Rams are about to stage an open audition for future of front-five rotation

The Los Angeles Rams face an incredible number of expiring contracts at the end of the 2026 season. No position is more at risk of upheaval than the starting offensive line, which is projected to lose four veterans at season's end.

That's right. Of five starters, four have expiring contracts. (And that doesn't even touch on the potential suspension of left tackle Alaric Jackson Jr.)

Perhaps this was all deliberately arranged to reset the team around Matthew Stafford's anticipated last season in Los Angeles, a scenario that no longer seems as likely. Two years ago, the team extended right guard Kevin Dotson to coincide with the rookie contracts of Steve Avila and Warren McClendon Jr. This was no accident. All three contracts are due to expire at season's end. Center Coleman Shelton will be a free agent as well.

Who comes back and who doesn't may not come down to performance or productivity. 20-some extensions all coming due at once is a bit much. The ramifications only skyrocket when four of those potential contracts fall on a five-man offensive line unit. If funds and budget limits are stretched too thin, training camp could become an open competition for future starting spots.

Let's shine a light on the players who could upset the apple cart and carve out a significant future role by maximizing whatever opportunities they get this season.

These Rams youngsters be main characters in training-camp squabbles

Beaux Limmer

There was no shame when former starting center Beaux Limmer took a seat in 2025. Nor will there be any shame if he turns the tables on Shelton. After sitting (and struggling) last season, Limmer enters Year 3 wiser and more experienced. He has the build of an interior powerhouse. Maybe it all clicks for him in 2026.

For now, Shelton remains the default starter. But his contract expires at the end of this season, and as the Rams explore future replacements, it should come as no surprise if Limmer reclaims his starting role.

Keagan Trost

While Los Angeles is unlikely to start a rookie on the offensive line, Trost is no ordinary rookie lineman. And, with Jackson's situation throwing a wrench in the Rams' plans, they may have to step outside their comfort zone. Although the team is secure with veteran David Quessenberry as backup right tackle, Trost is the swing-tackle option who will be first up if Jackson misses time or in case of an injury.

Trost is certainly talented enough, despite his rookie status. Although he has the versatility to learn all five spots - part of the reason the Rams drafted him - he is almost certainly destined to get plenty of work at left tackle given the uncertainty over Jackson's status. With the front office yet to make a move to shore up OL depth, that appears to be the strategy for now.

Dylan McMahon

Veteran interior offensive lineman Dylan McMahon fought hard for a roster spot last season with then-Rams rookie Willie Lampkin. Ultimately neither made the 53-man roster, and the Philadelphia Eagles, McMahon's original team, poached Lampkin. McMahon spent the year on the Rams' practice squad.

While a bit on the smallish size, McMahon is an athletic jackhammer who wins in the trenches by constantly battering at defenders until he moves them out of the way. If anyone gets dinged up in training camp, he will be ready to throw his hat in the ring.

Wyatt Bowles

Talk about an unsung hero. Offensive tackle Wyatt Bowles performed superbly last preseason to earn another shot with the Rams in 2026. This season the Utah State standout knows what to expect in an NFL classroom, and that could make all the difference as he competes for a fringe spot in the rotation.

UDFAs Austin Blaske and Bryce Henderson

After losing rookie offensive lineman Chad Lindberg to injury, the Rams still hope to see good things from rookies Austin Blaske and Bryce Henderson in training camp and the preseason.

Blaske boasts experience at all five positions. While he may suffer from a lack of specialization, his versatility also boosts his chances of sticking with the team.

If the Horns find themselves scrambling for more swing-tackle depth, the burly Henderson is a promising prospect. He has ample experience at both tackle and guard. Better still, he excels at run blocking. Standing 6-foot-8 and tipping the scales at 320 pounds, Henderson emanates Rob Havenstein vibes that will give fans a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Los Angeles enjoyed solid o-line play last season. But the pendulum is quick to swing in the opposite direction. With future question marks hanging over every position, the Rams would be wise to embrace competition in training camp.

As always, thanks for reading.

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