The Los Angeles Rams are entering a pivotal stretch as they try to balance competitiveness with long-term roster building. With a mix of veterans, emerging stars, and role players approaching key contract decisions or uncertain futures, the 2026 season could mark the end of the line in L.A. for several names. Here’s a breakdown of 13 Rams facing “stay or go” scenarios and predictions for each.
Davante Adams
The addition of Davante Adams brought star power and veteran leadership, but his future in L.A. as always been temporary. Adams had a clear role in 2025, yet age, contract value, and the Rams’ need to get younger at skill positions moving forward point toward a likely departure. Expect him to move on after this season, possibly chasing another contender or simply retiring if the Rams win the Super Bowl.
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Prediction: Gone (Retires)
Emmanuel Forbes
Emmanuel Forbes is maddening. He shows flashes of 1st round pick value but also shows the reason why the Washington Commanders waived him in 2024. Heading into 2026, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Quentin Lake appear to be the three starting corners. That leaves Forbes as the dime option and emergency option in case of injury. With extensions already handed out to Kam Curl, McDuffie, Watson, and Lake, the Rams are almost guaranteed to let him walk in 2027.
Prediction: Gone (Signs elsewhere as free agent)
Matthew Stafford
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is a fine wine. While retirement rumors tend to follow him annually, he has still expressed his desire to play as long as his body allows. His hunger for competition is noticed every week so simply retiring isn’t cut and dry. Sean McVay has even expressed that he could see Stafford playing beyond 2026. Winning Super Bowl LXI could certainly create a narrative to ride off into the sunset, but it also could net another payday…
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Prediction: Stay
Puka Nacua
Breakout star Puka Nacua has quickly become a cornerstone of the offense. His production, chemistry with Stafford, and team-friendly trajectory make him a near-lock to stay. He represents the future of the Rams’ passing attack. I recently wrote as to what I think the Rams will do in 2027 with Puka Nacua.
Prediction: Stay (Franchise Tag)
Byron Young
Edge rusher Byron Young has been solid but not irreplaceable. I believe the Rams already have his replacement on the roster – Josiah Stewart. Unless he takes another leap in Year 4, his time in L.A. is likely over because of financial restraints signing other extension-worthy players on the roster.
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Prediction: Gone (Signs elsewhere as free agent)
Coleman Shelton
Coleman Shelton has been a dependable presence on the offensive line. The Rams may already have his replacement on the roster with Beaux Limmer entering year 3. Two other factors: 1)Shelton will be 31 years old after this year and 2) the Rams have other interior linemen entering the final year of their respective deals (Steve Avila – LG and Kevin Dotson – RG). The team can’t pay everyone.
Prediction: Gone (Signs elsewhere as free agent)
Tyler Higbee
Tight end Tyler Higbee has been a longtime contributor, but injuries and age are beginning to catch up. With younger options waiting in the wings, this could be his final ride with the franchise. I believe Higbee re-signed this offseason simply to have one more opportunity at playing in a Super Bowl.
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Prediction: Gone (Retires)
Kobie Turner
Defensive lineman Kobie Turner has emerged as a key building block. His disruptive presence and upside make him a player the Rams will prioritize keeping. He fits perfectly into the team’s evolving defensive identity as well as providing veteran leadership in the locker room. Turner is the epitome of players the team likes to target to create their culture.
Prediction: Stay (Resigns)
Steve Avila
Steve Avila has shown promise, but inconsistency and roster competition could put his future in jeopardy. The Rams’ willingness to shuffle the offensive line makes him a potential casualty. The one alternative could be that the Rams try again to make him a center (since he has more NFL experience) and then find a rookie to play left guard.
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Prediction: Gone (Signs elsewhere as free agent)
Davis Allen
Davis Allen’s ceiling is pretty limited. He’s been reliable but unspectacular. I expect Parkinson to receive an extension over him.
Prediction: Gone (Signs elsewhere as free agent)
Stetson Bennett
Quarterback Stetson Bennett remains an intriguing project, but the Rams may seek a more established backup or future starter. Without significant development, Bennett’s window (age 30) in the NFL is closing.
Prediction: Gone (Signs elsewhere as free agent or retires)
Colby Parkinson
It’s hard to believe but Parkinson is already entering the final year of his deal in 2026. With him becoming a focal point in 2025, I imagine the Rams will prioritize an extension just like they did with Tyler Higbee throughout the early years of Sean McVay’s era with the Rams.
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Prediction: Stay (Resigns)
Warren McClendon
Offensive tackle Warren McClendon has quietly positioned himself as a valuable depth piece with upside. The Rams will likely prefer to keep their incumbent rather than finding an external option. Teams are starting to find that free agency is scarce and keeping & developing draft talent is the more financially friendly option.
Prediction: Stay (Resigns)
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