Rams enjoy calm before frenzied shopping to build cornerback depth

The Los Angeles Rams are no strangers to the frenzied pace of activity that is about to hit at the official opening of the 'legal tampering period' that begins 48 hours before the start of a new NFL season. And while fans may be eager to learn of general manager Les Snead's wizardry at signing some of the most recognizable names in the league, the current roster is already starting to take shape.

No, Los Angeles is not finished by a long shot. But Les Snead has navigated the white water rapids leading up to the start of NFL free agency once more like a champ. The team extended multiple players, made one blockbuster trade, set the market value at cornerback, and can now let the market's dust settle.

Still, Los Angeles cannot turn a blind eye to shallow roster depth at several key positions. The most urgent is cornerback, where the team is currently projected to lose four veterans from last year's roster. As a result, experience is in short supply at the position right now.

That will change. But some fans will look for those changes to happen sooner rather than later.

Rams may focus on retention before acquisition

Even as the team has a shopping list of positions to address, it could very well turn out that extending existing players is a higher priority. Even if that is not the case, the team may not rush into the free agency market with fistfuls of cash looking to make a select group of players ultra-rich.

Measure twice, cut once is a cliché that may apply to LA's free agency strategy this year. It's better to sign the right fits, and that is not something that is easily achieved. The earliest free agents signed are typically all about the highest offers.

Despite nearly competing in Super Bowl LX, the Horns should not be waving cash around to attract veteran players.

The puzzle is nearly complete. This team is not bereft of talent. Rather, it's a meticulous task ahead that requires general manager Les Snead and staff to ensure players added are not only affordable but fit for the team and value-added. That means the team may not be the first to sign players. Rather, Snead could be seeking those players who want to compete for championships.

And so, the Rams and fans can enjoy the calm. Whether it happens in free agency or the draft, this team knows that frenzied shopping to build cornerback depth awaits. But that can be a task for the days ahead.

Right now, Los Angeles has already made significant improvements on paper.

As always, thanks for reading.