Los Angeles Rams 2025 NFL offseason preview: Some big questions (Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford?) after a division title
2024 season: 10-7, first in NFC West, lost to Eagles in divisional playoffs
Overview: The Los Angeles Rams are a bit of an odd case. They're coming off a division championship and a playoff win, yet still could have quite a transition this offseason.
The offseason began with receiver Cooper Kupp announcing the team's intentions to trade him. While Kupp will always be a part of Rams history after winning Super Bowl MVP with the team, he will be 32 next season and didn't have a 100-yard game after mid-November. He had 710 yards last season and his salary-cap number for 2025 is $29.78 million. There's also speculation around QB Matthew Stafford, who said he would consider his future, though he was playing well at the end of last season and should have at least one more good season left as he's about to enter his age-37 campaign.
The Rams have some fun, young talent. Their defense made huge strides late in the season. But the offseason started with some key questions.
Key free agents
OT Alaric Jackson
WR Demarcus Robinson
OLB Michael Hoecht
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
DT Bobby Brown III
Who’s in/out: Jackson is by far the biggest priority after two strong seasons at left tackle. The Rams can't afford to lose him. Robinson played well last season and could return, especially with Kupp apparently not returning. Brown, Hoecht and Witherspoon were important pieces on a defense that improved tremendously, and if the Rams have the cap space left over it would be prudent to bring them back.
Key free-agent needs
Cornerback
Wide receiver
Inside linebacker
Why the holes? The Rams patched things together at cornerback, but bolstering that position would make the defense even better. Receiver could be a big priority, especially with Kupp likely gone and Demarcus Robinson's status up in the air. Inside linebacker was also a weakness, and can be addressed without spending too much.
Do they have the money?
The Rams are in good cap shape, at a projected $36 million under the cap, according to Spotrac, which is the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the NFL. That means the Rams should be able to re-sign their priority free agents and perhaps still have money left over.
Notable potential cuts
WR Cooper Kupp
CB Darious Williams
TE Tyler Higbee
Why they’re gone: While the Rams intend to deal Kupp, they may be forced to cut him if a trade partner doesn't emerge. Releasing him would save $7.52 million on the cap. Williams would give the Rams about $3.8 million more in cap space. Higbee looked good late in the season after returning from injury, and that might mean he comes back for another season.
Draft picks
1st round: No. 26
3rd round: No. 90
3rd round (compensatory)
4th round
6th round (from Falcons)
6th round
6th round (from Texans)
Good draft fit
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Why him? The Rams could help the offensive line, but why not take an exciting tight end for Sean McVay to work with? The Rams could also look at a cornerback if one falls to them at this spot. There are plenty of directions in which the Rams could go. And knowing the Rams' front office, a trade can't be ruled out either.
What can move the fantasy football needle this offseason?
Cooper Kupp leaving
Kupp continued to show major signs of decline in 2024, and he’s taken a clear backseat to Puka Nacua in Los Angeles. The Rams have a potential out this offseason, and a trade appears imminent. Nacua’s fantasy value would rise higher should Kupp leave, and Jordan Whittington would become an instant “sleeper” to target. Nacua has averaged 11.6 targets, 8.6 catches and 108.4 receiving yards in five games without Kupp during his career. Nacua has No. 1 overall fantasy player upside if health cooperates.— Dalton Del Don
