Latest Rams rumors confirm what we have suspected all along

The LA Rams have to address a rather dire situation this offseason. While the Rams offensive line was both dependable and effective throughout the 2023 NFL season, three starters from that five-man unit are not under contract for the 2024 NFL season. They include IOL Kevin Dotson, C Coleman Shelton, and OT Alaric Jackson.

We had assessed the probability of the team's ability to extend center Coleman Shelton at 75 percent, Of course, we did not just pull a number out of a hat but aligned that probability to the most logical scenario. In the case of Coleman Shelton, we viewed the chances of extending him from 2024 and beyond as likely to happen, but with an understanding that the money involved had to make sense for both parties.

"75% - likely to happen. Either a vital depth or rotational player. But finances are a factor."

- Bret Stuter

The logic behind extending Shelton is sound on a number of fronts. What are they? Here are a few reasons:

• It's always wise to pursue continuity for an NFL group of players whose performance is enhanced with maintaining the same group game after game
• Shelton has been a very durable player, starting all 17 games for the team and taking 97 percent of the offensive snaps in 2023 (1,114)
• Shelton has been instrumental for the team's running game. Whenever the offensive has boasted a 100+ rushing yards for a running back over the past three seasons, Shelton has been the starting center
• Shelton is simply great value. Unlike some offensive linemen on the Rams roster who play backup roles with starting pay, Shelton has been a starter who gets backup pay.

Of course, the deciding factor for any extension is whether it makes financial sense for both the player and the team. The Rams truly have a large number of roster vacancies to address, which limits how much money can be spent on any single player.

But where there is a will, there is a way. I believe Coleman Shelton will be back for 2024, if for no other reason than the fact that the team will want to retain as many players from the starting offensive line as possible. As offensive center, Shelton is a key player to ensure that the 2024 iteration of the offensive line is every bit as good as the 2023 version.

But I believe they will be even better.