This offseason has been all about quality, not quantity for the Los Angeles Rams. They made a small number of additions in free agency, acquired Trent McDuffie in a trade and selected only five players in the draft.
Given the state of their roster coming into the offseason, it’s hardly surprising that they didn’t want to add too many players who probably weren’t going to make the team anyway. So they brought in guys who are certain to contribute right away (Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson) and addressed the future with players such as Ty Simpson and Max Klare.
The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen ranked the nine teams having the best offseasons so far, and the Rams were No. 3 among title contenders, behind only the Eagles and 49ers.
The Rams had one of the NFL’s best rosters and more than shored up their biggest weakness at corner, trading for Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs and signing Jaylen Watson. They’re solid across the board, except at linebacker, but they weren’t going to pick one at No. 13.
However, they could have used their first-round pick to add wide receiver depth. Davante Adams isn’t getting younger and missed time because of his hamstring last season. They could have drafted guard Olaivavega Ioane or defensive end Rueben Bain. They don’t necessarily need starters at those positions, but injuries happen.
On paper, the Rams look like the best team in the NFL. They were a few plays away from the Super Bowl and return most of their starters on both sides of the ball. And the losses they did suffer at cornerback were countered by the additions of McDuffie and Watson, two upgrades in the secondary.
They’re the Super Bowl favorites for a reason, being an example of the rich getting richer with their offseason moves. The NFC is top-heavy with the Rams and Seahawks, but the Eagles, 49ers, Packers and Lions are all lurking, too.
It’s just hard to say any of those teams got better than Los Angeles this winter and spring.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams ranked among NFL teams having best offseasons in 2026
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
