Outside of signing free agents from other teams, the Los Angeles Rams will need to decide which of their own free agents they would like back in 2026. After extending Nate Landman and Quentin Lake during the season, that list is much shorter than it would have been if the Rams had waited. The Athletic recently released its top-150 free agents for 2026 with projected contracts and four Rams players made the list.
S Kam Curl
The Rams have a decision to make with Kam Curl and it makes sense to try and bring him back if they can. While they typically haven’t paid safeties, Curl proved to be an important part of the defense last season. He didn’t have a great first year with the team, but Curl came into his own in 2025. The highlight of the year came in the NFC Divisional Round as Curl intercepted Caleb Williams in overtime. With that said, Curl was arguably one of the best tackling safeties in the NFL and played a key role in the box in the run game.
It will really come down to how the NFL values Curl. The Rams just paid Quentin Lake and they won’t pay two safeties $10+ million. Right now, The Athletic has Curl valued at $16.25 per year. However, PFF has Curl at $8.75 million per year. If the Rams can get Curl back closer to that number, it’s more likely that he is back in Los Angeles.
- Contract projection via The Athletic: 4 years, $65 million
- Contract projection via PFF: 2 years, $17.5 million
- Market Value via Spotrac: 4 years, $40.18 million
- OverTheCap Value: $9.46 million
TE Tyler Higbee
Since tearing his ACL against the Detroit Lions in 2023, Tyler Higbee has struggled to stay healthy. He missed most of the 2024 season and seven games last year. His 281 yards were his lowest output since his second season in 2017.
Higbee has been an important part of the offense, but this also feels like a natural time to move in a different direction. The Rams would be better off handing the reigns to Colby Parkinson and allowing Terrance Ferguson to take the natural step forward as he heads into year two.
- Contract projection via The Athletic: 1 year, $7 million
- Contract projection via PFF: N/A
- Market Value via Spotrac: 1 year, $5.35 million
- OverTheCap Value: N/A
CB Roger McCreary
This is another tough decision that the Rams will have to make this offseason. After trading for Roger McCreary at the trade deadline, he spent most of the season hurt. However, McCreary saw an opportunity in the postseason and played well in limited action. The question is whether that was enough to warrant another contract.
If the Rams can get McCreary back on a cheap contract, it makes sense. However, if that ends up being what The Athletic projects at $12 million per year, that will be too rich for the Rams’ taste. SSomething between what PFF and Spotrac project, $3 million to $6 million, seems more doable.
- Contract projection via The Athletic: 3 years, $36 million
- Contract projection via PFF: 1 year, $3 million
- Market Value via Spotrac: 2 years, $12.31 million
- OverTheCap Value: $2.35 million
CB Cobie Durant
If the Rams look to bring back a cornerback, Durant makes the most sense. He has shown his value on the outside and is a proven playmaker. However, he also has the ability to play in the slot when needed. It really depends on what Durant is going to command in the free agent market.
Again, if that number is close to The Athletic projection at over $10 million per year, it’s not going to happen. Durant’s OverTheCap evaluation may even be a little high. If that number is closer to $3 million or $5 million, the Rams may look to bring Durant back.
- Contract projection via The Athletic: 4 years, $41 million
- Contract projection via PFF: N/A
- Market Value via Spotrac: N/A
- OverTheCap Value: $7.8 million
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