The 2025 NFL season was a resurgent masterclass for Sean McVay and his squad, but it ended just one step short of the ultimate goal. Following a gut-wrenching loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, the Los Angeles Rams offseason officially begins with a mixture of pride and urgency. While the team silenced doubters by returning to the elite tier of the NFC, the front office now faces a complex puzzle to ensure this window of contention doesn't slam shut.
General Manager Les Snead finds himself in an uncharacteristic position this spring. For years, the Rams operated with a depleted cupboard of draft assets, but the landscape has shifted. As we head into February 2026, the organization must balance the massive financial commitments of its veteran superstars with the rare opportunity provided by a surplus of high-end draft capital. Here are the five most critical questions facing the Rams as they look to reload for another Super Bowl run.
1. Will Matthew Stafford Commit to Another Run?
At the heart of the Los Angeles Rams offseason is the future of Matthew Stafford. Coming off an MVP-caliber 2025 campaign where he defied age and injury history to lead one of the league's most explosive offenses, Stafford has proven he is still among the elite. However, at 38 years old, the physical toll of a deep playoff run has sparked the inevitable retirement conversations in Thousand Oaks.
The Rams' immediate Super Bowl aspirations hinge entirely on Stafford’s decision. If he returns, the team likely looks to extend his contract to lower his immediate cap hit and secure him for a final two-year window. If he leans toward retirement, the Rams will be forced into an aggressive search for a veteran replacement or a total pivot toward a rookie signal-caller—a move that would drastically alter their 2026 trajectory.
2. How Will the Rams Handle Davante Adams’ $28M Cap Hit?
The 2025 trade for Davante Adams was a massive success on the field, providing Stafford with a legendary secondary target alongside Puka Nacua. However, the bill is now coming due. Adams is scheduled to carry a staggering $28 million cap hit for the 2026 season, a figure that currently limits the Rams' ability to fill other holes on the roster.
The front office must decide whether to restructure Adams' deal, which would push dead money into future years, or engage in difficult conversations about his long-term future with the team. With Cooper Kupp’s role evolving and Nacua established as a true WR1, the Rams have to determine if they can afford to keep the most expensive wide receiver room in the NFL while still addressing a defense that struggled to contain Seattle’s vertical attack in the playoffs.
3. What is the Plan for the Two 2026 First-Round Picks?
In a departure from their famous "eff them picks" philosophy, the Rams enter the 2026 draft with significant ammunition. Thanks to the blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Falcons last year, Los Angeles currently possesses two first-round selections. This draft capital represents a massive opportunity to infuse the roster with cheap, elite talent—or to facilitate another blockbuster trade.
- Drafting a Successor: Could the Rams use one of these picks to finally secure a blue-chip quarterback to sit behind Stafford?
- Defensive Reinforcements: After the retirement of Aaron Donald two years ago, the interior pass rush has improved, but the secondary remains a tier below the league's best.
- The Snead Special: Trading these picks for a proven veteran edge rusher to pair with Jared Verse and Kobie Turner.
4. Can the Defense Take the Next Step Under Shula?
The 2025 defense exceeded expectations, led by the breakout performances of Jared Verse and the continued dominance of Kobie Turner. However, the NFC Championship Game exposed a lack of depth in the secondary and a need for a more consistent pass rush when the front four aren't winning immediately. This Los Angeles Rams offseason will likely see a heavy focus on the defensive backfield.
With several key contributors hitting free agency, the Rams need to decide if they will spend big on a shutdown cornerback or continue to rely on the development of mid-round picks. Strengthening the spine of the defense is essential if they hope to dethrone the Seahawks in the NFC West next season.
5. Is the Offensive Line Depth Sustainable?
While the starting five performed admirably for most of 2025, the wear and tear became evident during the postseason. Protecting Matthew Stafford is the single most important factor in the Rams' success. The front office must address the swing tackle position and look for a long-term solution at left tackle.
Maintaining a clean pocket for Stafford allowed him to play at an MVP level this past year. To replicate that success in 2026, the Rams cannot afford to go into the season with the same depth concerns that nearly derailed their late-season momentum. Expect the Rams to use at least one of their top-three rounds of draft capital on a versatile interior lineman.
Sources & Original Reporting
