NFL free agency will begin on March 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Teams are already evaluating what their next moves will be to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.
That is why the Los Angeles Rams do not want to wait until that moment. Instead, they have already started working in advance on the names they want to pursue so they can be ready as soon as the market officially opens.
The aggressiveness they are showing under Sean McVay is connected to their desire to remain highly competitive. Because of that, they already have their sights set on Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie.
However, he is not the only player they are targeting, as they are also working to retain safety Kam Curl and tight end Tyler Higbee. The organization understands how vital those players are to the team and does not want to lose them to a better offer elsewhere.
Free agency will come at a high cost for the Los Angeles Rams
Keeping their current players while also pursuing the additions they want will certainly be expensive for the Rams. Still, they believe it will be worth it by the end of the season if it helps them reach the championship game. At least, that is the objective.
At the moment, the Los Angeles franchise has $29.2 million available before giving Curl a potential contract extension. Among the players who will test free agency are:
- WR Tutu Atwell
- CB Cobie Durant
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo
- OT D.J. Humphries
- CB Roger McCreary
- LS Jake McQuaide
- TE Nick Vannett
- LB Troy Reeder
- RB Ronnie Rivers
- CB Derion Kendrick
Meanwhile, the players who are unrestricted free agents include:
- LB Keir Thomas
- LB Nick Hampton
The positions the Rams need to strengthen
For the Rams, certain areas must be prioritized if they want to remain near the top of the league and continue competing for another Super Bowl appearance.
- Cornerbacks
Pursuing McDuffie will be a priority, but that will not be the only move. The team also needs additional personnel to turn the secondary into a truly intimidating defense. There is speculation that Durant could leave, and if that happens, the Rams could also attempt to acquire McDuffie’s teammate, Jaylen Watson.
Another player who has caught their attention is Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes, along with Saints defender Alontae Taylor and Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.
- Wide receiver
The Rams have reportedly made several calls to explore the situation of AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. Davante Adams is entering the final year of his contract at the age of 34, so the team could be looking for another option to complement him and Puka Nacua.
- Linebacker
The Rams want to keep all three defensive levels well covered. With the possible arrival of McDuffie, along with Nate Landman and another linebacker acquired through free agency, the team would gain the strength it needs.
Los Angeles has several options on the table and is already working to shape a roster capable of striking fear into its opponents.
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