When the Los Angeles Rams selected wide receiver CJ Daniels out of the University of Miami, the initial thoughts were that the team got a steal. Daniels is a talented player with incredible hands and a highlight tape that is a must-watch. His skills are evident, and considering the Rams’ history with developing wide receivers, there’s good reason to believe Daniels will be the next Day 3 gem.
However, how quickly Daniels develops will play a massive role in how the Rams go about contracts over the next 12 months.
The Rams have a lot of deals to make and have already indicated where they will save money. The draft selections of Keagan Trost and Max Klare essentially assure departures from the offensive line and tight end rooms will occur. Four out of the Rams’ five starting linemen are out of contract after this season, while Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen are in the same boat at tight end.
The lack of clarity resides in their higher-paid positions. Matthew Stafford is a big question long-term, but how the Rams address Davante Adams will signal their intentions. Daniels’ performance could force their hand.
Adams is set to be a free agent in 2027, as well. Puka Nacua is expected to get a record-setting extension before his deal ends, and the Rams are also likely to extend Byron Young or Kobie Turner, too. The way in which the Rams go about replacing Adams will determine if they’ll have enough to keep both Young and Turner.
There’s a successor in place for Adams in Konata Mumpfield, and the Rams didn’t seem too upset about the thought of losing Adams, as they were willing to trade him this offseason. If the Rams let Adams walk, that should free up the money to keep the defensive line intact, if the Rams are willing to use void years.
In order to make a Mumpfield succession plan work, Nacua would have to take on an even bigger role in the offense. That means someone is going to have to work the gaps Nacua naturally creates. If Daniels can prove that he can be what Demarcus Robinson was and what Tutu Atwell should’ve been, then Sean McVay will be able to replace Adams’ production in aggregate, at only a fraction of the cost.
The Rams have the tight ends and receivers to execute, but the lack of a consistent WR3 cost them in 2025. Perhaps Daniels could be the key to fixing the issue in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: CJ Daniels could be key to keeping Rams’ young core together
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
