NFL teams tell you exactly what they think of themselves during the draft. For the Los Angeles Rams, they mostly sent the signal that this roster is in much better shape than it’s been over the last two years and they are drafting with both 2025 and the future in mind.
The Rams also sent smaller signals on positional levels, such as putting the long-term status of Kyren Williams in question after selecting Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round. Williams was expected to be a favorite for an extension this offseason, though now his role after 2025 seems very up in the air.
Now that we have important answers from the NFL Draft, who are the next Rams in line for contract extensions and when could they happen?
Could be extended this offseason:
Kyren Williams, RB
Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic has reported since NFL owner meetings that the Rams and Williams’ representation are not aligned on numbers for the outline of a new deal.
But that report was before Los Angeles invested premium draft capital in another running back—one who could cut into Williams’ snaps as a complimentary back and potential home run hitter. LA also has Blake Corum in the position group, and he could provide both insurance in case of injury or long-term replacement.
The bottom line is an extension for Williams felt like a much surer thing prior to the draft. Will the team change it’s tune and ask the back to play out the final year of his rookie contract?
Read: A Palatable Model for a New Kyren Williams Contract
Rob Havenstein, RT
There might not be a more top-heavy position on the Los Angeles roster than tackle. The team clearly has confidence in starters Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein; however, the players behind them are far from battle tested. While Jackson was recently locked up to a long-term deal, Havenstein’s contract expires at the end of the upcoming season.
One of the major questions heading into the draft was whether the Rams would select an heir apparent to Havenstein—except they didn’t take a single offensive lineman in this class.
Now Havenstein seems like one of the most important members of the team for both 2025 and into the future. Andrew Whitworth played until he was almost 40. Havenstein is 32 currently. Is it worth striking a deal on an extension and seemingly securing the position for the next 2-4 seasons?
I think this is the contract adjustment that is most likely to get done this offseason.
On the radar for next offseason:
Kevin Dotson, OG
Dotson is turning into quite the bargain for Los Angeles following his contract extension from last offseason. This was one of the best finds by Les Snead, who swapped late round picks with the Pittsburgh Steelers in order to land the guard.
Here’s what TST’s Kenneth Arthur wrote about Dotson early this spring:
General manager Les Snead extended Dotson to a three-year, $48 million contract before he became a free agent in 2024 and he’s now made almost $28 million of that, if we include his 2025 salary.
Dotson is now the seventh-highest paid right guard in the NFL, which makes him sound like quite the bargain.
Dotson is schedule to make $16 million in 2026, including his $8 million salary and an $8 million roster bonus. At 28 years old (Dotson turns 29 in September), it would make sense for the Rams to already be planning his next extension, a deal that should come in 2026 unless something bad happens between now and then.
Tutu Atwell, WR
2025 is the biggest opportunity of Atwell’s NFL career so far. The start to his NFL life was clouded by injury, and then he proved capable over the next few years but struggled at times with staying on the field at the discretion of coaches.
Atwell is getting paid $10M a year now. That sounds like a lot of money, but receivers made top dollar these days.
If he can prove to be a reliable third option behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adam’s—and effectively take the top off the defense—Atwell could be in line for a big payday for the second offseason in a row.
Cobie Durant, CB
Out of all the corners on the Rams’ roster currently, Durant is really the only player with the potential to stick around past 2025. He’s entering his fourth season and the final year of his rookie deal. He’s played well at times and is favorably treated by the analytics community, but something is keeping the coaching staff from viewing him as a full-time starter.
Is this the year he takes a step forward and becomes a mainstay on defense?
Quentin Lake, DB
History tells us the Rams won’t pay a safety like Quentin Lake; however, Lake is different than most safeties that have hit the open market previously for Los Angeles.
As the run game becomes more en vogue around the NFL, teams are pivoting to big-bodied nickel corners that can support in the run game. That is Lake’s profile and he’s clearly the best nickel player on the defense right now.
Is that a skill set worth paying a bringing back? Time will tell.