie dormant for hours, then suddenly burst into rapid succession of rumors and agreements that are almost impossible to stay abreast of all updates. We promise to do the heavy lifting for you over the next week. So bookmark our LA Rams free agency tracker, and check in whenever your schedule permits.

Best of all, sit back and enjoy the ride.

LA Rams free agency tracker: Signings, trades & live updates

1. Tagged players
2. Free agent signings (6)
3. Re-signed free agents (9)
4. Aaron Donald's retirement
5. Rams FAs who signed with new teams (6)
6. Unsigned free agents

Tagged players

• No Rams players are tagged,

Free agent signings (6)

• Jonah Jackson, G (from Detroit Lions) - (3 years, $51 million) The LA Rams shocked many fans, by agreeing to terms with former Detroit Lions free agent guard Jonah Jackson to a hefty contract worth three years and $51 million. The contract guarantees $34 million to the veteran, a Pro Bowler in 2021. Considered by many to be the Lions' top free agent, Jackson's arrival not only makes the return of former center Coleman Shelton unlikely but also guarantees that Steve Avila will almost certainly be asked to move to become the team's starting center, a point he evaded when interviewed by the Fansided team before Super Bowl LVIII.
• Colby Parkinson, TE (from Seattle Seahawks) - (3 years, $22.5 million) I had the right position from the right team, but I failed to get the right player. In our estimation, the best value for the Rams roster was Will Dissly, a huge blocking and pass-catching tight end who would add both dimensions to a tight end room that needed veteran depth. The Rams thought otherwise. Parkinson fits the same role that I projected Dissly to fill. Parkinson is a burly tight end who blocks well and can step up for the team and catch the occasional pass. At 6-foot-7 and 251 pounds, he is likely intended as a red zone target too.
• Darious Williams, DB (from Jacksonville Jaguars) - (3 years, $22.5 million. Worth up to $30 million) - Well, this time we nailed it. In a discussion over recently released players who made far too much sense to sign up, we named DB Darious Williams, who is an ideal candidate. He knows the Rams coaches, the players, and the defensive scheme, and he remains one of the top defensive backs in the NFL. Williams has been very effective while leading the Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. He even earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 79.5 for his 2023 performance. The Rams' defensive backs are young, and Williams is ideally suited to bring a veteran presence to help them become more productive and consistent.
• Kamren Curl, DB (from Washington Commanders) - (2 years, $8.75 million) The LA Rams needed to bolster their secondary, as the team is losing both safety Jordan Fuller and John Johnson III to expired contracts. The Rams wanted to add a bigger defensive back with the likely loss of DB Ahkello Witherspoon, and Kamren Curl fits the bill. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 198 pounds, Curl will allow the Rams to match him against tight ends and bigger wide receivers. While he may not have shown up on many lists, he has been a steadily improving and durable NFL safety. He generated 115 tackles and broke up five passes in 2023. He is a solid value for a secondary that appears to be on the remake once again.
• Jimmy Garoppolo, QB (from Las Vegas Raiders) - (1 year, $4.5 million) The Rams wanted to add Jimmy Garoppolo in 2022. Now, two years later, they finally get their wish. Like many veteran quarterbacks who wash ashore of this football team, Garoppolo's reputation has been tarnished by an underperforming season on a huge contract with the Las Vegas Raiders team. He started six games and finished with a record of 3-3. He brings solid poise to the backup quarterback role for the team and should be comfortable playing behind Matthew Stafford. He was no surprise, as we expected the team to sign a QB before the 2024 NFL Draft.
• Tre'Davious White, CB (from Buffalo Bills) - (1 year, $4.25 million) The front office was clearly up to something when the team made no effort to re-sign the best cornerback in the secondary from 2023, Ahkello Witherspoon. That is because the team had an upgrade in their sights all along. After he visited a series of NFL teams, Tre'Davious White must have liked the Rams' chances of appearing in Super Bowl LIX, as he has chosen them over a half dozen or more suitors. With White joining both Darious Williams and Kamren Curl, the remodeling of this secondary is now complete.

Re-signed free agents (9)

• Demarcus Robinson, wide receiver (1-year, up to $5 million)
  Robinson was an ideal fit for a limited role in the offense in 2023. His infusion into the team's regular offensive rotation coincided with their 7-1 rally to propel them into the 2024 NFL Playoffs. Now that the coaching staff has a far better idea of what to expect, look for him to expand his role in 2024.
• Kevin Dotson, interior offensive lineman (3 years, $48 million)
  A priority for the team, Dotson's extension was mandated by two factors. He was an outstanding addition to the team in 2023 and was up for his first non-rookie contract. While he would be one of the best offensive linemen for the team, the front office recognized that the price of interior offensive linemen is about to skyrocket in 2024. He returns to an offensive line that should be far better in 2024.
• Alaric Jackson, offensive tackle (1-year, $4.89 Million) The team deliberated for some time over the choice of using a Second-Round or an Original-Round Qualifying Tender Offer to bring back left tackle Alaric Jackson. While the team is spending nearly $2 million more for a Second-Round offer, the additional protection of being awarded a Round 2 pick from any team that successfully signs Jackson away from the Rams is a worthwhile investment.
• Michael Hoecht, outside linebacker (1-year, $2.985 million) While some fans were content to see OLB Michael Hoecht peddle his wares on a new NFL team roster, getting him back for one year at a bargain price of under $3 million is a smart decision. For starters, it resets the team's pass rush to no worse than 2023, allowing for the improvement by young players like Kobie Turner and Byron Young to be true gains in 2024. More importantly, Hoecht is not a 'finished product,' as a pass rusher. Just like Alaric Jackson, Hoecht's 2023 performance was his rookie season as an outside linebacker. By returning to the team in 2024, you can reasonably expect him to improve on his 6.0 quarterback sacks and 81 tackles from 2023. Yes, the team could get another OLB, but nowhere near a player who can put up that many sacks for that bargain basement price.
• Christian Rozeboom, inside linebacker (1-year, $1.4 million) The Rams did not tender restricted free agent Christian Rozeboom but did extend him. The terms of the deal are not disclosed yet, but we do know that it is a one-year deal that most likely will come in at less than the $3 million cost of his tender offer. Rozeboom's return restores depth to the ILB group.
• Ronnie Rivers, running back (1-year, $985 thousand) An understudy for feature running back Kyren Williams, Rivers is great value at the price. While he has not seen much action in the offense, he has flashed enough to return at the league minimum. If the Rams add additional RBs via free agency or the draft, he must step up and compete for a roster spot.
• Larrell Murchison, defensive tackle (1-year, $1.175 million) - I'm unclear why the team had to think about this one. After the retirement of All-Pro Aaron Donald, the team finds itself precariously thin on the defensive line. Even with a robust draft, the team needs bodies for a minimal rotation. Murchison gives the team vital depth and an upside that could surprise some folks. I would not be shocked if the team also re-signs former DT Marquise Copeland in the next week or so.
• Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (1-years, $1.13 million) - The LA Rams continue to round out their roster before the 2024 NFL Draft, this time extending seldom-used wide receiver Tyler Johnson. The team had been exploring some receivers, but this move suggests that the team will be looking at an offensive tackle or defensive back in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. While Johnson did not see much action in 2023, his return could indicate that the team has plans to use him this season.
• Troy Reeder, inside linebacker (terms to be determined)- The LA Rams fans are not thrilled by the return of Troy Reeder, and for good reason. Reeder misses tackles, which is a fatal flaw for a linebacker. He appeared in all 17 games for the team, and started six contests, in 2023. Despite his height and albatross wingspan, Reeder allowed eight completions in nine targets last season. He played 192 defensive snaps, 273 special teams snaps, and recorded 23 tackles in 2023. Reeder's return allows the team to roll the dice on a late round (or post-draft) signing of an inside linebacker, rather than targeting one early in the draft.

Aaron Donald's retirement

March 15, 2024, will be a date that will be burned into the minds and record books of LA Rams fans for a very long time. It was on this date that The Great One, All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald announced to the world that he was hanging up his football cleats and stepping away from the game of professional football.

Just 24 hours later, many are still in shock, or denial, or angry, of any number of emotions that stand in the way of acceptance. But unless some miraculous change of heart takes place, I would not put any trust in his return. This is not some form of posturing to get paid. This it it.

Still, he is a legend. The Rams cannot replace him. But this team must make the best of the situation. How? We already have a set of options that this team can take right here, right now. I expect that the Rams will need to attempt several courses of action to fill the void.

While replacing Donald is an impossible mission, the team cannot curl into a fetal position and hope that tomorrow will make it all go away. The LA Rams front office can only alter that which is in their control. Eventually the 2024 NFL Draft will arrive, the dust will settle, and rookies and second-year players will be relied upon to find ways to make this defense just as dangerous.

But Aaron Donald's retirement was not the only exodus from the team:

Rams FAs who signed with new teams (6)

• Coleman Shelton, C (Chicago Bears)- (1-year deal for $3 million) While the Rams have been quite busy in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market, Rams players have not. Curiously, Rams center Coleman Shelton was under contract with the team for 2024. But he met conditions that allowed him to void his contract, which he chose to execute. He signed for a little more to compete for a role with the Chicago Bears.
• Jordan Fuller, S (Carolina Panthers) - (1-year, up to $5.25 million) The Carolina Panthers have never shied away from signing former Rams players. Now Jordan Fuller is the next ex-Rams player to find a home on the Panthers roster. Fuller has had his struggles staying healthy, missing 14 games in 2022. He did suit up for every game in 2023 and was productive enough to warrant returning as the starter for 2024. But, that won't happen. Fuller could be a solid value for the Panthers if the price is right. But he won't be back in the Rams secondary in 2024.
• Tremayne Anchrum Jr., IOL (Seattle Seahawks) - (1-year, $1.155 million) The Seattle Seahawks have signed offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr to a contract. The Rams were ready to move on as the team extended Kevin Dotson and then added Lions' offensive guard Jonah Jacobson. With no room on the Rams roster, Anchrum will compete for playing time on the Seahawks roster. Anchrum was more than a football player, he was a person who gave selflessly to his community. He deserves a chance to start. Unfortunately, that won't happen with the LA Rams.
• Jonah Williams, DE (Minnesota Vikings) - (1-year deal for $1.5 million) The LA Rams appear to be moving on from one of the many players who learned under former DL Coach Eric Henderson. Not only did All-Pro DL Aaron Donald retire, but the team has now lost a young and promising defensive end Jonah Willams to the Minnesota Vikings. Much like former Rams defensive end Morgan Fox, Williams was an undrafted rookie signed after the 2020 NFL Draft. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 275 pounds, Williams was a powerful young man who had finally earned a starting role on the defense. He played 598 defense snaps in 2023, getting 49 tackles, four tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, and 2.0 quarterback sacks. While he didn't show as much as a starter as hoped, he is a solid player who will only get better over time. I truly expect that he will have his best season ever on the Vikings' defense in 2024.
• Carson Wentz, QB (Kansas City Chiefs) - (1-year deal for $3.25 million) Curiously, the Rams did not manage to bring back QB Carson Wentz, despite the urgings of fans. While no direct information is readily available, I would suspect that neither Wentz nor the Rams front office aggressively pursued an extension. The team signed Jimmy Garoppolo for more money, and Wentz was reluctant to sign with the Rams in 2023 and certainly did not seem to have many comments about wanting to return.
• Royce Freeman, RB (Dallas Cowboys) - (1-year deal TBD) I don't think anyone is surprised over the LA Rams' lack of interest in re-signing power running back Royce Freeman. The front office has a track record of adding bigger runners to the roster, but then letting them walk away with no fuss. Freeman signs with a team that is known to value runners, and could do well for the Cowboys in 2024.

Unsigned free agents

• Ahkello Witherspoon, CB
• Brian Allen, C (released by the team)
• Duke Shelley, CB
• Brett Maher, K
• Carson Tinker, LS
• John Johnson III, S
• Brycen Hopkins, TE
• Austin Trammell, KR/PR/WR

Don't be overly concerned or discouraged if the LA Rams are not jumping out to sign players. Early signings are often overpays, and are not necessarily the most successful signings nor the best value for the team.

So how does this change the Rams interior offensive line?

And quickly followed by this:

The next day, this became the story. It seems as though the LA Rams love to bring back former defensive backs for a reunion tour (i.e. Troy Hill, John Johnson III, and now, Darious Williams):

And now details of his pending contract have been released:

But what of the team's starting left tackle? The Rams have addressed that as well

And finally, the team extends a bargain pass rusher. But even I was surprised by the negativity that Hoecht's return seemed to inspire on social media.

And yet another free agent is added to the roster. This time it's Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl

Meanwhile the first Rams player finally signed with a new team. Center Coleman Shelton will compete for a role on the Chicago Bears roster.

Meanwhile, the team is bringing back inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom. It's a fully guaranteed deal, but expected to come in less than $3 million:

But even as the team welcomes back one player, another player signs with a new team:

One of the better Rams players, IOL Tremayne Anchrum Jr., finally lands a contract. Unfortunately, it's to play for an NFC West Division rival, the Seattle Seahawks.

And then son thereafter, LA Rams young defensive end Jonah Williams will sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

With shallow depth on the offensive line, the Rams front office wisely chose to re-sign DT Larrell Murchison.

And then, the Rams deliver the piece de resistance, All-Pro DB Tre'Davious White:

The Rams have extended WR Tyler Johnson:

Former LA Rams backup quarterback Carson Wentz has agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal:

And the Rams bring back a familiar face once more:

The Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman.

The goal for any NFL team front office is to assemble a complete roster that is capable of winning an NFL Championship, not to get 90 players under contract on the first day of the legal tampering period. While you wait for news, why not check out our latest LA Rams seven-round mock draft?

Keep checking back for the latest LA Rams free agency updates. And thank you all for reading.