Rams free agency primer: Needs to address after Trent McDuffie, Kam Curl moves

Last week, general manager Les Snead was asked how the Rams decide what positions of need to address in March’s free agency, and which to reserve for April’s NFL draft. The strategy, Snead said, was to make sure that there were no cavernous holes on the roster prior to the draft, nothing that might prompt desperation come that weekend.

“We more than likely will be better drafters because we’re not reaching,” Snead explained.

With the moves the Rams have made ahead of free agency, you could say Snead and his team have set the Rams up similarly for when the legal tampering period opens at 9 a.m. Monday.

Entering March, cornerback was the clearest need on the roster with three pending free agents from last year’s group, which provided uneven results. The Rams swung for a big upgrade with a trade for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, sending four picks, including No. 29 in the 2026 draft and a 2027 third rounder, to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Then they doubled down on the secondary Friday with a three-year deal to keep starting safety Kam Curl in Los Angeles.

Those are high-impact moves to keep and build on what the Rams did on defense last year. But the team has made some around-the-margins signings, too, like keeping veteran tight end Tyler Higbee on a team-friendly deal and re-signing tackle David Quessenberry for offensive line depth.

These transactions have set the Rams up well for free agency. There are still needs to be addressed, but nothing that will cause the team to behave recklessly after the opening bell. Here’s a look at four positions the Rams will likely address in the next few weeks once they can talk with free agents.

Cornerback

McDuffie was just the move the Rams needed to make this year, a clear-cut primary outside corner that the franchise hasn’t had since it traded Jalen Ramsey three years ago. But that doesn’t mean the Rams are done at the spot; Emmanuel Forbes is the only contributor from 2025 currently on the roster.

So the Rams need depth at the position, undoubtedly. But they could also seek to improve on their second starter opposite McDuffie. Forbes started for much of 2025, but allowed 48 receptions and seven touchdowns while struggling with a 26.1% missed-tackle rate.

Given the Rams are expected to give McDuffie a market-shifting contract extension once his trade is finalized, any second starter signing would likely be from the second-tier of free agents. Preferably someone of a bigger build who can be physical with bigger receivers. Seattle’s Tariq Woolen, Jacksonville’s Montaric Brown and Las Vegas’ Eric Stokes could be potential fits.

Backup quarterback

Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent. The Rams are interested in bringing him back, but he will test the market first and see if there is an opportunity — perhaps in Arizona or Minnesota with former Rams coordinators-turned-head coaches — to compete for a starting job. He’ll be in a crowded quarterback marketplace with players at similar points in their careers — Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, Russell Wilson.

Whether Garoppolo gets his shot remains to be seen. But the Rams really like what Garoppolo offers with his deep knowledge of the playbook and the team’s personnel, so it’s fair to expect the Rams to wait and see if they can’t get him back before looking for an alternative.

Inside linebacker

The Rams might decide to bring in some competition for their second linebacker job. Omar Speights has had some good moments, but also struggled in the postseason, particularly in the NFC title game against the Seahawks. With Nate Landman receiving a contract extension in the fall, the Rams won’t break the bank at this spot.

Wide receiver

Puka Nacua and Davante Adams aren’t going anywhere, but the Tutu Atwell ship has officially sailed, and the Rams didn’t get much consistency out of their other three receivers last season. A veteran addition — Tyler Lockett? Noah Brown? Braxton Berrios? — Who can come in and be a reliable pass-catching option like Demarcus Robinson was for two seasons would be a big boost to the Rams, even if they plan to address the position in the draft.