Updated March 9, 2026, 6:20 p.m. PT
The Los Angeles Rams wasted no time making roster moves this offseason, re-signing some of their own free agents and striking a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. Now the madness of free agency begins.
Things get started with the “legal tampering period,” as it’s famously known. Beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Monday and running until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, teams are permitted to negotiate contracts with the agents of pending free agents. They can agree to terms, but they can’t officially sign players until Wednesday afternoon when the new league year begins.
We’ll be tracking all of the latest news and rumors surrounding the Rams as free agency progresses, including their signings and departures throughout the week.
Rams signing LS Joe Cardona to 2-year deal
The Rams are signing two-time Super Bowl long snapper Joe Cardona to a two-year deal. He played 10 years with the Patriots and won two rings before signing with the Dolphins last offseason.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY. Mike Evans expected to join NFC West with 49ers
The 49ers are making a big move at wide receiver, as they’re signing Evans to a three-year deal worth up to $60.4 million. After 12 years with the Bucs, Evans heads west to Santa Clara where he’ll be the 49ers’ top wide receiver and face the Rams twice a year.
Rams, CB Jaylen Watson agree to 3-year deal
The Rams are adding another former Chiefs cornerback to their secondary. On the first day of free agency, they agreed to a three-year deal with Jaylen Watson, one of the top cornerbacks on the market.
Watson has played 53 games in his career, making 29 starts since coming into the NFL as a seventh-round pick in 2022.
Watson’s deal is worth $51 million, including $34 million guaranteed.
Adam Schefter expects Rams to be active today
Adam Schefter said on ESPN that he expects the Rams to be active on the first day of free agency.
“I do think the Rams are going to be busy this morning,” Schefter said.
Cobie Durant could make $10-plus million per year in free agency
Durant is a pending free agent and slots in as a Tier 2 cornerback who could still fetch a good amount of money. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated predicts that corners like Durant and Josh Jobe could fetch over $10 million in free agency.
As for free agents at that position, I’d bet Seattle’s Tariq Woolen, New Orleans’s Alontae Taylor and Kansas City’s Jaylen Watson will top the market at between $15 million and $18 million per year. After that, my guess is guys such as the Rams’ Cobie Durant and the Seahawks’ Josh Jobe top $10 million per year, with one under-the-radar name likely to do a nice deal being the Giants’ Cor’Dale Flott.
Full details of Kam Curl’s contract emerge
Curl gets $24 million guaranteed, including $18.75 million that’s fully guaranteed at signing. His cap hit is a modest $8.4 million in 2026 before jumping to $13.9 million and $13.7 million in the final two years. Essentially, it’s a two-year contract because the Rams can cut him before the 2028 season and save $12 million.
Trent McDuffie agrees to $124 million extension with Rams
On Sunday night, the Rams and McDuffie agreed to a $124 million extension. Though the trade isn’t official yet, the Chiefs gave the Rams permission to negotiate a new deal with McDuffie ahead of time.
McDuffie’s extension includes $100 million guaranteed and pays him $31 million per year, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
Rams discussed trading for A.J. Brown
With the Eagles considering a trade involving their star receiver, the Rams are among the teams that have discussed the possibility of trading for him, per The Athletic. They’ve since moved on, though, so it doesn’t seem they have interest in making a move for Brown anymore.
Kam Curl signing 3-year extension
Curl agreed to a three-year extension with the Rams on Friday, a deal worth $36 million and a max value of $39 million. He previously played on a two-year, $9 million contract after signing with the Rams in 2024, so this is a major raise for the stud safety.
Tyler Higbee re-signing on 2-year deal
After contemplating retirement, Higbee decided to keep playing for another season. He agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $8 million, maintaining his role as one of the Rams’ tight ends.
Rams agree to trade for Trent McDuffie
Los Angeles’ biggest move of the offseason thus far was its trade for McDuffie, which will become official next week. The Rams are trading a first-round pick and three other selections to the Chiefs for the All-Pro corner. McDuffie gives the Rams a true No. 1 cornerback, solidifying one of their weakest positions on the roster.
The Rams tendered all three of their own exclusive rights free agents, ensuring that Xavier Smith, Justin Dedich and Harrison Mevis will be around this summer to compete for roster spots. They get paid the veteran minimum for one year.
Rams re-sign David Quessenberry to 1-year deal
Quessenberry was the team’s first signing of the offseason, inking a one-year extension worth $1.5 million. He’ll have a chance to be the Rams’ swing tackle, competing for a roster spot in 2026.
