If the Rams end up winning the Super Bowl…
Matthew Stafford is returning.
If Stafford chooses to hang up his jersey, the Rams’ aspirations for the Super Bowl would likely vanish. His performance this season was surprisingly stellar, making it tough to find a suitable replacement. Really, where would they even begin to look?
The team is going to need a solid commitment from its quarterback to have any real shot at a Super Bowl run.
Added Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean
The Rams have managed to bridge their gaps through smart strategies and an effective pass rush. But it’s essential to address a position that’s let them down in recent seasons.
Pro Football Focus highlights Dean as a standout, ranking him fourth among cornerbacks with an impressive grade of 81.5 and a passer rating of 46.9 when targeted. This puts him among the top in the league. Dean’s addition will significantly strengthen the Rams’ secondary, especially against elite receivers.
They signed Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd
The Rams generally prefer to avoid high spending on linebackers, but with Lloyd, they might need to reassess. He just wrapped up his rookie contract as PFF’s third-best linebacker. Additionally, he ranked in the top 10 for run defense, pass coverage, and pass rush.
They bring back John Fassel
Fassel was one of the NFL’s top special teams coordinators while with the Rams from 2012 to 2019. Since his departure, the Rams’ special teams have struggled, with the unit being responsible for several losses this past season.
This season, the Rams were ranked 31st in expected special teams points added, dropping from 24th last year and 32nd the year before that.
The situation became glaringly clear in the NFC Championship game when a muffed punt by Xavier Smith allowed the Seahawks to score. The Rams would have to offer Fassel a promotion to lure him away from Tennessee, but an increased salary and the title of associate head coach could do the trick.
Even though they are considered a high-caliber organization, the Rams continue to deal with injuries at critical moments. This isn’t just about talent; it also involves coaching and strategy.
Fassel could be the solution to all of this.
Re-signed CB Koby Durant
The Rams need to focus on enhancing their secondary, and bringing Durant back is crucial. He’s set to hit free agency in March, but the Rams could secure him with a new contract before then.
While it may not require a massive financial commitment, some investment will be needed to keep one of their best cornerbacks on the field next season.
In 2025, the Rams allowed 216.7 yards per game through the air, placing them 19th in the league. A part of that was offense-driven, as they often built leads, forcing opponents to pass. However, talent plays a role, and losing a key player like Durant in free agency would be unwise.
They convinced Rob Havenstein to stay.
The veteran right tackle is the longest-serving player on the team and might be contemplating retirement. If he still wants to continue playing, the Rams absolutely need to retain him.
Havenstein, until injuries sidelined him for the final seven games, demonstrated that he can still perform at a high level. At 33, he still offers a lot, and his presence is valuable for both production and leadership.
With him set to hit free agency in March, financial factors probably won’t dominate his decision, but he remains an essential asset for the team.
Hiring replacements for coaching staff vacancies
Success often comes with its challenges. For the Rams, the ongoing task of rebuilding their coaching staff continues as they look to replace assistants who have moved on to better opportunities.
This cycle, the Rams have three key assistants to address: defensive coordinator Chris Shula, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, and passing game coordinator Nate Schielhaas.
LaFleur is apparently a candidate for the Cardinals’ job, which may leave Sean McVay searching for a new offensive right-hand man. Schielhaas could step in, provided he doesn’t land an offer from the Browns or another opportunity to run his own offense.
These are two significant gaps that the Rams might have to fill on their coaching staff.
Shula appears likely to remain for at least another season, which could provide some much-needed stability in a staff that continues losing valuable minds and leaders to other teams.
