Rams' biggest offseason need is painfully obvious after NFC Championship loss

The 2025 season is over for the Los Angeles Rams after losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship on Sunday. While the Rams had their opportunities in Sunday’s game, they weren’t able to capitalize, and now the team must shift its focus to the offseason.

The biggest offseason storyline will be the future of Matthew Stafford. But Los Angeles has a long offseason shopping list to address this offseason.

The issue at the top of the priority list was on display against the Seahawks. A case can be made that this problem cost the Rams the game. The issue is the underpowered Rams’ secondary. LA’s defensive backs had been considered a weakness all season, and that was the case in the NFC Championship.

Now, the franchise must build its cornerback room throughout the offseason.

Rams must improve cornerback room in 2026 offseason

Los Angeles’ offense had another elite day on Sunday, moving the ball through the air and on the ground. All the stars stepped up, and while the Rams did leave some points on the field, the offense wasn’t among the biggest problems in Sunday’s game. The same can’t be said about the defense.

The Horns gave up 31 points, allowing Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold to complete 25-of-36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Simply put, Seattle’s pass catchers had their way with the Rams secondary, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the way with 10 receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown.

It would be understandable if the Yellow and Blue just struggled to contain one of the best offenses in the NFL. That wasn't the case. Sunday’s game reflected what the Rams had been going through all season long.

In the regular season, Los Angeles allowed 216.7 passing yards per game, ranking the unit 19th in the NFL. While a productive front did its part to keep the Rams defense above water, the secondary struggled to consistently come through.

That’s why general manager Les Snead must upgrade the secondary this offseason. Whether it’s in free agency, trading for a veteran, or in the draft, the Rams can’t afford to enter next season with the same quality of cornerback room they had this season. If they do, they could be facing the same fate of falling short.