Powered by Roundtable

The Los Angeles Rams are facing a tough situation as they have multiple players headed for free agency in 2027.

The Los Angeles Rams are in a "win now" situation, similar to how the team was set up in 2021. They would go on to win the Super Bowl, and the construction of the current roster is seemingly set up the same way.

Though there are many questions regarding Matthew Stafford's future, there is a reality where he could leave the Rams in 2027. The MVP quarterback is just one of the multiple top free agents the team could have, posing a major problem.

Los Angeles general manager Les Snead has been fantastic in keeping the core of the roster together, but things also could be similar to the 2022 season. With many solid players needing an extension soon, the Rams might struggle to keep everyone together past 2027.

The Athletic's Daniel Popper put together the top 30 free agents for the 2027 season, and the Rams have a staggering seven players on the list, with Stafford sitting at the top.

The major issue is that the front office could lose the ability to keep all of these players together, so let's break down the likelihood of these players getting a new deal. For this exercise, we are using a scale of: highly likely, likely, unlikely, highly unlikely.

No. 1  - Matthew Stafford

At No. 1, it makes perfect sense that Stafford tops the list given his skills. He is coming off the best season of his career, leading the league with 4,707 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 276.9 yards per game, which led to his first MVP award. 

Stafford has been on a year-to-year deal with the Rams, but the arrival of Ty Simpson could lead him to feel a bit spurned and potentially consider finishing out his career with another team. This is a highly unlikely situation given the roster, but there is no guarantee that the signal caller plays past 2027.

Chance of a new deal: Unlikely

No. 5 - Puka Nacua

Puka Nacua is entering the last season of his rookie deal, but his offseason issues may have paused his ability to bring in a mega deal that he rightfully deserves. He remains one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, and should garner a deal similar to that of Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which reset the receiver market at $42.15 million per season.

Nacua is arguably at the same level as Smith-Njigba, but his overall maturity was clearly tested and led to his rehab stint. This could give Los Angeles more time to work out a long-term deal.

Chances of a new deal: highly likely

No. 15 - Byron Young

Edge Byron Young leads the charge on the dynamic defensive core that the Rams must keep together. With 27.5 sacks through three seasons, he continues to elevate his game in a major way. 

It would be highly unlikely that the team would not extend Young, and he is the likeliest, alongside Nacua, to get a long-term extension. 

Chances of a new deal: highly likely

No. 17 - Davante Adams

Considering the injuries that have plagued Davante Adams, his playing time, and his contemplating retirement, he is likely not to get another deal from the Rams. In fact, he was reportedly part of trade talks that may have been used to target Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown.

Adams may walk away before getting a new deal, but it would be highly unlikely that Los Angeles extends him beyond a potential one-year deal. 

Chances of a new deal: highly unlikely

No. 22 - Kevin Dotson

Kevin Dotson has been one of the best guards in the league, and he is part of the solid offensive line that is necessary to protect Stafford and open lanes for the Rams' stalwart rushing attack. 

Dotson will be six seasons in by the time the 2027 offseason rolls around, making his chances of a new deal potentially a bit hard to judge. The Rams also brought in young tackle Keagan Trost, who could be gunning for a starting job, but he may have a couple of seasons before he can get there.

Chances of a new deal: likely

No. 27 - Kobie Turner

In the same vein as Byron Young, Kobie Turner is part of his youthful and dynamic defensive renaissance for the Rams. As an internal defensive lineman, he has brought in 24 sacks over the past three seasons, and he continues to get better.

If nothing else, the Rams should be prioritizing their dynamic defensive core, and Turner sits as a member of that group. Along with Young and Nacua, he represents the future of this team.

Chances of a new deal: highly likely

No. 28 - Steve Avila 

At some point, the Rams' offensive line has got to get younger, which could lead to tough choices such as Dotson being pushed into an outlier position of being a cap hit casualty. Steve Avila does represent youth, but he could also run into a situation where he may face a fifth-year option situation due to needing to elevate his game.

Avila allowed just one sack and committed one penalty, but his 14 pressures allowed is concerning. If he begins to falter, a new deal might be a bit dubious.

Chances of a new deal: likely