Since Sean McVay came to town, the Los Angeles Rams have been in “win-now” mode. General manager Les Snead’s pending free agents, draft picks, and team needs will help formulate a critical offseason for the Rams. LA is all-in until they have to lick their wounds and rebuild. Just one year after trading for Matthew Stafford, that time is not now.
Los Angeles Rams 2022 Offseason Preview
As with every season in the Sean McVay era, an offense that exploded early in the season slowly evaporated into thin air, leaving remnants of former glory behind. As with years past, the quarterback was at least partially to blame. However, unlike prior campaigns when talent was the issue, decision-making was the main culprit.
Los Angeles won’t have a ton of space to work with during the offseason, but they already have most of their pieces in place. However, they will be paying quite a sum to their top players.
The Rams have $-8.8 million in projected cap space
Source: Spotrac (as of Feb. 13)
Stafford will not be the most significant cap hit for the Rams in 2022. Both Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey will account for more than $23 million against the cap. LA’s top four cap hits exceed $20 million each in 2022, with Leonard Floyd rounding out the group.
The Rams will undoubtedly move more money around to create more space, add free agents, and sign their draft picks. But I wouldn’t expect there to be a massive influx of cash to spend, and many of LA’s pending free agents probably won’t be with the team in 2022.
Rams’ pending free agents
There is no shortage of veteran names on the Rams pending free agents list. On defense, Von Miller and Darious Williams highlight the group. After trading for Miller at the deadline, it would be tough to see him go after just a half-season. Williams had an outstanding 2020 but hasn’t played to that same level in 2021, so his price might be affordable.
There are offensive players Los Angeles might also look to retain, however. Austin Corbett, Sony Michel, and Odell Beckham Jr. were in the final years of their respective deals. If Robert Woods can return healthy in 2022, Beckham becomes redundant.
Rams’ team needs
The Rams don’t currently have many team needs. There’s always a chance that Andrew Whitworth hangs up the cleats. Los Angeles would get some cap relief if he decides to retire, but they’d also have a massive hole on the left side of the OL. It’s not easy to nail down needs on this roster, but they exist.
Rams’ top five needs in the 2022 NFL offseason
- Linebacker
- Left tackle
- EDGE
- Right guard
- Cornerback
Rams’ 2022 NFL Draft picks
The Rams are in a position no team enjoys. Their fans have almost nothing to look forward to leading up to April. They don’t currently hold any picks in the top 100.
Here’s how the Rams’ 2022 NFL Draft picks currently stand according to the draft order:
- Round 3
- Round 4
- Round 5
- Round 6 x 3
- Round 7 x 2 (from Dolphins)