The Los Angeles Rams are at a crossroads. After coming up just short of reaching the Super Bowl in 2025, the idea of going “all in” again to get over the hump will be alluring. At the same time this is a franchise that is well-built for the future with recent draft hits and a wealth of players on cost-controlled contracts.
The Rams must choose a path between:
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Going “all in” again
Could mean trading draft picks for veterans who are able to contribute right away. Restructuring contracts and utilizing void years to max out the credit card and make the most of Matthew Stafford’s career remainder. This approach risks jeopardizing the existing core and LA may not have salary cap space to retain all of their ascending players or could reduce their ability to add talent in future years.
Building for the future
LA has two first round picks. They can find two new cornerstones and lock them into rookie contracts that are cost-controlled for five years. It’s an appealing idea that would add to the young core of Puka Nacua, Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, Steve Avila, Byron Young, Braden Fiske, and others.
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But rookies may not be able to contribute to the extent needed for the Rams to reach the Super Bowl in 2026. It’s a more methodical approach that may not help with short-term goals.
Which path will Rams choose?
Could the Rams chart their own path down the middle instead of choosing between the roads laid in front of them? Conceptually it seems possible to both build through the draft and load up on enough veteran talent to build a competitive roster in 2026.
But getting greedy does have consequences.
The margin between the Rams and Seahawks was extremely thin this season. Will that be true in 2026? Will another team take a step forward and enter the conversation?
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We often look forward to the next season with too much context from the past year. Each season starts anew and the ball must be pushed back up the hill. It’s called going “all in” for a reason. That means if you are throwing your hat into the ring in 2026, you must pull every lever available to ensure your spot in the last dance.
And being too aggressive will also force the Rams to make tough choices. Nacua, Turner, Avila, and Young are ready to discuss their next NFL contract. For each expensive veteran the team acquires, the math to retain each one becomes more nuanced.
While it sounds like a good idea to have it both ways, realistically, the Rams are probably better served to fully commit to one of the paths in front of them.
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