Rams roster grades over trades, extensions, releases, and FA projections

On March 4, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams have (had) until 1:00 pm PT to tag a player. By that, I mean the option to apply either the Franchise or Transition tag to that player. Why? That allows the team to retain rights to that player on a one-year contract to give the team's front office time to negotiate a more permanent solution. After all, those one-year contracts compel the player to remain with the team, but do so at an immense level of salary compensation.

The only player ripe for consideration was LT Alaric Jackson. But we had many reasons why the team would not do so. With Jackson extended on a three-year contract, I would not look for the team to tag anyone else.

And so the 2025 NFL offseason has already begun. Very soon, the real chaos begins as the 2025 NFL season is rapicly inbound. With it come the NFL's legal tampering period, when players' agents and representation can negotiate with all 32 NFL teams to get their clients the best possible new deals possible.

In other words, prepare for pandemonium.

But as we have some time before all sorts of crazy actions begin to take place at all hours of the day, it's a good time to hit the pause button for a moment, take a deep breath, and collect our wits. The Rams roster is already prepared to inflict some damage. While the surge in the defense late in the season is very promising, the Rams' offense potency has become both diluted and ineffective.

The problem with pivoting into a new direction creates some challenges. Can veterans who did it one way, pivot rapidly to doing things a new way? Can the front office restock the Rams roster with players who are a fit for a new offensive philosophy? Or will the team struggle to turn the corner from doing things the old way to the new way?

Let's examine who may play elsewhere in 2025, and who may be back for another go at a Super Bowl: