The Los Angeles Rams had a strong bounce-back season in 2023, going from five wins back up to 10 and a return to the playoffs. They already took care of one big contract issue this season by giving quarterback Matthew Stafford some new money on his contract, but their big decisions are not going to stop there. Here are three more they have to make before the start of the regular season.
Will they get a new deal done with Ernest Jones?
Jones has become one of the most important players on the Rams’ defense, and with Aaron Donald retired he is set to be one of the group’s biggest leaders during the 2024 season.
He is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the linebacker is in line for a new contract extension, especially after coming off an outstanding 2023 season that saw him record 145 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, six pass defenses and six quarterback hits. His production and impact on the defense has grown each season he has been in the league and he is probably not a player the Rams want to let get away. His contract situation is worth watching as camp unfolds and we get closer to the season.
How much will Blake Corum play?
The Rams have an outstanding running back in Kyren Williams who is coming off a strong 2023 season and should have the starting spot locked down. But rookie running back Blake Corum, coming off a dominant career at the University of Michigan, has been getting rave reviews in all offseason activities and is going to force his way onto the field somehow.
Perhaps even at the same time as Williams, who might actually be pushed into the slot on some plays to get Corum on the field. Teams may not want to pay running backs top dollar, but that does not mean they do not have on-field value. Corum might be too good to keep on the bench. It is just a matter of how big of a role he gets as a rookie.
Who kicks?
You do not really appreciate a good kicker until you don’t have one. The Rams did not have one in 2023, with Brett Maher and Lucas Havrisik combining to make just 74% of their field goals, while also missing a combined five extra points. They were both especially unreliable beyond 40 yards.
The Rams used a sixth-round pick on Joshua Karty, which should give him the inside track for the job, but Tanner Brown is also involved in that competition.
