The Los Angeles Rams are entering a critical offseason as they look to strengthen their defensive backfield. With five players, including two starters, set to become free agents, the secondary will be a significant focus during free agency and the upcoming NFL draft in April.
In previous offseasons, the Rams have heavily invested in their pass rush to prepare for the eventual retirement of Aaron Donald. The defensive line has served as the foundation for the schemes devised by coordinator Chris Shula over the past two seasons. While the unit initially performed well, especially late in the 2024 season and early in 2025 when the Rams” defense was ranked among the top in the league, fatigue set in as the 2025 season progressed. Missed tackles and blown coverage assignments contributed to opponents gaining significant yardage and scoring points.
This offseason presents a unique opportunity for the Rams, as their entire pass rush is under contract for 2026. This allows the team to redirect its focus toward enhancing the secondary and linebacker corps, aiming to create a cohesive unit that works in harmony rather than relying on a single group. The free agency period begins on March 11, followed by the NFL draft from April 23-25.
As it stands, the Rams will return key defensive starters, including outside linebackers Jared Verse and Byron Young, along with defensive linemen Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford. They will also bring back linebackers Nate Landman and Omar Speights, as well as defensive backs Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, and Emmanuel Forbes. This group has been the team”s core for three years, and maximizing their potential, especially in terms of pursuing the quarterback, will be vital for the Rams this offseason.
Looking ahead, both Turner and Young are up for contract extensions. Head coach Sean McVay has indicated a desire to keep both players long-term. However, it remains uncertain whether the team can reach agreements this offseason or if it would be more strategic to wait until 2027.
The Rams face a major challenge with their secondary, as they have five unrestricted free agents, including Kamren Curl and Cobie Durant. Curl has played under a favorable contract for two years but is expected to seek a lucrative deal after a strong 2025 season. Durant, who has shown potential during his rookie contract, is not currently the top cornerback the Rams have missed since Jalen Ramsey left three years ago.
Historically, the Rams have not heavily invested in their secondary, although they did sign Lake to a multi-year extension in January. The question now is whether they will follow a similar path with Curl or Durant or opt to seek upgrades through free agency at safety or cornerback. While major investments may not be anticipated, they could pursue cost-effective options like Curl or veteran players at market price, similar to how Poona Ford was acquired last year.
Potential targets in free agency include Alontae Taylor from the Saints, Riq Woolen from the Seahawks, and Bryan Cook from the Chiefs. The Rams might also consider promoting from within to replace Curl, with Jaylen McCollough being a favored option among the coaching staff, who has utilized him as a dime linebacker behind Curl, Lake, and Kinchens.
The cornerback situation is precarious. Should the Rams decide to release veteran Williams, Forbes would be the only cornerback left on the roster. He might enter a contract year if the Rams do not exercise his fifth-year option for 2027. There is a possibility that the Rams will replicate their strategy from previous drafts by selecting multiple cornerbacks in April. With two first-round picks and additional selections in the second and third rounds, they have ample opportunity to enhance their cornerback depth while still retaining high-quality draft capital for other roster improvements.
In addition to the secondary, the Rams must consider whether to bolster their inside linebacker position. Landman has solidified his role on the defense, but Speights faced challenges in coverage during the postseason, particularly against Kenneth Walker of the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
