The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of work to do this offseason after a successful 2023 campaign, from rounding out the roster in free agency to uncovering more gems in the NFL draft. They’ve built a solid base after going 10-7 this past season and reaching the playoffs, but moves need to be made in order for the Rams to get over the hump like they did in 2018 and 2021.
They’ll surely re-sign some of their own free agents, as well as some outside ones, but they’ll need to be selective about who they give contracts to. Here are six players they should consider extending, including Ernest Jones, who won’t be a free agent until 2025. Alaric Jackson was also left off this list as a restricted free agent, which means they can easily bring him back on a one-year tender.
1
RG Kevin Dotson
Dotson should probably be the Rams’ top priority this offseason after the way he played in 2023. He was one of the best guards in the NFL this past season, which is both good news and bad news for the Rams because now teams in need of O-line help will likely be willing to give Dotson a big payday.
Not only was he great in pass protection, allowing the fewest pressures on the team (24), but he also had the highest run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s reasonable to think he’ll get at least $15 million per year, but I’m not so sure the Rams will be willing to pay that for a guard. They’d be wise to get a multi-year extension done before he hits free agency.
2
LB Ernest Jones
Jones isn’t a free agent until the 2025 offseason, but it’s never a bad idea to extend good players a year early. Jones has proved he’s going to be the Rams’ top linebacker again in 2024 after putting together a breakout season, and if he continues to ascend, his price is only going to go up.
By signing him to an extension this offseason, the Rams can avoid a situation where he hits free agency and has a competitive market, thus pricing himself out of Los Angeles’ range. If they extend him now, they can feel confident about having their leader in the middle for the next few years.
3
WR Demarcus Robinson
Robinson wasn’t a star by any means this past season, but he did elevate the offense once he earned a starting role. He had at least 44 yards in each of the last six games he played, scoring four total touchdowns in that span (excluding Week 18).
Beyond just being a talented receiver, he’s also a good locker room fit with his veteran experience in a receiver room that’s fairly young outside of Cooper Kupp. Not to mention, Robinson has never missed the playoffs in eight seasons, so why not bring him back and ensure you get back to the postseason in 2024?
At the very least, he’ll be an affordable WR4 with the potential to once again be a starter if Kupp gets injured or the Rams don’t find a better option at wideout.
4
C Coleman Shelton
Shelton fits the mold of what the Rams want to do up front much better than Brian Allen does. Shelton is bigger and more physical, which helped immensely not only in pass protection against powerful nose tackles, but more importantly, in the run game.
The Rams felt comfortable giving him a two-year deal last offseason and the only reason he’s hitting free agency is because the second year of the contracts automatically voided if he played 55% of the snaps in 2023, which he did. Shelton will cost more now than he did last year after putting together an impressive season, but he’s worth bringing back.
5
S Jordan Fuller
The Rams don't typically re-sign safeties, but Fuller could be the exception. While he's not a game-changer in the secondary, he's an important leader in the locker room as a two-time captain, and his experience in the Rams' system helps the younger defensive backs around him. Sometimes, it's worth paying a player with those leadership qualities.
Fuller probably won't command a big contract after having just an average first four years with the Rams, which will make him affordable for Los Angeles this offseason. With John Johnson III also hitting free agency, the Rams should keep Fuller and maintain some continuity in the safety room.
6
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
This one's more of a coin flip than the others. On one hand, Witherspoon was great early in the season and looked like a true CB1 for the Rams. He also stayed healthy all year for the first time in his career. On the other hand, he faded down the stretch and struggled to cover receivers down the field, giving up too many big plays -- particularly in the playoff loss to Detroit.
The Rams don't have great cornerback depth under contract, with Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant being the top two guys on the roster (aside from Lake), so they could use a proven veteran like Witherspoon -- but only if the price is right.
