The 2024 offseason will arguably be the most important in the Los Angeles Rams’ Les Snead era. After taking a year off in 2023, Snead will be expected to shine in the upcoming offseason. With the potential for more than $70 million in cap space and a first-round pick for the first time since 2016, the opportunity to quickly build a contending level team exists.
The Rams currently have a 3-6 record. While their season is far from over, given the importance of the offseason, it’s difficult not to have one eye on it.
The Rams must give out good contracts and have a strong draft once more. Both of these are easier said than done. It will also be critical to understand where the team’s current needs can be met. For example, the edge class in free agency is far superior to the draft edge class. Meanwhile, there are more offensive tackle options in the draft than in free agency.
Based on who they are able to sign in the free agent market, the Rams will have a much clearer picture of how to approach the draft. The problem with the free agent market this early in the season is that it’s difficult to predict who will be available.
Players will either sign extensions or be assigned the franchise tag.
ESPN released its list of the top 25 free agents for 2024, while Insider Jeremy Fowler provided some insider buzz on what he is currently hearing about the players’ availability and contract demands. Let’s take a look at some Rams players who could make an impact.
1. EDGE Burns, Brian
Brian Burns, a Carolina Panthers edge rusher, has been linked to the Rams for the past two years. At last year’s trade deadline, Los Angeles offered a massive trade package for Burns, and he’s been linked to them in nearly every trade deadline prediction piece since. Burns, on the other hand, does not appear to be on the market. Here’s what Fowler had to say about it:
“Burns would have a massive market in free agency, but the expectation around the league is the Panthers will franchise tag Burns at around $22 million.”
For Rams fans, signing Burns would be a pipe dream. He is a perfect fit for the current team structure. Not only does he have star potential, but he could take the defensive torch from Aaron Donald once he retires. Burns was expected to sign an extension before the season, but that hasn’t happened. This could be an interesting situation.
2. EDGE Mr. Josh Allen
If Burns does not hit the open market, it would not be surprising to see the Rams pursue Allen. The Jaguars are notorious for not investing in their own players. Jalen Ramsey and Yannick Ngakoue were both traded as a result of this. Fowler had the following to say about Allen:
“The franchise tag could be considered here.” The Jaguars will almost certainly try to re-sign him before free agency or at the July franchise-tag deadline (if they go that route).”
It would not be surprising to see the Rams spend that much money on an edge rusher. Allen, once again, makes a lot of sense as a player who fits the team’s style. He has star potential because he will be 27 years old when the 2024 season begins. The main question is whether he becomes available.
3. Jaylon Johnson, CB
The Bears were on the verge of trading Johnson at the trade deadline but were not offered a sufficient return. Johnson may end up with the franchise tag because it would be extremely difficult for Chicago to let him go. Johnson is interested in staying with the Bears, but he also wants to be paid. On the Johnson situation, Fowler added,
“Negotiations between Johnson and the Bears broke down just before the trade deadline, and Johnson has leverage if the Bears want to keep him.” Chicago can franchise tag him for more than $19 million or make a strong offer…Cornerbacks like Carlton Davis III and J.C. Jackson commanded high salaries in free agency two years ago.
This could end up being a situation in which Johnson is franchised before being extended. Johnson would be the Rams’ ultimate free agent signing outside of an edge rusher. Johnson would provide them with a number one outside cornerback to replace Jalen Ramsey. The problem is that it appears highly unlikely that Johnson will be permitted to become a free agent.
4. RB Jacobs, Josh
Would the Rams actually spend money on a running back? I believe they would if the right player was available, and Jacobs is just that. He had his best season a year ago under former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, who has previously served as a mentor to McVay. McVay may be looking for a running back to complement Kyren Williams and execute the new scheme after changing up the scheme this offseason. Williams might not be able to carry the entire load. Fowler stated,
“His game has improved in recent weeks, but the aforementioned 3.3 yards per carry average may have an impact on his bottom line.” Jacobs is still an excellent lead back.
Paying running backs is frowned upon, but Jacobs will be 26 when the season begins next year. Keep an eye on Jacobs if the Rams decide to pay a running back. He just makes too much sense as a runner and pass-catcher.
5. OT Jonah Williams
Simply put, the free agent offensive tackle group isn’t very good. The Rams would be far better off addressing the position in the draft, especially if they want a player on the left side. However, I can’t compile this list of free agents without including the top offensive tackle, even though Jonah Williams has played all of his snaps on the right side this season. Here’s what Fowler said about Williams:
“Functional offensive tackles typically do well in free agency, and Williams, a first-round pick in 2019, has been solid since moving to right tackle.” He may not reach Mike McGlinchey’s annual salary of $17.5 million this spring, but he will undoubtedly earn in the double digits.
The last time the Rams paid a free agent left tackle out of Cincinnati, it worked out pretty well. Williams’ problem is that he is a little lighter at 312 pounds. Los Angeles’ offensive line has grown in size over the last year. While Williams has previous experience on the left side, he has performed better as a right tackle this season. Williams allowed double-digit sacks at left tackle in 2021 and 2022. It would not be surprising if the Cincinnati Bengals let Williams leave free agency and draft a replacement. At the same time, he may not be a good fit for the Rams and their offensive line.
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