March once presented the perfect time for the Los Angeles Rams to strike big.
The Rams used the month to open their wallets and lure in prominent free agent names, with Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner representing their last major signings. But that free agent spending philosophy eventually led to salary cap restrictions, leading to what general manager Les Snead called in Jan. 2023 a roster remodel.
Yet, the Rams find themselves in a healthier financial state ahead of 2024 free agency with more than $29 million available. Could this persuade the Rams to pivot back into spending big? Let’s take a look at the latest news and notes coming out of the LA.
Los Angeles Rams Free Agency News and Rumors
End of the Aaron Donald Era Coming?
Aaron Donald continues to command attention on the line … and dominate attention regarding his pending future.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year isn’t getting any younger with his 33rd birthday coming. But his future remains a hot topic in LA. Snead addressed Donald’s pending 2024 with Rams insider Jourdan Rodrigue on Thursday.
“Definitely hope Aaron is (back) … I know Aaron is definitely approaching the offseason where he’s doing his normal getting-away, somewhat trying to get revitalized with the goal of playing good football,” Snead told Rodrigue.
Donald’s deal, which he signed in the summer of 2022, still contains two void years. He’s also set to earn a base salary of $35 million.
Here’s what else bears watching involving Donald: His longtime defensive line coach Eric Henderson, credited for helping mold the Rams star, left to join the USC coaching staff this offseason.
Henderson has been described as a “close friend” of Donald’s, according to Rodrigue. Following the Rams’ playoff loss to the Detroit Lions in January, Donald informed that he had planned to return. His situation still bears scrutiny.
Could Leading Tackler Ernest Jones Earn a Pay Raise?
Staying on defense, Ernest Jones looks to be in for a financial elevation.
The 2021 third-round selection has established himself as a consistent tackler and young leader for the Rams. Per Rodrigue, the leading tackler of 2023 is trekking toward being rewarded with a new deal.
“Inside linebacker Ernest Jones is a candidate for an early extension, and preliminary talks have begun, multiple sources briefed on those conversations said, but there isn’t a rush here from either side,” Rodrigue said, who added, “The Rams usually do those types of deals after OTAs, or into training camp.”
Jones could become a much richer linebacker by the time the Rams head to UC Irvine for training camp.
Jones has established himself as one of the league’s best young linebackers. He’s posted back-to-back 100-tackle seasons but produced a career-high 145 after assuming captain duties for the Ram defense. He also snatched 14 tackles for a loss, which is now a career-best for the former South Carolina Gamecock.
Rams Already Make $48 Million Move To Bolster Offense
The Rams have indeed made one big contract signing, rewarding prized addition Kevin Dotson to a new deal Thursday.
Brought in via trade during training camp in 2023 to address offensive line depth, the former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Dotson was rewarded with a three-year, $48 million deal. This contract comes after Dotson delivered a stellar 2023.
Dotson worked his way to become a permanent starter at right guard and became one of the league’s best pass blockers. His ability to keep defenders in check with his hands, plus brute upper-body strength, helped improve a Rams offensive line ravaged by injuries and constant starting lineup changes in 2022.
The 27-year-old Dotson was originally listed as PFN’s No. 2 ranked free agent interior offensive lineman for 2024. Yet, PFN predicted that Dotson would eventually make his way back to the Rams. Now, Snead and LA have locked in their biggest surprise impact addition of ’23.
Rams Make Another Move Along Offensive Trenches
Dotson wasn’t the only offensive line decision on the Rams’ list.
Per ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the franchise plans to use a restricted free agent tender for left tackle Alaric Jackson.
“Jackson acquitted himself well in 15 starts last year,” Fowler posted, while also adding that the Rams and Jackson could be leaning towards their original round tender of $3.116 million.
The Jackson decision is a crucial one involving LA. The Rams had been searching for a replacement for Pro Bowler and captain Andrew Whitworth, who retired following LA’s Super Bowl 56 title run. Jackson has emerged as a reliable presence on the blindside.
What Positions Are the Rams Eyeballing in Free Agency?
Most mock drafts and free agency predictions point to the Rams pursuing cornerback and edge rush help.
Rodrigue says the Rams “are paying very close attention to the cornerback and edge rusher markets as free agency opens.”
KEEP READING: Rams’ Nick Caley Reportedly Turned Down Patriots’ OC Job Offer
Unfortunately for LA, the Rams won’t be able to make a run at Jaylon Johnson after signing his $76 million deal to remain with the Chicago Bears. Johnson, who grew up in California as a native of Fresno, was PFN’s No. 1 free agent CB for 2024. However, names like Stephon Gilmore, Steve Nelson, and Kenny Moore could appeal to LA. There’s also Xavien Howard out there.
As for edge rusher, Chase Young and Danielle Hunter have Ram fans hoping the team makes a run at both. Although, PFN’s Joe Broback has the Rams projected to draft prized local star EDGE Laiatu Latu out of UCLA.
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