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

(10) - T Joe Noteboom

I don't know if the Rams could possibly have any more chances or opportunities to offer swing-tackle Joe Noteboom. From promoting him to the starting left tackle after Andrew Whitworth's retirement, Noteboom's lack of durability has continued to erode the team's confidence and dependability on him in an ever-diminishing role. Throughout it all, he was paid significantly more than starting LT Alaric Jackson. Noteboom simply did not deliver to expectations.

Grade for OT Joe Noteboom: Incomplete

(11) - T Conor McDermott

At 32 years old, the presence of offensive tackle Conor McDermott on the list of Rams free agents in 2025 is a bit of a surprise. A veteran of six NFL seasons (well, seven if you consider his 2024 season on the Rams IR roster), McDermott has been a solid rotational role offensive lineman. With the team facing uncertainty in 2025 at offensive tackle, he could be a wise veteran to keep on the roster through preseason. The Rams liked him enough to keep him around in 2024. I'd like to see why for myself.

Grade for OT Conor McDermott: Incomplete

(12) - TE Hunter Long

The Rams have veteran tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen on the roster for 2025, There is the expectation that the Rams will draft a tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft as well. That almost certainly means that the path will fork, and Hunter Long will sign with another team. I cannot fathom any reasons to extend him.

Grade for TE Hunter Long: Incomplete

(13) - WR Demarcus Robinson

While Demarcus Robinson is eager to come back to the Rams in 2025, and has filled a rather productive role in this offense, he has some challenges. Due to legal matters rising from his alleged DUI arrest in 2024, he may be facing disciplinary action from the NFL this seson. I'm not sure that the Rams are willing to look the other way with that hanging over his head.

Grade for WR Demarcus Robinson: Incomplete

(14) - WR Tyler Johnson

26-year-old wide receiver Tyler Johnson has a clearly defined role in the Rams offense in 2025, as long as he returns to the team at the right price. He stands 6-foot-1, weighs 208 pounds, and has enough talent to fill a rotational role in an offense that appears to be very shallow in the wide receiver room for 2025.

Grade for WR Tyler Johnson: Incomplete

Summary

The team is getting a solid jump on the 2025 offseason by getting key contributors under contract long before the 2025 NFL Free Agency market opens for business. There could be more extensions executed before free agency begins. Some fans have already begun to express frustration with the team. For the life of me, I do not understand that reaction. When an artist chisels a statue from a block of granite. The first strikes are slow and deliberate. The statue begins to take shape slowly, methodically.

So too, the Rams front office acts slowly and deliberately to reform the Rams roster. Beginning with the most obvious moves, the team is constructing the foundation to build upon. Now what comes next? Stay tuned.

As always, thanks for reading.