Rams' Kam Curl decision broke longstanding tradition this offseason

Not so long ago, the Los Angeles Rams made a habit of looking elsewhere when the time came to extend veteran safeties. For better or worse, they prioritized continuity with pass rushers and cornerbacks instead, relying on coaches to develop cheap young talent at safety, the defensive line, and inside linebacker. The belief was that this approach would suffice to sustain a productive NFL defense.

Well, LA's strategy is changing, and significantly.

Facing an exodus of superb defensive backs, in recent months the Rams opted to extend both Quentin Lake (in January) and Kam Curl (March), two leaders in the safety rotation. Lake was no surprise, as his presence for the past two seasons established a new standard in the secondary. He is also an LA draft pick, taken at No. 211 overall in 2022, giving him an organic connection with the franchise.

Curl, on the other hand, was a 2024 free-agent transplant from the Washington Commanders. Don't misunderstand; his status as such didn't prejudice the Horns against him. Indeed, Curl had a monster 2025 season, generating 122 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and five pass breakups. Meanwhile, he significantly improved his tackle rate, failing to convert only 5.1 percent of his opportunities.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula and the Rams clearly liked what they saw, leading to Curl's three-year, $36 million extension earlier this offseason.

Kam Curl's extension is significant change for Rams strategy

Los Angeles has historically anchored its defense at the safety position. The 2018 Super Bowl roster was powered by safety John Johnson IV. Three seasons later, when the Rams won Super Bowl LVI, an unretired Eric Weddle and a very young but physical Nick Scott supplemented Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp to lead the safety corps. Weddle proved to be a difference-maker, a grizzled veteran who could dissect receivers' routes in a heartbeat. Time and again, he put himself in the right place to make plays.

But in all cases, when their contracts expired, the front office did not offer extensions. Instead, the team tagged the next man on the depth chart to step up.

While that may seem suboptimal, the practice allowed LA to allot limited cap dollars to enrich the pass rush and cornerback room. Now, the team is coming up on two dozen free agents and/or extension candidates at year's end. The Rams will face difficult decisions about who to pay and who to part with.

Even in a refurbished secondary led by ex-Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, Curl's presence will ensure that the defense remains stable and on track.

Neutralized by solid production across the board, allowing a 73.4 percent completion rate was his only area of regression. That was hardly the main issue in the secondary. The Rams struggled with injuries that waylaid a number of starters. Their cornerbacks were inconsistent and too often wholly ineffective.

Throughout it all, Curl remained the Steady Freddie who showed up for each game and delivered. That's the role they want him to continue playing for at least the new few years.

While the Rams' strategy may have changed, the goal - another Super Bowl parade - is as familiar as ever. It certainly seems as though Curl's new contract indicates a larger shift in organizational philosophy.

As always, thanks for reading.

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