The Los Angeles Rams are entering a pivotal stretch where smart roster management will determine whether their current surge turns into sustained contention. After successfully retooling with a wave of young talent, the front office now faces a familiar NFL challenge: deciding which rising stars deserve long-term investments and in what order. In a league defined by the salary cap, timing is everything—extend a player too late and the price skyrockets; move too early and you assume risk. The Rams’ emerging core features playmakers, trench anchors, and defensive disruptors who could shape the franchise for years to come. Prioritizing contracts isn’t just about talent, but positional value, durability, leadership, and long-term upside. Getting these decisions right could keep Los Angeles competitive deep into the decade. With that in mind, here’s a ranked look at the top 10 Rams players the organization should prioritize when planning future extensions.
1. Puka Nacua
There is no debate here. Puka Nacua is the Rams’ top extension priority. He emerged as one of the NFL’s premier receivers almost immediately, showcasing elite route-running, physicality after the catch, and a rare connection with his quarterback. Franchise wide receivers are expensive—but losing one is even more costly.
Nacua has proven he can be the offensive engine. In today’s NFL, elite receivers tilt coverages, elevate quarterbacks, and dictate defensive game plans. The Rams cannot afford to let him approach free agency without a long-term plan. Locking him up early could even save money compared to waiting.
Priority level: Franchise cornerstone.
2. Kevin Dotson
Kevin Dotson stabilized the interior offensive line in a way few anticipated. Physical, reliable, and consistent, he solidified the right guard position and elevated the entire protection unit.
Offensive line continuity is critical. When you find a guard who excels in both pass protection and run blocking—especially in McVay’s scheme—you invest. Dotson isn’t flashy, but teams win because of players like him.
Dotson is not a franchise cornerstone because of his age, but he is vital to the current and future offensive success.
Priority level: Core protector.
3. Kobie Turner
Interior pressure disrupts quarterbacks more than edge pressure in many situations. Kobie Turner has already shown the ability to collapse pockets and finish plays.
The Rams transitioned away from veteran defensive stars and found a younger disruptor in Turner. Defensive tackles who generate consistent pressure are premium assets.
Turner is a tough evaluation. I’m not sure he will ever become a 13+ sack interior defender but he has been an incredible presence along the defensive line since Aaron Donald retired. Franchise cornerstone might be a little generous because he is not elite but he is a great building block for the franchise’s future.
Priority level: Intermediate stabilizing piece
4. Jared Verse
Jared Verse represents the Rams’ investment in youth on the edge. Explosive and relentless, he profiles as a future double-digit sack threat. Edge rushers command massive contracts on the open market. If Verse continues developing, the Rams should proactively secure him before his value skyrockets. Since he has only played two years, he is not eligible for an extension yet (which is why he is 4th on this list). But the Rams need to be prioritizing cap space to keep him in horns. His next contract will likely be $40 mil+.
Priority level: Franchise cornerstone.
5. Steve Avila
Like Kobie Turner, Steve Avila doesn’t wow you in anyway along the offensive line. While the Rams envisioned him being the team’s center back in 2023, Avila was not able to adapt to the role and the team had to pivot last minute. He’s been stable at left guard but will he be a Rodger Saffold type talent? Hard to say.
Priority level: Intermediate stabilizing piece
6. Alaric Jackson
The reason the Rams left tackle is in the middle of this list is because of his health concerns with blood clots. Alaric Jackson will also be 30 years old for his next contract. LA will have a good feel of whether they want to continue the partnership with their left tackle or if they feel like a better option is out there.
Priority level: Intermediate stabilizing piece
7. Braden Fiske
Braden Fiske complements Turner inside. Rotational depth on the defensive line is crucial in today’s high-tempo NFL.
If Fiske continues developing as a disruptive interior rusher, securing him early could preserve continuity along the defensive front.
Something tells me that Verse and Fiske will be teammates in LA beyond their rookie contracts. Just a theory.
Priority level: Luxury
8. Byron Young
Here’s where I am going to get some criticism. I don’t see how the Rams keep Byron Young long term if they plan to keep Jared Verse. That would be too much money dedicated to the EDGE position. Byron Young will also be 29 years old for the 2027 free agency period. Handing out an extension to a 29 year old edge rusher with a limited ceiling doesn’t seem like a practical financial move.
Priority level: Luxury
9. Warren McClendon
A huge decision looms for the Rams at right tackle. With Rob Havenstein’s retirement, McClendon is now the incumbent at right tackle. But the Rams need to exercise caution of whether they want to lock up McClendon long term. The next 17 games are going to be crucial. If McClendon performs like he did last year, then he will climb up this list.
Priority level: Too-soon
10. Terrance Ferguson
The Rams showed commitment to Tyler Higbee throughout the years. However, he is now on the verge of retirement and the team will need a “rock” at tight end. The Rams made an investment at tight end with Ferg in the 2025 NFL Draft and will hopefully continue their commitment with Ferguson over the years.
Priority level: Too-soon
As an arm chair GM, which players are you handing out future extensions to?
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