Reload time in Los Angeles! After a disappointing 2022 season the Rams lost many starters and solid veterans. The Rams were in "renovation" mode according to GM Les Snead but thanks to astute trades, free agent signings, and a highly successful draft, the Rams surprised many people and made it to the playoffs with 10-7 record. This year Los Angeles is in much better shape with regards to the salary cap and draft capital. The Rams have a first round pick for the first time during the tenure of HC Sean McVay and eleven total picks in the upcoming draft. They also have salary cap space and not as many free agent or big contract starters as they did last year. The Rams lost several coaches, most notably DC Raheem Morris, who will be the Head Coach of the Falcons but McVay has dealt with this kind of situation many times before. Let's take a look at the main free agents along with their current status during the start of free agency.

KEY FREE AGENTS:

OG Kevin Dotson - Re-signed three year deal with the Rams

WR Demarcus Robinson - Re-signed one year deal with the Rams

OT Alaric Jackson - Second Round tender by Rams

DE Mike Hoecht - Tendered right of first refusal by Rams

OL Coleman Shelton - Signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears

CB Ahkello Witherspoon - Free agent

DB John Johnson - Free agent

DB Jordan Fuller - Free afent

LB Christian Rozeboom - Free agent

The Ram's first and highest priority move was to keep Dotson in Los Angeles. He developed into a quality starter in 2023 and should continue that success moving forward. The team would also like to keep Jackson but is allowing him to test the market. The Rams can match any offer he receives or will be rewarded a second round pick in the upcoming draft if he leaves. This is a smart move by the Rams as most franchises do not want to give big money to a player AND a second round pick. Robinson came on strong towards the end of 2023 and will compete for the WR3 position. Hoecht is serviceable but better suited as a backup and special teams contributor. Los Angeles will move OL Steve Avila to center so losing Shelton was expected. We have to see what happens with the other free agents. One side note is Los Angeles released former starting center OL Brian Allen to gain some cap space.

PLAYERS THE RAMS ADDED:

OG Jonah Jackson - Signed from Detroit Lions

TE Colby Parkinson - Signed from Seattle Seahawks

CB Darious Williams - Signed from Jacksonville Jaguars (released)

Signing Jackson might seem odd at first since Los Angeles already had Avila and Dotson; however, the Rams think Avila could be a stud a center so they brought in Jackson to give themselves a solid interior offensive line for the foreseeable future. Veteran OT Rob Havenstein will anchor the right tackle position and if Jackson is retained at left tackle, the offensive line should be one of the team's top units. Parkinson will compete with second year TE Davis Allen for the starting spot while TE Tyler Higbee recovers from his torn ACL & MCL. Colby is 6'-7" and brings a skill set that should help in both the offense and special teams. Williams won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021 and will provide veteran leadership for the young secondary. The Rams gave all three players good sized contracts so they will be expected to start and contribute immediately.

This time last year Los Angeles was coming of a bad season and was considered one of the weakest teams but thanks to a spectacular draft and development of some young players, this team is gearing up for another Super Bowl run. HC Sean McVay and GM Les Snead have a definitive plan in place and follow that plan regardless of what the other "experts" think. Within the last few years, this brain trust has gone from "F them picks" to "accumulate those picks" and along with some astute trades/signings and rewarding draft selections the Rams are in a position to compete for the title. They still have several needs to address, most pressing being an edge rusher, but I have faith that they will take care of that well before camp opens. If you need some encouragement for your life, please read my book "Where do YOU want to go?" just Google the title and my name Layton Pang or look it up at westbowpress.com. Life has so much to offer in addition to football. My recommendation is this: "Collect memories when you can so you can enjoy them when you can't." Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha!

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