​Change is on the horizon for the 2026 Los Angeles Rams. New faces such as Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Myles Garrett, Kliff Kingsbury, and others bring a range of fresh skills, which in turn will prompt a reevaluation of how best to deploy talent and maximize the impact of offseason acquisitions. This signals a broad schematic shift as the team looks to optimize its personnel and play-calling to fit the players they’ve added and the evolving NFL landscape.
This piece aims to lay out a comprehensive, though inevitably evolving, list of potential scheme changes the Rams could implement in 2026. It should serve as a living guide—one we can revisit as training camp unfolds and as the regular season begins, updating with new information and observations. If you haven’t been following closely, here’s a quick recap to set the stage.
First, a bit of context. Matthew Stafford and Terrance Ferguson will need to bridge any gaps in timing and chemistry, as the Rams reassess how they structure their offense. The tight end position remains a focal point, with the team showing continued interest in hybrid roles that blend receiving and blocking responsibilities. Questions linger about whether a third receiver remains a high-priority target and how the backfield will be utilized in a changing offensive framework. The Rams have already signaled a willingness to lean into heavier personnel groupings, a shift supported by the recent draft philosophy and strategic moves.
The broader NFL community is noticing the Rams’ pivot toward more 12- and 13-personnel looks, a departure from last year’s tendencies. This isn’t simply a rehashing of old play calls; it’s a reflection of Sean McVay’s evolving approach. McVay’s strength now lies in his adaptability—his willingness to adjust fundamentals and align the offense with the personnel on hand. The question remains whether he can stay ahead of the curve and outpace teams trying to replicate his changes.
This isn’t merely a matter of tweaking the existing playbook. The Rams appear set to alter how they deploy heavier formations and how they value the “third receiver.” In the playoffs last year, WR3 snaps and targets decreased compared with the regular season, hinting at a strategic reconfiguration. Despite clear signals that this trend would be pursued, the Rams invested conservatively in veteran guarantees at receiver while adding more investment in the tight end position, including drafting a second-round tight end for a second consecutive year. It appears McVay is leaning into a broader, more versatile use of personnel.
Historically, the Rams have teased the idea that Cooper Kupp’s exceptional versatility as a WR/TE hybrid forced defenses to treat 11 personnel with extended respect. Now, the team seems poised to push further toward 12- and 13-personnel looks, leveraging new players like Terrance Ferguson in dynamic ways. The question remains whether Ferguson can mature into a weapon dynamic enough to draw defenses in ways similar to Kupp, but with a different functional profile. If Ferguson can develop into a receiver who consistently demands attention, the Rams could realize the same strategic payoff in a novel structure.
This offseason has already yielded notable shifts behind the scenes, including the addition of Kliff Kingsbury as an offensive assistant. Kingsbury’s presence, alongside the team’s evolving personnel strategy, was one of the early signals that the Rams were seriously considering a quarterback-forward path at some point. The draft added Ty Simpson in a position that echoes this intent, underscoring a broader plan to cultivate a passing attack that complements the personnel in place.
As we look ahead to 2026, the core questions center on whether Ferguson can become a reliable catalyst for a broader, more complex receiving corps, and whether the Rams’ strategy can sustain a varied, multi-formation offense without sacrificing cohesion or efficiency. The emergence of a new WR/TE hybrid dynamic, combined with continued growth from McVay, suggests a football philosophy that embraces flexibility, depth, and a readiness to adapt to the evolving defenses across the league. These themes will shape how the Rams deploy their personnel, how they design plays, and how they balance risk and reward as they pursue success in the new season.