The Los Angeles Rams Must Prioritize These Five Free Agents
In a salary-cap league, few aspects of team building are more important than drafting well. The extra space that comes from rookie contracts rather than free-agent mercenaries gives teams like the Los Angeles Rams room to operate as they attempt to jump into the tier of teams truly contending for a championship.
Capitalizing on quarterback Matthew Stafford’s window means diving into free agency and bringing in high-level players at the positions general manager Les Snead has yet to fill with a promising young player.
Before that, though, Snead will have the opportunity to re-sign several Rams on the verge of free agency. Who should they bring back?
Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) scores a rushing touchdown as Los Angeles Rams guard Kevin Dotson (69) blocks New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Of all of Los Angeles’ free agents, guard Kevin Dotson is paramount to extend. He provided incredible surplus value while being traded in a swap of late-round picks, but has earned the right to remain with the Rams long after his rookie contract expires.
Dotson wasn’t just the best lineman in Los Angeles this season – he was one of the best in the sport. Keeping Stafford upright will be a priority, meaning continuity and stars up front will be necessary. Dotson checks both of those boxes.
Every other free agent should fall pretty far below Dotson on Snead’s list of priorities, but safety Jordan Fuller has certainly made a good case for being brought back.
Fuller played well – the sixth-best Rams defender among those with legitimate playing time, per Pro Football Focus – and set (or tied) career highs with his ball production. That includes three forced fumbles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups, to go along with the lowest passer rating against of his career.
Fuller can wear the green dot if need be and is respected in the locker room, adding to the list of reasons for his return. Stability on the back end is nice, but if quality players aren’t taking snaps, it doesn’t matter how well they gel. Fuller is one of the better players in this secondary and should be paid accordingly.
The first of two restricted free agents on this list, offensive tackle Alaric Jackson is a strong contender to return to Los Angeles’ offensive line. He struggled early in the season but was both effective and consistent in the final seven games of the Rams’ campaign.
Offering versatility to play at tackle or guard – without the risk of frequent penalties – Jackson is a quality player and one fans should expect back in 2024.
Receiver Demarcus Robinson also made a strong case for himself in the second half of the season. While slot receiver Tutu Atwell battled injuries, Robinson stepped up in his place.
He stacked four consecutive games with a touchdown between Week 13 and Week 16 while producing at least one explosive play in each of those games and Week 17 as well.
Robinson was a seamless fit into head coach Sean McVay’s offense, and that’s all he needs to be to find success.
Lastly, edge rusher Michael Hoecht may not be a popular name to bring back, but the restricted free agent showed growth in his transition from defensive tackle to edge rusher.
He will likely see fewer coverage snaps with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris off to be the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, leading to fewer lowlights. Hoecht also showed some juice as a pass rusher and given how small his market projects to be, there shouldn’t be much competition to bring him back. He’s a capable depth body that should continue to grow under defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s tutelage.
