The Los Angeles Rams were aggressive in retaining key players in 2025, and they could do the same to kick off the 2026 offseason.
L.A. reportedly “hopes to extend the contract of tackle Warren McClendon Jr.,” according to NFL reporter Tony Pauline. McClendon Jr., a 2023 fifth-round pick, had a breakout season in 2025 when he started 10 games for the injured Rob Havenstein. The 24-year-old had the lowest pressure rate allowed among right tackles this past season at just 2.94%.
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McClendon Jr. should be in the driver’s seat to keep the starting right tackle spot after Havenstein retired based on his 2025 performance. However, he only has one year left on his rookie deal and will be a free agent after the 2026 if the Rams don’t re-sign him.
It’s unclear what that deal would look like for McClendon Jr., considering he only started five games in his career before his breakout 2025 season. For reference, left tackle Alaric Jackson signed a three-year, $57 million deal with $35 million guaranteed before the 2025 season. Jackson, though, was the Rams full-time starter for two full seasons before he earned his new contract.
If the Rams re-sign McClendon Jr. or plan to extend him before the 2026 draft, it could alter their strategy for the first round. Many experts predict L.A. will draft a right tackle to either start or take over if McClendon Jr. leaves after 2026. But if McClendon Jr. signs a big extension, L.A. can look elsewhere in the first round.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Report: Rams looking to extend OT Warren McClendon Jr.