Predicting the Rams forgotten free agents who might spark NFL chaos in 2025

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams, former players are often either re-signed or scooped up quickly by other teams. Since the team purged many highly compensated veterans after the 2022 NFL season, that has been an even more exaggerated process. The Rams seem to be popular in terms of seeding other NFL teams' rosters. So after the draft had come and gone, few free agents were former Rams remaining.

Right now, there are only three free agents left who are unsigned.

Remaining Rams unsigned free agents

(1) - S John Johnson III

John Johnson III offers a solid locker room presence, and one that benefited the Rams in 2024 despite injuries that kept him off the field. He is a solid defensive back, one who seemed to master the right blend of pass coverage, run stuffing, and physicality in breaking up passes and tackling. The thing is that he was not a factor during the 2024 NFL season, as he was on IR.

The Rams signed him in 2024 after the smoke had cleared. And the most likely landing spot for him this season is to return to the Rams once again. Even if he does not show up on the football field, this team gets that extra oomph of mentor, coach, and sounding board to the many young players. And as the Rams demonstrated all too well in Super Bowl LVI with Eric Weddle, solid veteran talent is worth it when the stakes go sky-high.

Predicted landing site: Back with LA Rams

(2) - T Joe Noteboom

While offensive tackle Joe Noteboom did not pan out for the Rams, his versatility at sliding in at four offensive line positions will be enough for some team to give him a look. Multiple NFL teams need help in blocking. And if he stays healthy, Noteboom could be a legitimate signing for a team that needs a solid backup.

The Minnesota VIkings make sense because Noteboom can be linked to HC Kevin O'Donnell. Of course, he could also be a solution for the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. He used to play for Buffalo Bills OL Coach Aaron Kromer. If he is willing to work for a roster spot, he should be signed by some team relatively quickly.

Predicted landing site: Buffalo Bills

(3) - T Conor McDermott

While offensive tackle Conor McDermott did not get work with the Rams in 2024, he is a veteran who suited up for four NFL teams, three of which were in the AFC East. The only team missing from that group is the Miami Dolphins. And the Miami Dolphins are a team that should consider veteran offensive line depth. Is McDermott the answer?

McDermott was a promising depth player for the Rams, whose bad luck with injury prevented the team from learning how effective he may have been during the regular season. It would have been nice to promote him to a starting OT role in game one when both Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein were injured. Ah, what might have been. You can take the same list of teams for Joe Noteboom and apply them here as well.

Predicted landing site: Miami Dolphins

The Rams do not have many players remaining up for the highest bidder in the NFL Free Agency market. But a team-friendly contract could help an NFL team add depth to their secondary and offensive line.

As always, thanks for reading.