Which Rams players could be in line for an extension in 2026?
The Los Angeles Rams are back in a win-now window which means that retaining the pieces that got them there become more important. Heading into 2026, the Rams will have 16 unrestricted free agents. That means that 16 players are in contract years and will need to prove themselves if they want a larger contract or an extension with the Rams. Let’s rank how likely each free agent in 2026 is to be back.
The Rams Veterans
RB Kyren Williams
If there is a player on this list that is going to be re-signed, that player is very likely Kyren Williams. While Williams lacks the explosiveness and difference-making ability, he very clearly has value in the Rams offense. McVay seems to value Williams and if that’s the case, he may get a second contract with the Rams. According to Spotrac, Williams has a market value of 3-years, $31 million. This is a contract that may get done before the Rams begin the season.
OT Rob Havenstein
It’s hard to see Havenstein playing for another team other than the Rams. Much like Andrew Whitworth late in his career, if Havenstein wants to be back, he will be back with the Rams. He has been a steady presence on the Rams offensive line and the team certainly won’t rush him out the door. Havenstein has an $11 million cap hit in 2025 and the Rams will be hit with $7.3 million in dead money if he does not return. If the Rams can get him back on a short-term deal in the $12 million range, that may be the best move. The decision on Havenstein will likely linger into next offseason as he potentially considers retirement.
S Quentin Lake
The Rams haven’t been a team to re-sign safeties in the past, but Lake may end up being an exception to that. They didn’t draft anybody to develop in 2025 and Lake has been a staple in the secondary as a versatile chess piece that can play deep or in the slot. Given the importance of the safety position in Chris Shula’s defense, it’s possible Lake gets another deal. Spotrac has given Lake a market value of 4-years, $42.8 million. The Rams may try to get Lake on a smaller deal, but unlike previous safeties, they may make an effort to re-sign him. Lake will likely be another player that they wait on until next offseason.
S Kam Curl
If the Rams can’t bring back Lake, Curl is a player that the Rams have signed once as a free agent. It’s possible that they could do so again. While Curl didn’t start strong, from Weeks 10-17, he was PFFs seventh-rated safety. Curl allowed a reception on just 40 percent of passes when targeted, which was the fourth-best. Against the run, he had a stop rate of 1.1 percent, which was 10th. It’s unlikely that the Rams would pay Curl $10 million, but a slight raise would make sense.
TE Tyler Higbee
Tyler Higbee has a void year in 2026 which means either way, the Rams are paying him $2.1 million. The hope will be that Terrance Ferguson develops as a rookie and can take over the tight end room in year two. With that said, having the presence of Higbee may not be a bad idea. The Rams could roll with Ferguson and Colby Parkinson, but Higbee has played an important role at tight end. If he returns well from his injury, the Rams may look to sign him to another short-term deal
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Witherspoon was re-signed midseason in 2024 after the Tre White experience didn’t work out as planned. He was brought back this year and will get the benefit of a full offseason. With that said, he remains a band-aid on a larger issue at cornerback.
CB Cobie Durant
Another interesting case on this list is Cobie Durant. He is very likely just a role player, but has made the occasional splash play on defense. Durant isn’t big enough to play on the outside, but not physical enough for the slot. The Rams may end up letting Durant walk and replacing him with a free agent or rookie.
RB Ronnie Rivers
Rivers has been a veteran in the running back room over the past few years. Still, the Rams may not bring him back, hoping Hunter and Corum both take a step forward. The best option may be to add another rookie that can play special teams.
Veterans on One-Year Deals
LB Nate Landman
Landman seems to be getting overlooked heading into the season. The Rams seem to like what they’ve seen from Landman in OTAs and minicamp. While they drafted Omar Speights, Landman could end up in a full-time role on defense. If he has a good season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams bring him back.
WR Tutu Atwell
The Rams brought back Tutu Atwell on a one-year deal with $10 million guaranteed. This contract can go one of two ways. Either Atwell doesn’t live up to that contract and the Rams don’t bring him back, or he does and he earns a larger contract next offseason. If Atwell earns a larger deal, the Rams would be better off finding another option via the draft or free agency.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
It will be interesting to see what the Rams do with Garoppolo next offseason especially if they draft a quarterback in the first round. Would the Rams keep him and have him mentor the rookie quarterback behind Stafford? Garoppolo can run the offense if needed, but if the Rams draft a rookie in the first round, it doesn’t make sense to keep him.
DL Larrell Murchison
The Rams drafted Murchison’s replacement in Ty Hamilton. It’s hard to see him back in 2026.
Need to Make the 2025 Roster
CB Derion Kendrick
LB Troy Reeder
CB AJ Green
Out of this group, Kendrick is the most likely to be brought back. Still, with the depth at cornerback, Kendrick may get cut or end up on the practice squad.
The ‘Stop-Gaps’ or Camp Bodies
OT DJ Humphries
WR Britain Covey
OT David Quessenberry
It’s certainly possible that Humphries or Covey get brought back next year. That’s especially the case if Alaric Jackson’s blood clots become a longer-term issue. Humphries could also be brought back for depth. While Covey brings special teams and return experience, the Rams likely look elsewhere in 2026.
