Rams FA discounts prove players believe in team in 2024

OT Alaric Jackson (1 year, $4,890,000) - Alaric Jackson's tale in the NFL is one of those feel-good stories that always seem to surface on this team. Much like ILB Cory Littleton, Jackson rose through the ranks despite not hearing his name called out in any NFL Draft. But he is the type of player who is determined to get his shot, and that is exactly what he did.

Jackson's first year as the team's starting left tackle started out a bit raw, but as the line congealed into the starting five, the group began to perform well as a cohesive and communicating unit. Jackson played a large part in that, as he took on any defender, and relished the chance to block some of the biggest stars in the NFL.

While he is back on just a one-year deal, keep in mind that he is this team's blind side offensive tackle, the most important role of the group. The Rams have just paid their starter less than $5 million for another season.

Great value

WR Demarcus Robinson (1 year, $4,000,000 plus $1 million incentives) - While I would not claim that the offense runs through veteran wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, I will assert that he contributed to the team's 7-1 run to finished 2023 with a record of 10-7. It was not until the team began to rely on Robinson to make plays that the team began to win consistently.

I do not view that as a random coincidence.

While other NFL wide receivers generated more receiving yards than Robinson, Demarcus Robinson was truly only used in seven of 17 games in the offense. If he had been used consistently all year, his receiving yards would have bested 900 yards in 2024, and his scoring would have surpassed nine receiving touchdowns. Yet his salary equates to that of Houston Texans WR Noah Brown, a player who competed in 17 games to put up 500+ receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Yes, the coaching staff must deliver on involving Robinson more this season. But the front office did their job.

Good value