| News |
|---|
|
Ronnie Rivers Ronnie Rivers Staying in Los Angeles
Sun, Mar 16, 2025, 1:22 PM
Rivers signed a one-year contract with the Rams on Sunday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Rivers opened the 2024 regular season as the Rams' No. 2 running back behind Kyren Williams, but he was eventually bumped down to third string by rookie Blake Corum. Rivers saw plenty of work on special teams for the Rams last season and should reprise that role in 2025. He finished the 2024 campaign with 22 carries for 99 yards and five catches (on six targets) for 34 yards across 17 regular-season games. |
|
Drake Stoops Drake Stoops Suspended two games
Tue, Mar 11, 2025, 3:27 PM
Stoops has been suspended the first two games of the 2025 regular season for violating the NFL's policy regarding performance-enhancing substances, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Stoops will have to miss the first two games of 2025, but he can still participate in training camp and preseason contests without restrictions. This development could negatively impact his odds of earning a reserve spot on the 53-man roster, though. He spent the entire 2024 campaign on the Rams' practice squad and wasn't elevated for a single game. |
|
Cooper Kupp Cooper Kupp Release expected soon
Mon, Mar 10, 2025, 5:33 PM
The Rams are expected to release Kupp after the beginning of the new league year Wednesday, barring a trade coming to pass, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Through eight pro campaigns, Kupp has only two 1,000-yard seasons to his name, but his 146-1.947-16 line on 191 targets from 2021 will serve as one of the greatest years for a wide receiver in NFL history. Since then, he's missed 18 games while averaging a 67-753-5.7 line on 97.7 targets per season from 2022-24. The arrival of fifth-round pick Puka Nacua in 2023 resulted in a changing of the guard as the top pass catcher in the Rams offense, and Sunday's signing of Davante Adams gives the team an upgrade at No. 2. L.A. has been seeking to trade Kupp since at least early February, but considering his recent returns and age (he turns 32 in June), the Rams haven't garnered any notable interest as of yet. In any case, clarity on his situation figures to arrive in the near future. |
|
Jimmy Garoppolo Jimmy Garoppolo Re-signs with Rams
Mon, Mar 10, 2025, 11:55 AM
Garoppolo is re-signing with the Rams on a one-year contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: This comes as no surprise, after Garoppolo threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 18 loss to Seattle while mostly playing with other backups (against the Seahawks' starters). It was an impressive performance, and a far cry from what Garoppolo did the year before in seven games for the Raiders (seven TDs, nine interceptions). In any case, he's 33 years old and will return to Los Angeles as Matthew Stafford's backup. |
|
Davante Adams Davante Adams Headed to the Rams
Sun, Mar 9, 2025, 6:15 PM
Adams agreed to a two-year, $46 million deal with the Rams on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Adams' deal includes $26 million in guaranteed salary, per Rapoport, which likely makes it rather easy for the Rams to move on from him after the 2025 season if they so choose. The 32-year-old was released by the Jets in a salary-shedding move last Tuesday and was seen as perhaps the top available wide receiver ahead of the free-agent negotiating window starting Monday. Adams recorded 85 catches for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns over 14 games split between the Raiders (three) and Jets (11), and he has totaled over 1,000 yards in all but one of the last seven seasons. He'll now join a Rams squad that boasts Pro Bowl veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who agreed to a re-structured contract that kept him in Los Angeles this offseason. Longtime Rams wideout Cooper Kupp is also expected to be either cut or traded this offseason. His expected departure should leave Adams to fill a significant hole alongside budding star receiver Puka Nacua in this receiving corps, which also includes Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington. |
|
Tutu Atwell Tutu Atwell Back with L. A. on one-year deal
Thu, Mar 6, 2025, 10:41 AM
Atwell and the Rams agreed to terms Thursday on a one-year, $10 million contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Atwell, a 2021 second-round pick, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but he'll instead return to Los Angeles on a fully guaranteed one-year, $10 million contract. Coming off a 2024 campaign in which he compiled a career-best 42-562-0 receiving line across 17 regular-season contests, the timing and guarantees of Atwell's deal signal that the Rams view him as a valued contributor on offense, especially in the context of Cooper Kupp's expected departure this offseason. With Demarcus Robinson still a pending unrestricted free agent, returning quarterback Matthew Stafford's top wideouts next season could feature a lineup of Puka Nacua, Atwell and Jordan Whittington. |
|
Tyler Higbee Tyler Higbee Remaining in L.A. for 2025
Mon, Mar 3, 2025, 11:33 AM
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Monday that Higbee will remain with Los Angeles for the 2025 season, the final year of his contract, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
Analysis: McVay said the same of veteran offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, calling the Rams offense "different" when both veterans are healthy and on the field. Higbee missed all but three of Los Angeles' regular-season games in 2024 while working his way back from offseason knee and shoulder surgeries, most notably recovering from an ACL tear sustained during the 2023 playoffs, but the 32-year-old tight end managed to impress once he was back in action. In two postseason games against the Vikings and Eagles, he secured 12 of 15 targets for 112 yards and a score. With Matthew Stafford's return and Cooper Kupp still looking unlikely to be retained for 2025, Higbee could be facing increased opportunities on offense behind star wideout Puka Nacua. |
|
Cooper Kupp Cooper Kupp Still likely to be traded or cut
Mon, Mar 3, 2025, 9:32 AM
Kupp remains unlikely to stay with the Rams for 2025, SI.com's Albert Breer reports.
Analysis: There was some thought Kupp and Matthew Stafford would both be traded/released and move on to the same team. Stafford instead signed a new contract, but that apparently doesn't mean Kupp will do the same, as the Rams are hoping to free up cap space and may envision Jordan Whittington quickly becoming an effective replacement in the slot. Kupp will turn 32 in June and has two years remaining on his contract, with the remaining non-guaranteed money consisting of a $12.5 million base salary in 2025, a $14.85 million base salary in 2026 and a $5 million roster bonus in 2026. Given his age and recent injury troubles, Kupp is unlikely to attract much trade interest without a pay cut, which means he'd probably be better off if the Rams simply released him before the start of the new league year and allowed him to hit the open market at a time when numerous teams have a need at his position as well as plenty of cap space. If a trade happens instead, it'll likely be for a late draft pick. |
|
Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford Sticking with Rams
Fri, Feb 28, 2025, 12:35 PM
Stafford and the Rams agreed to terms Friday on a restructured contract that will keep him in Los Angeles and eliminate any possibilities of a trade this offseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Interest in Stafford as a potential trade acquisition appeared to have been building significant momentum during the week of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, with the Giants and Raiders headlining the list of suitors, but the veteran signal-caller has ultimately agreed to stick with the Rams and head coach Sean McVay, as confirmed by the team's official social media accounts. Further details regarding Stafford's restructured contract should arrive in short order, but it seems probable both sides agreed to a mutually beneficial short-term, potentially front-loaded deal. The 37-year-old's continued tenure in Los Angeles is a positive development for the fantasy stock of both Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, as it preserves key continuity in McVay's offensive scheme, though Cooper Kupp seemingly remains on the trade block. |
|
Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford Meeting with team Friday
Fri, Feb 28, 2025, 8:21 AM
Stafford is meeting with the Rams in Los Angeles on Friday to discuss his future with the team, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: According to Russini, both the Giants and Raiders have already met with Stafford and discussed two-year deals that include $90-to-$100 million guaranteed, and a decision is expected soon. The new league year kicks off in two weeks, and it would be safe to assume everyone involved here would like to have a resolution by that time. The Rams allowed Stafford to talk to teams and dictate his market and worth. Stafford is likely looking for a substantial raise on the $40 million per year he's currently making. It's difficult to see him not getting that. |
|
Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford Interest from Giants, Raiders
Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 4:15 PM
The Giants and Raiders are among the teams who have expressed interest in acquiring Stafford (ribs) since the Rams granted his agent permission to talk with other teams about his contract terms, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Stafford met with the Giants at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, and the veteran quarterback also had what's been termed as an "unplanned" meeting with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady in Montana recently, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Rams gave Stafford permission to speak to other teams with the two sides having yet to come to agreement on a number regarding his next contract. Stafford is under contract for two more seasons with the Rams, but he wants a new deal that includes a raise and guaranteed money. It's possible he's angling for a deal worth at least $50 million annually, which would put him in the upper tier of quarterbacks; he's currently the league's 15th-highest-paid signal caller at $40 million per year. |
|
Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford Extension or trade both possible
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 3:37 PM
The Rams hope to reach a contract agreement with Stafford (ribs) but may try to trade him if the two sides can't agree on numbers, Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire reports.
Analysis: NFL Network's Tom Telissero reported Friday that the Rams recently gave Stafford's agent permission to talk with other teams to help assess the QB's value. The idea, it would seem, is for the Rams to figure out if they're willing to pay Stafford as much as another team would, which can move negotiations forward (or not). His contract was also an issue last offseason, when Stafford had three years remaining without any guaranteed money. The Rams adjusted his contract in July, but now they have a similar situation at hand, with Stafford scheduled to make $27 million and $31 million for the final two years of his contract. Those figures are way below market value for a competent starting QB, but that's partially because Stafford received a huge signing bonus in 2022 and a restructure bonus in 2024, which is reflected in his cap hits for the next two seasons ($49.7 million and $53.7 million). An extension would allow the Rams to lower those cap hits while making Stafford happy, but it would also mean adding to the eventual dead-money cap charge when he's retired or released. Stafford turned 37 earlier in February, and right now it's not clear he'll be back in Los Angeles for 2025. |
|
Cooper Kupp Cooper Kupp Says team plans to trade him
Mon, Feb 3, 2025, 6:39 PM
Kupp announced Monday evening that the Rams informed him they will be looking to trade him in the immediate future.
Analysis: "I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships," Kupp wrote Monday. "I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA." He said after the Rams' divisional-round loss to the Eagles that he planned to continue his playing career, but it always felt like it was headed this direction, with the Rams and Kupp parting ways. Kupp turns 32 years old in June and is coming off an extremely slow finish to the 2024 season, one in which he was clearly overtaken as the Rams' WR1 by Puka Nacua. Kupp has two years left on his current contract, one that is set to pay him $12.5 million and $14.85 million salaries the next two seasons. It may be a difficult contract to move, but the acquiring team would likely look to restructure Kupp's deal. The Rams may envision Jordan Whittington as Kupp's much cheaper replacement out of the slot. |
|
Xavier Smith Xavier Smith Used primarily as return man
Fri, Jan 31, 2025, 1:59 PM
Smith caught two passes for six yards, rushed twice for 30 yards and logged 155 yards as a kick returner and 178 yards as a punt returner during the 2024 regular season.
Analysis: After spending all of 2023 on the practice squad, the Rams brought Smith on to serve as a return specialist, and he accrued a total of 333 yards in the role. Smith is under contract with the Rams for one more season, and with Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson all unrestricted free agents, a more expanded role may be in the cards for Smith in 2025. |
|
Tyler Johnson Tyler Johnson Modest numbers as a backup
Fri, Jan 31, 2025, 1:58 PM
Johnson caught 26 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown during the 2024 regular season.
Analysis: Given the Rams' injury woes for much of the season, Johnson's second season with the team bore more fruit, as he was on the field for 345 snaps on offense and held his own when pressed into significant action, including a 5-79-0 line in the Week 1 opener against the Lions. The Rams have a lot of questions in the offseason at wide receiver, with Cooper Kupp a candidate for trade or release and Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Johnson all unrestricted free agents, but Johnson's budding role may entice the Rams to give him another shot to work alongside Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington and Xavier Smith. |
|
Jimmy Garoppolo Jimmy Garoppolo Logs single start in backup role
Fri, Jan 31, 2025, 1:57 PM
Garoppolo completed 24 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns and an interception during the 2024 regular season, adding two rushing attempts for five yards.
Analysis: In his lone appearance of the season Week 18, Garoppolo showcased his abilities to potential suitors and performed well, completing touchdown passes to Tyler Higbee and Tyler Johnson with mostly backups on the field for the Rams. Head coach Sean McVay may be inclined to bring the 31-year-old Garoppolo, an unrestricted free agent, back for another round as the primary backup to Matthew Stafford if the price is right, as third-stringer Stetson Bennett has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game and had a miserable preseason with five interceptions and a lost fumble over two starts. |
|
Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford Had cracked ribs
Thu, Jan 23, 2025, 9:31 AM
Stafford played through four cracked ribs from Week 15 onward, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
Analysis: Stafford sustained the injury in Week 15 against the 49ers but continued to play without missing a beat, though he was rested along with other key Rams starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale. He aggravated the injury early in the 28-22 NFC divisional-round loss to the Eagles but didn't miss a snap. Stafford said after the loss to Philadelphia that "it sure feels like" he has more football left in him, per Nick Shook of NFL.com. Retirement doesn't seem to be on the 36-year-old quarterback's mind, and assuming he plans to resume his NFL career, Stafford will have plenty of time for his ribs to heal in the offseason. |
|
Cooper Kupp Cooper Kupp Plans to continue playing career
Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 6:47 PM
Kupp said Monday that he plans to continue his playing career next season but admitted he's not sure if it will be with the Rams, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: "I feel like I've got a lot of good football left in me," Kupp said. "I'll be playing football next year. That much I know. ... I don't have any clarity on what that's going to look like or anything like that. So yeah, obviously would love to be in L.A., but I don't know what that's going to look like." Kupp turns 32 years old in June and is coming off a slow finish to the 2024 season, as he ceded the clear WR1 role to Puka Nacua. Kupp is under contract through 2026, but the Rams could opt to cut him before a $5 million roster bonus is due in March. Designating Kupp as a post-June 1 cut would clear $15 million in cap space and leave behind $14.78 million in dead money. If he's not designated as a post-June 1 cut, the Rams would eat $22.26 million in dead cap hit, clearing just $7.52 million. In pure cash terms, releasing Kupp saves Los Angeles $15 million. If the Rams opt to move on from Kupp, Jordan Whittington makes for a natural in-house replacement out of the slot. |
|
Davis Allen Davis Allen Held without a catch
Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 6:39 PM
Allen played seven snaps on offense and 13 snaps on special teams during Sunday's 28-22 NFC divisional-round loss to the Eagles.
Analysis: The second-year tight end never got going during the 2024 campaign, managing just six catches for 39 yards despite increasing his number of snaps on offense from 182 in his rookie year to 292. Colby Parkinson, who was brought in to act as the starter, eventually slid into a timeshare with Allen and Hunter Long, before Tyler Higbee returned from ACL and MCL injuries to take over as the starter for the final few games of the season. Long is an unrestricted free agent, which will leave Allen and Parkinson vying for the backup role behind Higbee in 2025. |
|
Quintez Cephus Quintez Cephus Inks futures deal with Rams
Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 6:35 PM
The Rams signed Cephus to a reserve/future contract Monday, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Cephus signed with the Rams' practice squad Sept. 18 after he failed to make the Texans' 53-man roster at the end of training camp. The 2020 fifth-round pick was not elevated to the Rams' active roster during the regular season or playoffs, but by signing a futures deal he'll have a spot on the 90-man roster when the new league year starts March 12. Cephus will have the opportunity to participate in OTAs and minicamp during the offseason and put himself in a position to earn a spot on the active roster for the 2025 campaign following training camp. |
Connect With Us:
