Depth, contracts and competition define Rams' biggest training camp questions on offense

USA Today

2 days ago

Los Angeles enters a new year with high expectations on offense.
Classes are back in session around the NFL this week. By July 23, every team will have fully reported for their 2025 training camp period. The Los Angeles Rams will open training camp on July 22 from Loyola Marymount University where both rookies and veterans will report simultaneously.
Like any team, the Rams are facing questions on both sides of the ball heading into camp, with a new season approaching and plenty of work ahead in preparations for Week 1. In this case of burning questions, we'll focus on the offense, where the Rams ranked 15th overall in total offense a season ago, 10th in passing, 24th in rushing, and 20th in points.
During the offseason, Los Angeles, added several new faces all around the unit, as the team looks to build upon its past two playoff campaigns with the hope of this year being the season in which all the pieces put together can help spark another title run by head coach Sean McVay and company.
From star talent, position battles, to contracts, here is one burning question at each offensive position for the Rams ahead of the 2025 season.
Quarterback: Can Matthew Stafford make one more run?
Quarterback has not been an issue for the Rams as Matthew Stafford has been everything the organization could ask for since arriving in Southern California via trade in 2021, reliable, accurate, and clutch, helping lead the team to three playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title during his first season. Now 37, Stafford enters his 17th NFL season (fifth in Los Angeles) after restructuring his contract, which will pay him $44 million in 2025, and the Rams are hoping father time doesn't catch up with their pro bowl signal caller. To support the veteran, the front office added notable talent, including three-time All-Pro wideout Davante Adams in free agency and re-signed veteran center Coleman Shelton, who previously snapped to Stafford from 2021 to 2023, on a two-year deal. Moves and commitment as such mean one thing: the Rams are all in with Stafford to keep the ship flowing.
Running back: Will Kyren Williams get extended prior to the season opener?
Having a reliable run game to back an aging quarterback is always a good idea. The Rams have had that for the past two seasons with Kyren Williams. The former 2022 fifth-round pick has rushed for 2,582 yards and 26 touchdowns and has averaged 4.5 yards per carry over his first three seasons. Now entering the final year of his rookie deal, the question remains as to when the Rams will extend its All-Pro back. Head coach Sean McVay mentioned that the team is "getting closer to finding a conclusion" during the team's Maui camp in June on a new deal. Williams was present for the Rams in the Spring and will be ready for training camp. The Rams drafted Auburn's Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round of April's draft, who they hope can help make an impact behind Williams in his rookie season.
Wide receiver: Who will win the WR4-6 spots?
The Rams enter camp with a strong top trio at receiver in Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Tutu Atwell. Adams, signed to a two-year, $44 million deal in March, replaces Cooper Kupp, now with the Seahawks. Nacua continues to emerge as a rising star, while Atwell returns on a one-year, $10 million extension and should benefit from the attention Adams and Nacua draw. Behind them, a wide-open competition awaits as Jordan Whittington, Drake Stoops, Xavier Smith, Britain Covey, and rookies Brennan Presley, Mario Williams, Konata Mumpfield, and Tru Edwards battle for depth roles.
Tight end: Can Tyler Higbee still produce at a high level?
Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee has long been a trusted safety valve in the Rams' offense, known for his yards after catch, dependable blocking, and strong chemistry with Matthew Stafford. Higbee was limited to just three games in 2024 due to a torn ACL suffered late the previous year, and recorded just eight receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns. The silver lining is that Higbee looked like his pre-injury form in the playoffs, totaling 12 receptions for 112 yards and one score. Now, the longtime TE enters his 10th training camp fully healthy and looking to prove he still has plenty left at age 32, especially with free agency looming in 2026 and the Rams using its first pick (No. 46) on Oregon TE Terrance Ferguson, who could eventually succeed Higbee in the future.
Offensive line: How will the Rams handle a potential Alaric Jackson absence?
Throughout 2024, Alaric Jackson proved to be one of the Rams' most reliable linemen, allowing just three sacks and four hits while ranking in the top 25 in both run and pass blocking, per PFF. The Rams rewarded him with a three-year, $57.75 million extension in February, but his status for 2025 is uncertain due to recurring blood clots in his left leg. As a precaution, the team signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries to a one-year deal. While the former Pro Bowler brings valuable experience, injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023 with the Cardinals, and a hamstring issue last season, limited him to just two appearances with the Chiefs. Los Angeles could look to lean on Warren McClendon as well as fourth-year man A. J. Arcuri as depth. The upcoming preseason should help determine where things will stand at a position that is brutally important to its 37-year old signal caller. McVay said this past spring that Jackson is "doing well" and receiving treatment. Until then, the Rams can only wish for a speedy recovery for one of its big name players.