Rams must get to work sooner rather than later to extend crucial playmakers

The Los Angeles Rams certainly know how to shake up the NFL. With a pair of blockbuster trades, they have given analysts plenty to love. And with a draft class of only five, many of those picks designated for the future, there is plenty for critics to toss shade at.

What's true is that the current version of this team is holding together by threads. More than two dozen players, woven into the fabric of the 2026 roster, will unravel on expiring contracts.

So what are the Rams doing about it? Recently, they have re-signed inside linebacker Nate Landman, safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl, and running back Kyren Williams. But in the grand scheme of things, they are just drops in the bucket.

Los Angeles needs to get crackin' at extending 80 percent of the offensive line, several key playmakers, and a bevy of superb defenders.

This season's roster is signed, sealed, and delivered. And with LA aiming for a Super Bowl, the urgency to get players extended may not be the highest priority. Still, the Rams will face a mass exodus at season's end unless multiple players are re-signed soon.

The Rams have time, but not much of it

The needs of the team in 2026 may not be urgent. But failure to act now could force the Rams into a box canyon, with no escape. Ideally they need to stagger contracts, but they must also ensure that the payroll is not overcommitted to players who might limit LA's ability to address roster needs or untimely injuries.

So what's the holdup? It could be that future uncertainty surrounding starting quarterback Matthew Stafford has created a logjam for other imminent extensions. Or it could be that the front office is patiently awaiting the right opportunity to ink an extension with wide receiver Puka Nacua.

It makes sense that the Rams would focus on Nacua. With him on board, they would be in a much better position to sign Stafford to a new extension at season's end. Nacua is one huge domino. LA almost certainly understands the need to negotiate contracts for starting offensive linemen and on the defense simultaneously.

Nacua's will be an expensive contract. Will the team opt to extend more players while parking Nacua on the back burner? That's certainly possible, but it bucks past practice. If tradition holds true, general manager Les Snead will prioritize Nacua, then pivot to defensive playmakers Byron Young and Kobie Turner.

When the year is over, the Rams will work to re-sign Kevin Dotson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, and Warren McClendon on the offensive line. Then it will be time to rework Stafford's contract.

As always, thanks for reading.

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