Unlike aged fine wines, 49ers age could give Rams decided edge in 2024

Rams proving that youth can win in the NFL too

While there are plenty of benefits and advantages to a well-experienced veteran roster, there are some disadvantages as well. Veteran players tend to run more expensive, and that is exactly how the NFL is designed. To retain a young and inexperienced player (Restricted Free Agent or RFA) on a team's roster, the team merely needs to extend a modest Qualifying Tender amount to retain that player. For example, the Rams resigned left tackle for the 2024 NFL season for a neat sum of $4.89 million.

That's a huge bargain at the current going fair market value for NFL starting left tackles. But it's more than just the impact on the team's payroll department and finances that are making a difference.

Despite a rather young roster, the team managed to reset and get on track to finish with a stellar 7-1 regular season record. That had a double benefit last season. Even as the team was winning games, young players were gaining incredibly valuable experience. In fact, the LA Rams ended the 2023 NFL season as one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and many expect that success to carry over to 2024.

Perhaps the team will even outperform their 10-7 final record from last season. The roster has been restocked with veterans at key positions, while loading up on another highly regarded rookie class from the 2024 NFL Draft.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers have placed their top rookie, WR Ricky Pearsall, on the IR/NFI list. That complicates the already volatile situation facing the team and top WR Brandon Aiyuk, whose frustration with no contract extension has prompted him to request a trade:

While no details are known, the fact that Pearsall has been quite limited so far does not bode well for the 49ers. After all, if Pearsall hopes to be an impact player this season, he needs to learn the 49ers offense now.