The Los Angeles Rams are already starting to retain their key pieces for the future.
LA extended captain Nate Landman before their Week 12 matchup, giving the linebacker, who originally signed with the Rams on a veteran minimum deal, a $22.5 million contract.
Landman has been one of, if not the best defensive players for the Rams this season. The linebacker is on track to have his best season as a professional, as he currently leads the team in tackles and forced fumbles.
Looking ahead, one NFL analyst believes the Rams should lock down another defensive starter who is on an expiring contract.
Rams Urged To Extend Defensive Back
GettyKamren Curl is in his third season with the Los Angeles Rams
Kamren Curl has been an under appreciated member of the Los Angeles Rams defense. When it comes to notable players on the national spotlight, it is mainly players on the defensive front, such as EDGE rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young .
The safety has 87 tackles on the season, which is second on the team behind Landman. Curl has registered 2 interceptions, 4 pass deflections and a sack on the season.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes Los Angeles should prioritize extending Curl before he tests the waters in free agency after the 2025 season.
“The Rams should extend quarterback Matthew Stafford before the offseason, even though he’s technically not an impending free agent… Of course, the Rams won’t lose Stafford to the open market if they don’t renegotiate. They do stand to lose starting safety Kamren Curl if he doesn’t get a new deal—and he should,” Knox wrote.
“Curl has started 27 games for L.A. since he was acquired in 2024 and has provided stability on the back end of the defense. He’s already tallied 87 tackles and two interceptions this year while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 88.4 in coverage… Still only 26 years old, Curl should continue to be a pivotal piece of the Rams’ defense.”
The safety is currently in the final year of his two-year, $9 million contract he signed in the 2024 offseason. Curl should see a major boost in his salary, which could entice him to take the deal before becoming a free agent.
Heavy Decisions For The Rams
GettyLos Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua
While the Rams are being led down the field by the 37 year old Matthew Stafford, the team is primary made of younger players.
One of those key players is Puka Nacua , who is currently in the third year of his rookie contract. Puka is a day 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and does not have a fifth year option with the team (only first rounders have a fifth year clause).
The wide receiver has been one of the best at his position since entering the league and will likely demand a high contract like other elite receivers in the league. This would eat up a lot of the Rams cap space in the future.
Key defensive players like Byron Young and Kobie Turner are also in the third year of their contracts, and might asked to be extended in the offseason.
The Rams will be smart with their money. But that questions the future of Kamren Curl with the amount of money Los Angeles will need to spend.
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