Three offseason moves the Rams must make.
The Los Angeles Rams had a big bounce-back year in 2024, returning to the NFC playoffs and again looking like a potential contender. So far this offseason, they have already addressed some big needs in their secondary and had a first-round pick for the first time since the 2016 class. There are still a few moves to be made that could improve them. Let’s talk about three of them.
1. Sign safety Justin Simmons
The Rams’ secondary was one of the team’s biggest weaknesses in 2023 and was a big Achilles heel when it came to being a serious contender in the NFC.
They have taken big steps toward fixing that this offseason with the signing of cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams, while also adding some safety depth with Kamren Curl.
They should not stop there.
Simmons remains unsigned as a free agent, and while he is going to be 31 this season he remains a high-level player at the position. He was a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl player in 2023 and is one year removed from leading the NFL in interceptions.
2. Sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore
Sticking with the secondary, the Rams should consider taking another dive into the free agency pool.
While Williams and White are potential upgrades, they still have issues of depth and the fact that White’s biggest problem the past couple of years has been staying healthy and on the field. You can never have enough good cornerbacks in the NFL in this era and Gilmore would be another potential veteran that could really strengthen the back-end of their defense.
3. Sign defensive lineman Calais Campbell
With Aaron Donald retiring the Rams defensive line — and defense in general — is going to have a massive void to fill. That does not mean the situation there is hopeless.
Kobie Turner emerged as a rising star a year ago, while their first two picks in the draft this season were edge-rushers/defensive linemen in Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.
There is no guarantee they will make an immediate impact, however, and the Rams could still use more of a pass-rushing presence.
Campbell is going to be 38 years old this season and may not be an every-down player, but the Rams may not need him to be that. He still might be able to provide a situational pass-rushing presence to help disrupt opposing offenses.
