Following their heartbreaking loss in the Divisional Round against the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams face a long road to the 2025 season, with free agency at the top of their agenda.
Over the past few seasons, the Rams have lost some marquee players due to cap space dumps and retirements. Those names include Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and Ernest Jones IV. Additionally, the Rams lost their former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson, now the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator. But on the bright side, the team has been collecting compensatory picks to bolster the roster.
Currently, the pending free agents feature many players who made significant contributions this season. The list includes left tackle Alaric Jackson, linebacker Christian Rozeboom, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson allowed only three sacks in 2024 and committed just seven penalties in close to 900 snaps played. Jackson was graded inside the top 20 in his pass blocking, run blocking and overall grade. Additionally, he will only be 27 next season, meaning some prime years are still ahead of him.
Rozeboom is a reliable linebacker, known for his run defense and hustle. While he isn’t considered elite, his strong work ethic makes him great value. Rozeboom recorded 69 tackles and one sack this season.
Robinson was a solid receiver throughout the season. He stepped up during Puka Nacua’s absence, recording 505 yards and 7 touchdowns. His stats might be replaceable, but bringing back his veteran presence would provide a big boost with Cooper Kupp’s lingering status. If Kupp were released between now and March 16, he would clear $7.5 million, but the Rams could also clear $9.4 million by restructuring his deal. But in the event that the Rams cut Kupp, which would be surprising, Robinson’s return would become increasingly likely.
Witherspoon is an interesting case. A notable breakout player from the 2023 season, Witherspoon allowed a reception on just 48.2% of his targets in 2023, which was third-best in the NFL among corners with at least 300 snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Witherspoon’s 73.8 passer rating allowed ranked 14th. Though he has returned to Earth this season, and the Rams’ corner room isn’t elite by any stretch. Cobie Durant is reliable, but beyond that, the Rams’ corner room is bleak. Also, Witherspoon has yet to miss a game in his Rams career, and for any team, availability is the best ability. Furthermore, he would be a great budget player given the Rams’ limited cap space.
As to the players the Rams probably won’t, or at least shouldn’t, resign, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is simply not the same player he once was and doesn’t make sense within the Rams’ timeline. LA would be better off drafting a young quarterback and developing him during Stafford’s final years. The last time Garoppolo started for a prolonged stretch, he put up 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 77.7 passer rating. Those numbers just aren’t good enough in this ever-evolving league.
Another candidate to let walk would be safety John Johnson III. Johnson barely played this season as he landed on IR on Sept. 18 after suffering a hairline fracture. He was healthy for a while, but the Rams used up their designations for return and had to wait for postseason designations. Additionally the Rams would be better off drafting a young safety, as LA has been on a tear in terms of drafting studs, especially on defense.
LA have a plethora of other free agents, including left tackle Joe Noteboom, outside linebacker Michael Hoecht, receiver Tutu Atwell, linebacker Troy Reeder and nose tackle Bobby Brown III. It’s unlikely the front office will be able to re-sign all of these players, many of whom will sign somewhere else or be traded, but expect a handful of them to return in 2025.