​While every general manager would love to land the kind of draft success Les Snead enjoyed in 2023 and 2024, it comes with a steep price tag come four years down the road. After riding the benefits of stellar play on rookie deals, the time has arrived to start paying the going market rates to the players who merit it. The challenge I face is that I see 15 players the Rams would likely want to retain, but the economics simply don’t support it. Here are my thoughts on which upcoming free agents I’d keep, with each player’s current salary and Spotrac’s futures estimates in brackets.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Rams: Kevin Dotson, $16 million ($19.4 million AAV). Dotson is the standout on a top-ten offensive line. He stays.
Warren McClendon, $1 million (Spotrac has no estimate, but I’d peg in the $14 million range). While some are taking a wait-and-see approach with McClendon, I’m convinced—pay the man.
Coleman Shelton, $6 million (no estimate). Shelton is the play-caller for this top-tier line. There’s every reason to keep him at a reasonable price.
Steve Avila, $2.3 million ($13.5 million AAV). A sizable raise is coming for this promising young player. I was on the fence, but I’d opt to keep him.
If you’re taking notes, I’d keep and pay four of our starting five on the line. Alaric Jackson would be the next one to address financially.
Kobie Turner, $1.3 million ($32 million AAV). I’m again torn, especially after the Myles Garrett deal. Turner was arguably the lead defender last year, but has McVay handed that mantle to Garrett?
Colby Parkinson, $7.5 million ($9.5 million AAV). Parkinson became Matthew Stafford’s preferred target in three-tight-end packages. While many fans expect Terrance Ferguson to take on that role this year, I’m not certain.
Davis Allen, $1 million (no estimate). Allen often served as an inline blocker or shifted for wham blocks, and he was highly effective as a third-down and red-zone option. He played the majority of the Rams’ three-TE looks. He should be relatively inexpensive.
Josh Wallace and Jaylen McCollough, $1 million each (no estimates). Role players in Coach Shula’s defense; they probably won’t command big sums.
There are countless details I’d need to know before making definitive calls on any of these players. For the sake of argument, I’m assuming Stafford will be back in 2027.
Davante Adams, $28 million (no estimate). Frankly, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more talk about a new contract for Adams. If his red-zone production doesn’t improve, I wouldn’t bring him back at anything close to this price.
Byron Young, $1.4 million ($30 million AAV). This young man deserves a payday, but at age 29, I’ll pass on that price.
Emmanuele Forbes, $3.8 million ($4.7 million AAV). I’m reserving judgment—SEO considerations aside—and would wait to see how he earns his keep.