Rams have put extensions on back burner as payroll logjam awaits

NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently echoed what Los Angeles Rams have begun to suspect: it sure seems like general manager Les Snead has called a timeout on completing any remaining contract extensions. While necessary to win now, delaying those extensions will only make the price go up. And that's not great news for a team that faces around two dozen expiring contracts.

"It's not just Puka Nacua, it's several other players as well due big contract extensions," Rapoport said. "They could be potentially working out some deals. They really have opted not to. Instead what they did was go all-in on players from other organizations. ... It seems the Rams are like, 'You know what, we got a lot of good young players that we need to pay. Maybe we can just wait, take care of this year, and worry about everything else after.'"

The Rams are indeed going for it all in 2026. They can only realistically ink a limited number of extensions between defensive tackle Kobie Turner, edge rusher Byron Young, Nacua, and the offensive line.

LA is equally limited in how much they can restock the roster in the 2027 draft. The team is currently armed with four picks: Rounds 2, 4, 5, and 6. No team has less draft capital, and that creates a tough foundation to rebuild from.

It's now or not-for-a-while for the Rams. Investing in one star means letting another go. Even with creative accounting tricks - void years, signing bonuses, and players giving home-team discounts - Snead won't be able to keep everyone.

Rams will scramble to replenish departing talent in future seasons

One interesting implication of all this is that, as fans continue to track the Rams' 2026 preseason, the players who perform well may not only find themselves signing to the practice squad in a matter of days. They could find themselves featuring in the foundation of next year's depth chart.

As veterans depart on expiring contracts, young players must step up and fill their vacated roster spots. With limited funding and draft picks, Los Angeles could be a mecca for NFL prospects and depth contributors eager to earn a starting role next season.

LA has pushed its chips in to win in 2026. How the season plays out will determine whether it was worth it. But by doing so, the Rams have set the wheels in motion for an extremely difficult offseason in 2027.

Money carry them only so far in extending veterans. Not only that, limited draft assets could create a domino effect that will cap the team's upside for years to come, as far as traditional roster-building resources are concerned.

As always, thanks for reading.

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