Rams Team Notes

[Los Angeles Rams]

See the latest news about your LA Rams.

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

3 TEs the Rams could target on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft

The Los Angeles Rams nearly traded up for Brock Bowers during the 2024 NFL draft. That obviously didn’t come to fruition, and though the Rams’ rookie class was fantastic this past season, the offense didn’t receive much production from the tight end position; Bowers, meanwhile, went on to shatter rookie receiving records.

General manager Les Snead is entering the offseason needing to add a difference maker.

Snead could add a pass-catching tight end via a selection during the 2025 NFL draft. The Rams are scheduled to own two third-rounders (Nos. 90 and 100). We’ve identified three tight end prospects Snead could target in that range.

Mason Taylor, LSU​

Mason Taylor was a big-time weapon for the LSU Tigers in 2024, finishing third on the team in receptions (55) and receiving yards (546). Taylor is an athletic pass catcher and well-rounded prospect who also doubles as an effective in-line blocker. That alignment versatility should appeal to Sean McVay throughout the pre-draft process. The general consensus among scouts was that he was the second-best tight end at this year’s Senior Bowl.

Elijah Arroyo, Miami​

Few prospects improved their pre-draft stock at this year’s Senior Bowl like Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo did. The Frisco, Texas native created consistent separation at practice, displaying advanced route-running ability. Arroyo caught everything thrown his way, displaying the potential to be an elite pass catcher at the next level. The quick-footed pass-catcher hauled in 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns for the Hurricanes this past college football season.

Gunnar Helm, Texas​

Gunnar Helm took advantage of Texas’ high-scoring offense this campaign by hauling in 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. Helm might be the most sure-handed TE in this entire class, with occasional flashes of above-average athleticism. He’ll be the fifth or sixth tight end drafted in April.

More!​

Rams hiring former Seahawks OL coach to replace Nick Caley as TEs coach​

Are any former Rams playing in Super Bowl LIX?​

Report: Matthew Stafford likely to return to Rams in 2025​

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/09/nfl-draft-rams-tight-ends-targets-day-2-prospects/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams hiring former Seahawks OL coach to replace Nick Caley as TEs coach

The Los Angeles Rams lost Nick Caley this offseason when he was hired as the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator but it didn’t take them long to find his replacement. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Rams are hiring former Seahawks offensive line coach Scott Huff as their new tight ends coach.

Huff spent last year coaching Seattle’s offensive linemen after stints at both the University of Washington and Boise State. He originally joined Washington’s coaching staff as the offensive line coach in 2017 and spent seven years there until he joined the Seahawks in 2024.

Before Washington, he coached the offensive line, tight ends and was even a special teams coordinator at Boise State.

The #Rams are hiring Scott Huff as their tight ends coach, per source.

Huff, who spent last year as the #Seahawks‘ offensive line coach, replaces Nick Caley on staff after Caley took the Houston OC job.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 8, 2025

In addition to coaching the Rams’ tight ends, Caley was also the pass game coordinator. It remains to be seen if Los Angeles will hire someone to assume that role, as well.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/09/rams-coach-hire-scott-huff-nick-caley-tight-ends/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Jerome Bettis says Rams are moving on from Cooper Kupp 'a year late'

Like Bill Belichick, Les Snead is known as a general manager who’s never been afraid to move on from a player earlier than expected. He did it with Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and even Jalen Ramsey to an extent, but one Hall of Famer believes the Los Angeles Rams are parting with Cooper Kupp “a year late.”

That’s what former Rams and Steelers running back Jerome Bettis said over the weekend when discussing Kupp’s future.

“I think they’re really a year late,” Bettis told DJ Siddiqi of RG. “They’re a year late on that. They wanted to make that decision, they wanted to make that move last year. But they were lukewarm with it. Now, they’re public with it. They’re a year late.”

It’s not as if Bettis doesn’t understand why the Rams are moving on from Kupp. He gets it, and he attributes the decision to the emergence of Puka Nacua.

Kupp and Nacua are a similar type of receiver in that they do everything well at the position, so Bettis almost views it as redundant to keep both of them – especially knowing Nacua is going to need a huge raise in a year or two.

“If you’ve got your guy, then you don’t need the other guy,” Bettis said. “I think Cooper Kupp was the guy, and then Puka Nacua came and became the new guy. Now you’ve got two guys and you don’t need them both. It’s smart to get off of the other guy and it’s understandable. I don’t think it’s such a crazy thing.”

The Rams toyed with the idea of trading Kupp before the deadline last October but ultimately held onto him. That situation was more about teams calling the Rams rather than them shopping the receiver.

Now, Kupp has made it publicly known that the Rams plan to trade him, so they’ve lost some leverage in these negotiations. They should still be able to find a trade partner for the veteran receiver, but the return may not be as high as it would’ve been back in October.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/cooper-kupp-trade-rams-jerome-bettis-quote/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams add popular OT prospect in latest mock draft from ESPN's Field Yates

The 2025 NFL draft is still more than two months away but one player is becoming quite popular for the Los Angeles Rams in mock drafts. Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. seems like a natural fit for Sean McVay’s team, which could be looking for a new left tackle if Alaric Jackson leaves in free agency.

Field Yates of ESPN is among the many analysts mocking Conerly to the Rams in Round 1, once again projecting the Oregon tackle at No. 26 in his latest projection.

Here’s what Yates wrote about the Rams potentially drafting Conerly in the first round, calling him a “fringe top-20 prospect” in the class this year.

The Rams will be in the market for at least one starting offensive tackle this offseason (Alaric Jackson is a free agent), and this would be good value on a player I have as a fringe top-20 prospect. Conerly gave up a total of two sacks in his three years at Oregon and had one of his best games against Penn State’s Carter in the Big Ten championship. He’s a controlled and disciplined mover who has plenty of size and length to start from day one.

Conerly isn’t the biggest tackle, being listed at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, but he was excellent for the Ducks in the last two years. As Oregon’s starting left tackle, he allowed just two total sacks and four quarterback hits in the last two seasons, including just six hurries in 2024.

He’d be a perfect replacement for Jackson if he leaves in free agency and it’s possible the Rams could view him as an option at right tackle if Rob Havenstein retires or leaves Los Angeles after his contract expires next offseason.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/11/rams-mock-draft-josh-conerly-oregon-tackle/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Look: Puka Nacua is back to puking on 1st day of offseason training with Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp’s time with the Los Angeles Rams is likely coming to an end in the next month or two but that doesn’t mean he can’t still put Puka Nacua through some grueling offseason workouts.

The two trained together last offseason and Kupp’s regimen was so tough that Nacua says he threw up every day for a week while working out at Cooper’s house. Well, they’re back at it again and on the first day of their offseason training, Nacua was on all fours throwing up on the side of the road.

Kupp posted evidence of it on his Instagram story, with Nacua replying and saying “back at it.”

Nacua has talked several times this offseason about how much Kupp has meant to his career, knowing the two will most likely no longer be teammates in Los Angeles. Kupp has had a huge impact on Nacua in just two short years, helping him become one of the best receivers in football.

Nacua’s going to miss having Kupp in the Rams’ building next season but until a trade is made, it looks like the two of them will keep putting in work this offseason.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/11/rams-cooper-kupp-puka-nacua-workout-puke-photo/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams 3-round mock draft: LA trades back from No. 26, adds extra top-100 pick

The Los Angeles Rams should be considered contenders in 2025 after making the playoffs in back-to-back years, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. They have some holes to address this offseason, particularly on the offensive side of the ball where the team underperformed in 2024.

As of now, tight end, wide receiver, cornerback and offensive tackle are among their biggest roster needs and we addressed all of them in our latest mock draft. Using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, we went three rounds and filled some of the Rams’ biggest roster holes.

We traded back from No. 26, moving all the way out of the first round in a deal with the Giants for No. 34 overall. The benefit? Adding an extra third-round pick at No. 65.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-mock-draft-rams-rounds-trade-super-bowl/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Here's how much Marshall Faulk will make in 1st year as Colorado's RBs coach

Former Rams running back Marshall Faulk is trying his hand at coaching after being hired by the University of Colorado and Deion Sanders. Faulk will be the Buffaloes’ running backs coach, his first opportunity to coach at the college or pro level.

Faulk, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, is one of the NFL’s all-time great running backs and he’ll impart some of his wisdom on the young ball carriers in Boulder. It’s an exciting opportunity for Faulk, as well as Colorado’s running backs.

USA TODAY Sports obtained employment documents from Colorado, which reveal how much Faulk will make. According to the documents, Faulk will earn $400,000 in his first year with the Buffaloes.

It will come in the form of $300,000 in base pay, “plus $100,000 in community outreach to promote the university’s mission and message – an amount that will increase to $125,000 in his second year of employment.”

According to USA TODAY Sports, Faulk’s terms are the same as Gary Harrell, who was Colorado’s last running backs coach under Sanders.

During his playing career in the NFL, Faulk earned $48,935,000, according to Spotrac. His largest contract was a seven-year, $45.15 million deal with the Rams from 1999-2005. He then signed a seven-year, $44 million restructured contract in 2002 before inking one last four-year deal with the Rams in 2005. That deal was worth $12 million.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/13/marshall-faulk-salary-colorado-rams-pay/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Cowherd: Rams 'not real happy' with Cooper Kupp making trade plans public

Cooper Kupp announced on Feb. 3 that the Los Angeles Rams informed him of their plans to seek “a trade immediately.” It signaled the end of an era for Kupp in L.A., though the team has yet to move the veteran receiver almost two weeks later.

His announcement on social media caught everyone off guard, potentially even the Rams. Colin Cowherd of FOX Sports said on Thursday that the Rams are “not real happy” that Kupp went public “with something they tried to keep quiet.”

While that may be true, it’s hard to believe the Rams didn’t know Kupp would share that news publicly. And after talking about a potential trade back in October, teams had to already know the Rams might move him again this offseason.

“The Rams like Matt Stafford but they’re tiring of the constant quarterback talk, his wife saying things publicly, they’re not real happy with Cooper Kupp going public with something they tried to keep quiet,” Cowherd said. “They’re kind of over Cooper Kupp and with that, a little bit, Matt Stafford. They like him, but they don’t want to restructure his deal and give him a big contract.”

Kupp has a bonus due in March, which is a soft deadline for the Rams to get a trade done. If they don’t strike a deal before the middle of March, they’ll be on the hook for that $7.5 million bonus. If they trade Kupp before then, it’ll be the other team’s responsibility.

The Rams don’t have much leverage in this situation to begin with, but they can’t blame Kupp for that.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/13/rams-cooper-kupp-trade-plans-announce-public/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams share punny Valentine's Day cards featuring Matthew Stafford, but not Cooper Kupp

The futures of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp in Los Angeles are very much uncertain at the moment, with Stafford needing a new contract and Kupp set to be traded by the Rams.

Kupp didn’t seem overly thrilled about the fact that he’ll most likely be traded, saying in his announcement earlier this month that he doesn’t agree with the decision and believed he’d finish his career with the Rams. It’ll take a minor miracle for Kupp to remain in L.A. and it seems the team is already moving on.

Keeping with tradition, the Rams shared some punny Valentine’s Day cards with their fans on social media and notably, Cooper Kupp wasn’t one of the players featured. Matthew Stafford was, however, which has fans thinking he’ll remain with the Rams.

Others include Sean McVay, Jared Verse, Beaux Limmer, Kevin Dotson and Omar Speights.

happy valentine’s day! xoxo rams

pic.twitter.com/duoUadOxhn

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 14, 2025

pic.twitter.com/zulqt8Pg4f

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 14, 2025

Are we reading too deeply into a harmless and funny Valentine’s Day post by the team? Definitely. But it’s no accident that they left Kupp out this year.

And maybe it really is a good sign that Stafford got a card. Who knows?

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/14/rams-cooper-kupp-matthew-stafford-valentines-day-cards/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Braden Fiske recorded the fastest sack of any DT in 2024 and it wasn't close

It didn’t take long for Braden Fiske to prove he was worth trading up for in the 2024 NFL draft, bursting onto the scene with a spectacular rookie season. He led all rookies with 8.5 sacks, recording 44 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 10 quarterback hits.

His explosiveness and quickness are what drew the Rams to him in Round 2, putting both on full display during his first season in the NFL. He flashed his agility in Week 11 against the Patriots when he got home for two sacks on Drake Maye.

According to Next Gen Stats, his second-quarter strip-sack was the fastest sack of any defensive tackle in the NFL this season, getting to the quarterback in only 2.32 seconds.

It was the fourth-fastest of any player, but the three players ahead of him are all linebackers. The next-fastest sack by a defensive tackle in 2024 was by Osa Odighizuwa, which was in 2.57 seconds (20th).

Per @NextGenStats, Braden Fiske’s second-quarter strip sack against the Patriots was the fastest sack of the season for a defensive lineman.

The speed coming off the stunt with Kobie Turner was absurd pic.twitter.com/2rtSb5QYLO

— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) November 18, 2024

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/15/rams-braden-fiske-nfl-fastest-sacks-stats/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

3 TEs the Rams could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft

The Los Angeles Rams did not receive terrific passing-down production from the tight end position throughout 2024. Free-agent signing Colby Parkinson produced just 294 yards, while Tyler Higbee missed the majority of the campaign with a knee injury.

General manager Les Snead nearly traded up for Brock Bowers during last year’s 2024 NFL draft. The need for a pass-catching tight end in Sean McVay’s offense is still present. Luckily for the Rams, the 2025 NFL draft features an incredibly deep pool of tight end prospects.

Snead could take advantage of a deep class by selecting a tight end between Rounds 4 and 7. The Rams are scheduled to possess four selections within that range. We’ve identified three late-round prospects Snead could target.

Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse​

Oronde Gadsden II is a pass-catching tight end first and foremost. The flex-weapon was dynamic for Syracuse throughout 2024, recording 73 receptions for 934 yards and seven touchdowns. That same prowess was on display at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. With Cooper Kupp’s departure looming, McVay would appreciate another high-volume receiving weapon.

Terrance Ferguson, Oregon​

Terrance Ferguson possesses terrific size for the position at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds. In the passing game, Ferguson displays a strong frame and large catch radius. The Oregon Ducks standout projects as a supporting tight end in a successful NFL offense.

Jake Briningstool, Clemson​

Jake Briningstool enjoyed a career-best year for the Clemson Tigers in 2024, recording 49 receptions for 530 yards and seven touchdowns. The Brentwood, Tennessee native possesses underrated athleticism, blending strong skills with ideal size. Bringinstool would be a threat up the seam in McVay’s offense.

More!​

Braden Fiske recorded the fastest sack of any DT in 2024 and it wasn't close​

Rams share punny Valentine's Day cards featuring Matthew Stafford, but not Cooper Kupp​

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans explains why he hired Rams' Nick Caley as new OC​

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/15/rams-nfl-draft-tight-ends-prospects-day-3/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Report: Matthew Stafford will have 'strong trade market' if Rams can't work out contract

The Los Angeles Rams have some work to do this offseason but they can’t do anything until they sort out the situation with Matthew Stafford. The veteran quarterback is signed through 2026 but he wants a new contract after restructuring his deal last year to move guaranteed money from future years to 2024.

As a result, he has just $27 million in cash due to him this year with only $4 million in guaranteed salary. The Rams want to get a new deal done with Stafford but there’s no certainty they’ll be able to work something out.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on “Sportscenter” Sunday that Stafford will have a “robust” trade market if the Rams decide to move on from the quarterback.

“Sources with the team have told me that the Rams do have strong interest in keeping Matthew Stafford, that they hope to work something out,” he said. “But his contract, as of now, with almost a $50 million cap hit, and only $27 million in cash due to him, is untenable. He’s going to need a new deal and if for some reason they can’t work that out, there will be a strong trade market for Matthew Stafford. It will be robust. A lot of teams would be in on that as the top option.”

Stafford plans to play in 2025 so it’s not exactly a question of whether he’ll retire or not, but rather if he and the Rams can agree to a new contract.

In the event that Los Angeles trades Stafford, Aaron Rodgers is one name to watch. Fowler floated the possibility of Rodgers replacing Stafford “if something crazy happens” and the Rams can’t bring back No. 9.

“And then we’re going to connect dominoes, you’re looking at the Los Angeles Rams – if they move on from Matthew Stafford,” he said. “The expectation is they want to get something done with Stafford, but if something crazy happens, Aaron Rodgers lives in L.A. in the offseason, maybe something would come together.”

Stafford is viewed as the biggest domino of the offseason, and with many teams expected to be interested in acquiring him, they could be waiting to see if he’ll be available before doing anything else at the position. If Stafford stays, those quarterback-needy teams could turn their attention to players like Rodgers, Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...-trade-rams-contract-market-teams-interested/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

One Rams player makes Bill Belichick's 2024 All-Belichick Team

Bill Belichick didn’t coach anywhere in 2024 but he watched a lot of football for his roles as an analyst. The three-time AP Coach of the Year was seemingly on TV everywhere, from the “Manningcast” to “Inside the NFL”, so he had a great idea of which players were among the best in football.

And being one of the best talent evaluators in the sport, he knows a great player when he sees one.

Belichick released his 2024 All-Belichick Team on Instagram (yes, seriously) recently and one Rams player made the cut: Jared Verse. He was selected alongside Jonathan Greenard at outside linebacker, with Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson and Danielle Hunter as the other edge rushers.

Here’s a look at the coach’s complete 2024 All-Belichick Team.

​

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bill Belichick (@billbelichick)​

Verse was the Rams’ only Pro Bowler this year so it’s hardly surprising that he was the team’s lone pick by Belichick. While they were fantastic collectively as a defense this past season, they were lacking star power a little bit.

The same goes for the offense, where Cooper Kupp had a disappointing season and Puka Nacua’s overall numbers were hurt by his injury absence.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/16/rams-nfl-bill-belichick-team-best-players-jared-verse/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams GM Les Snead sure seemed to hint at wanting a mobile QB three months ago

Matthew Stafford has been everything the Los Angeles Rams could’ve hoped for when they traded for him in 2021, and then some. He won them a Super Bowl in his first season, took them to the playoffs in the last two years and is playing some of the best football of his career in L.A.

As great as he’s been for the Rams, it’s possible the two sides will be headed for a split this offseason. If they can’t agree to terms on a new contract, Los Angeles may have to move on.

With all the uncertainty surrounding Stafford’s future, it’s hard not to think back to comments general manager Les Snead made in November. While filling in for Sean McVay on the “Coach McVay Show” three months ago, Snead floated the idea of having a mobile quarterback leading the offense for the Rams.

J.B. Long was discussing the benefits of teams having a quarterback on a rookie deal, and Snead brought up how a mobile quarterback can be a game-changer.

“If you can put your salary cap hat on because for the last generation of football, we’ve talked about how the cheat code of the salary cap is having a quarterback who can win you a title on a rookie contract,” Long said. “When I think about the rest of this year and moving forward for the Rams…”

That’s when Snead interrupted Long and, unprompted, talked about a mobile quarterback being a “cheat code” for the Rams.

“Our cheat code could be a quarterback that could become a sixth eligible and extend plays,” he said. “Defenses are designed to cover this thing for 3 seconds, next thing you know, they’re at 6 seconds going, ‘Oh jeez.’”

If he had to pick a quarterback on a rookie deal or a mobile passer, Snead is taking the latter option.

“Both of them work. I would take No. 2 over 1,” he said.

That sure is interesting, huh? At the time, Snead’s comments were notable, but the assumption was that Stafford would remain the Rams’ quarterback in 2025 – assuming he didn’t retire.

But now with Stafford potentially being traded, Snead’s apparent love for mobile quarterbacks adds a fascinating layer to this situation. Is it an indication that the Rams are ready to move on from Stafford and bring in an athletic quarterback who can have a major impact on the run game?

Sean McVay seems to love backup quarterbacks who are mobile. Blake Bortles, John Wolford, Bryce Perkins, Carson Wentz. Even Stetson Bennett is considered mobile and athletic.

There’s no doubt Stafford gives the Rams the best chance to win a Super Bowl next season and in 2026, but long-term, it’s possible Snead and McVay want someone who can use his legs a little bit more.

We’ve watched the spectacular plays made by Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Jayden Daniels and other athletic quarterbacks in recent years and it seems teams are skewing more toward mobile guys instead of traditional pocket passers like Stafford and Jared Goff.

Maybe the Rams want to hop on that trend and find a franchise quarterback who can move, extend plays, pick up first downs and be a threat to run it in the red zone. Snead is the primary decision-maker when it comes to building the Rams’ roster so the fact that these comments are coming from him is particularly intriguing.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/rams-quarterback-les-snead-mobile-athletic-stafford/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Report: Rams, Matthew Stafford didn't make much progress in initial contract talks

If Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams want to continue their partnership, they’ll need to sort things out financially. Stafford reportedly wants a raise after restructuring his deal last offseason to move up guaranteed money to 2024, and the Rams seem reluctant to meet his asking price.

It seems like both sides want to stick together for 2025 but it all comes down to money. Stafford has his number and the Rams have theirs, but hopefully they can find a middle ground that works for both parties.

With the start of the new league year about a month away, not much progress has been made. The two met before the Super Bowl, according to The Athletic, and “not much progressed after their opening conversations.”

The sides met to talk before the Super Bowl, although not much progressed after their opening conversations, and will pick back up in the coming weeks, a league source said.

It’s not a given that Stafford will remain with the Rams despite both sides’ initial openness to work out a deal.

Even if things are at a standstill right now, there’s still time for a deal to come together. Stafford has a $4 million roster bonus due on the third day of the new league year in March, but it’s not as if they need to make a final decision before then.

The Rams can still conceivably trade him after that bonus is paid, though it’d work in their favor if they made a move before it’s due. It’s relatively early in the offseason but the sooner they can work out the contract situation, the better off Los Angeles will be.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/rams-matthew-stafford-contract-negotiations-super-bowl/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Adam Schefter thinks Aaron Rodgers 'would be thrilled' to play for Rams

There are a lot of quarterback-needy teams waiting to find out what’s going to happen with Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles, knowing he and the Rams need to work out a new contract. There are probably some quarterbacks interested in this saga, too, including Aaron Rodgers.

If Stafford and the Rams can’t come to an agreement on a revised deal, it will be the first domino to fall this offseason. It would open the door for someone to replace Stafford in L.A. and Rodgers’ name has come up a few times as a potential option for the Rams.

Adam Schefter of ESPN once again mentioned Rodgers when discussing the Rams’ situation on his podcast Tuesday, saying he believes Rodgers would love to play for L.A.

“If the Rams couldn’t get a deal done with Stafford, if they decide to trade him – a lot of ifs involved – then Aaron Rodgers, in my mind, would be thrilled with the idea of going to Los Angeles,” Schefter said.

How what happens between Matthew Stafford and the Rams could impact Aaron Rodgers and his future:

https://t.co/UkBvlVZWn7 pic.twitter.com/gf0Krnj4Ka

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2025

Schefter made it clear that the Rams will first try to get a deal done with Stafford to keep him in horns, but trading him is also a possibility if they can’t work this out.

“They’ve been trying to see if they can work out a new contract and if they can, Matthew Stafford will remain in Los Angeles and he’ll remain a Ram,” he said. “But he’s due $35 million this year, none of it is guaranteed, and it’s up to those two sides to figure out a number that the Rams can live with, that Matthew Stafford is more comfortable with that would enable him to continue and finish his NFL career with the Rams. That’s the goal, I believe, of both sides.”

Rodgers didn’t have a great season with the Jets and he tore his Achilles in 2023, so longevity and performance are both a concern with the 41-year-old quarterback. He did show flashes of playing at a high level in 2024 and he’d probably love playing in perfect conditions in L.A., but there are questions about his fit in the Rams’ culture.

What could be intriguing for the Rams is the idea of getting draft picks in return for Stafford and signing Rodgers for likely less than it’d cost them to keep No. 9.

“The Rams could probably get him at a lower cost than it would be for Matthew Stafford, they’d get draft pick compensation back for Stafford,” Schefter said. “So you could see where the Rams would say, ‘Is that a more desired alternative?’”

As the offseason rolls on, the Rams-Stafford storyline has the attention of teams and players around the league.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/rams-aaron-rodgers-matthew-stafford-report-schefter/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams promote Nate Scheelhaase to new role after he became a popular OC candidate

Nate Scheelhaase is only 34 years old and he just completed his first season with the Los Angeles Rams, but he’s already earned a promotion to a more prominent role on Sean McVay’s coaching staff.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Rams are promoting Scheelhaase to pass game coordinator. That role was previously held by tight ends coach Nick Caley, who was hired by the Texans as their new offensive coordinator.

Last season, Scheelhaase was the Rams’ passing game specialist and an offensive assistant. He clearly impressed a lot of people because both the Jaguars and Buccaneers interviewed him to be their offensive coordinators this offseason.

After numerous offensive coordinator interviews this cycle, #Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase is being promoted to passing game coordinator, per sources. Scheelhaase will receive increased responsibilities and get a chance to continue to learn under Sean McVay and the Rams. pic.twitter.com/vB5Fqp8KWR

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 19, 2025

Scheelhaase is a former college quarterback, playing at Illinois where he set multiple school records. Before joining the Rams last year, he spent six years at Iowa State, starting as the running backs coach in 2018 before adding more to his plate and becoming the offensive coordinator in 2023.

Prior to Iowa State, he spent three years at Illinois on their coaching staff.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...-role-after-he-became-a-popular-oc-candidate/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams predicted to land All-Pro LB in free agency

The Los Angeles Rams’ defense came on strong at the end of the 2024 NFL season, but there is certainly room for improvement with the free agency period coming up.

While a trade for a player like Myles Garrett would catapult Chris Shula’s unit into the stratosphere, there are other options out there for general manager Les Snead to consider. One of those options is All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, who is coming off a career year with the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles and will enter the open market if he isn’t given the franchise tag or an extension.

Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe believes the Rams will sign Baun this offseason to bolster the team’s linebacker unit despite other areas of need. L.A. doesn’t have a clear plan at inside linebacker yet, with both Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom set to hit free agency themselves.

All three are around the same age (Baun and Rozeboom are 28, while Reed is 30), so it’s a matter of style or an expectation of production for this position. The Rams could stick with their incumbents who were solid, if not spectacular. Reed tallied 46 tackles in six games before he sustained a season-ending hamstring injury, while Rozeboom led the team with 135 tackles.

Baun, though, was arguably the best middle linebacker in the league this season. His 151 tackles tied for sixth-most in the NFL this season and he also wracked up 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, four defended passes and one interception. Baun added six tackles and fumble recovery in the Rams 28-22 loss to the Eagles in the Divisional round.

Simply put: Baun did it all in 2024.

Despite a career year, Baun had been an afterthought with the New Orleans Saints prior to joining Vic Fangio’s defense in Philadelphia. There could be concern that his production is a flash in the pan, especially at his expected contract value of $9.7 million annually, per Spotrac.

Baun is intriguing, but it remains to be seen if the Rams will pounce on what should be a high-profile free agent with the estimated $44 million in salary cap space heading into the 2025 offseason.

Rolfe’s other targets for the Rams are former Rams linebackers Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones, offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. and receivers Amari Cooper and Marquise Brown.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/rams-predicted-all-pro-lb-free-agency/

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Kurt Warner gives strong stance on Rams potentially trading Matthew Stafford

Although it seems the signs are pointing toward Matthew Stafford returning to the Los Angeles Rams next season, a potential trade involving the veteran quarterback can’t be ruled out. If the Rams are unable to get an extension done with Stafford, they’ll have no choice but to trade him.

Hall of Famer Kurt Warner doesn’t think it should get to that point, though. He believes the Rams should keep Stafford in the fold, knowing their Super Bowl window is open with him under center.

Warner took a strong stance against L.A. trading Stafford in a recent interview with talkSport, saying that if the Rams want to win, “then you don’t get rid of guys like that.”

“I think so much of decisions like that become, do you feel that your team can be competitive for the next couple of years?” Warner said. “I think Matt, he’s a top-five, top-seven quarterback in the league at this point, no matter where you want to stack him up. If you want to win as a team, then you don’t get rid of guys like that.”

Warner questions whether the Rams feel their Super Bowl window is open right now, considering they want to trade Cooper Kupp and they could deal Stafford if they can’t get a deal done.

The way he sees it, there’s no way he would even consider trading Stafford, given the current state of the franchise. He views them as legitimate contenders in the NFC and thinks Stafford gives them the best chance to win.

“Getting rid of Cooper Kupp, it sounds like they want to make a trade for Cooper. Do they feel like they’re not in that window?” Warner said. “But I look at this team and what they did this year, and they took the Eagles to the end with a chance to win. They got a great young defense. Puka Nacua is unbelievable. Matthew’s playing at a tremendous level that I just think – I know he wants to play a couple more years – if I’m the Rams and I believe my window to win is right now, there’s no way I would even think about moving him.”

It’s not that the Rams want to trade Stafford. It’s that they may not have a choice if his asking price is so far above what they’re willing to pay him. It’s difficult to see a scenario where they can’t find a middle ground that rewards Stafford and gives him a raise, while also not handcuffing the franchise financially as it continues to build a championship-caliber roster.

Time will tell how this situation plays out but the Rams’ first priority is re-signing Stafford before even considering a trade.

Source: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/rams-matthew-stafford-trade-rumors-kurt-warner-quote/