Key takeaways from Les Snead and Sean McVay's pre-free agency comments
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Les Snead and Sean McVay both addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of free agency starting next week, discussing all the latest topics surrounding the Los Angeles Rams. They talked about Matthew Stafford's contract, coaching changes, pending free agents, extension candidates and more, providing a lot of insight into the team's plans this offseason.
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Here are the most important subjects they talked about with media members this week.
Rams and Matthew Stafford have had contract talks
Both Snead and McVay said the Rams have had conversations with Stafford about a contract revision, and neither sounds concerned about that getting done in a timely manner. Stafford is still under contract for another year so this is likely just about giving the reigning MVP some extra money for his outstanding play.
McVay said they have had “great dialogue” on that front, and Snead said it’s in a “very stable situation.” This is nothing like the last two negotiations between the team and quarterback.
Davante Adams restructure not on Rams’ radar
While the Rams are working on a revised deal for Stafford, the Rams haven’t talked to Adams or his reps about restructuring his contract. Doing so would save Los Angeles about $11.35 million in cap space this year, though it would increase his dead money in 2027 after his contract expires.
“On that one, we really haven’t chatted with his (reps), because he is under contract,” Snead said.
The Rams can still restructure Adams’ contract and it’ll have no negative impact on the veteran receiver, but it appears they haven’t talked about extending his deal.
Rams want to bring Jimmy Garoppolo back
McVay said the Rams would “absolutely love” to have Garoppolo on the team again in 2026, but he acknowledged that Jimmy’s market is likely to be strong – particularly with teams searching for a potential bridge quarterback.
The Cardinals would be a logical fit for Garoppolo with Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, given his ties to the Rams. McVay said he’ll understand if Garoppolo wants to take an opportunity elsewhere that might allow him to start.
Tyler Higbee is still deciding on his future
Higbee is a pending free agent but it’s not yet clear if he’s even going to keep playing in 2026. McVay said the veteran tight end is still deciding whether he’ll play an 11th NFL season.
If he does want to continue playing, the Rams will be open to re-signing Higbee as a free agent and keeping him in L.A. for another season.
Parting ways with Aubrey Pleasant was “not easy”
McVay surprisingly decided to part ways with Pleasant this offseason, opting not to bring him back for another year. He’s been a long-time coach on McVay’s staff, having two different stints in Los Angeles.
Most recently, he was the assistant head coach and pass game coordinator on defense, working closely with the DBs. McVay has a lot of appreciation for what Pleasant has done but felt it was in the “best interest of both parties” to move on.
Rams are open to trading a first-round pick
The Rams have two first-rounders this year, giving them plenty of options leading up to the draft. Snead said the team is open to trading a first-rounder for a proven player, as they have so many times before (Brandin Cooks, Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford).
He didn’t name names, of course, but it’s a very real possibility that the Rams will part with one of their first-round picks in order to acquire an instant-impact player.
Snead said the Rams will consider both avenues: using their first-round picks to draft players and trading them. So all options are on the table.
LA is undecided on Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s option
The Rams must decide whether to exercise Forbes’ fifth-year option for 2027 by May 1. It’ll cost them $12.63 million if they choose to pick up that option, but given the cost, that seems unlikely to happen.
Snead said the Rams have discussed that subject already but since a decision doesn’t have to be made until May 1, it’s not a primary concern at the moment.
Rams will let free agents test the market
The Rams have already tendered three exclusive rights free agents and re-signed David Quessenberry, but it doesn’t sound like they will be extending any other pending free agents before the market opens next week.
“I do not anticipate that,” Snead said.
The Rams will let their free agents test the market and explore other options before potentially re-signing with Los Angeles. Specifically with the cornerbacks (Cobie Durant, Roger McCreary and Ahkello Witherspoon), the Rams will let them talk to other teams before possibly returning to Los Angeles.
“We’re working through those scenarios,” he said.
Quentin Lake’s contract won’t preclude Rams from signing Kam Curl
Curl is the Rams’ top free agent this year and could command a sizable contract on the open market. The Rams already re-signed Lake during the season so he’s not going anywhere, but will they pay two safeties?
Snead isn’t shutting down that possibility, saying the two of them play different positions despite both being safeties. So extending Lake won’t preclude the Rams from also signing Curl.
“The answer would be no because they play the same position but two different positions in terms of Lake’s ability to play star,” Snead said.
Free agency will be used to fill positional needs before the draft
Most good teams use free agency to round out the roster and fill needs, not always in the splashiest ways. Snead said the Rams want to have a starting lineup penciled in before the draft, and free agency will help them do that.
He wants to use free agency to free themselves up in the draft to “not be desperate” to address a specific position.
"Our macro philosophy is, if we can use free agency to not be desperate in the draft, we more than likely will be better drafters because we're not reaching, we're not desperate. We're not going in there with a major void, major hole that has to be filled,” Snead said.
That suggests the Rams could add a cornerback, safety or wide receiver in free agency before the draft, addressing some of their primary needs ahead of time.
Contracts for 2023 draftees are on the back burner until after the draft
Puka Nacua, Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Steve Avila are all eligible for extensions for the first time this year. Extending them now would be smart and could save the Rams money down the line, but it’s not a top-of-mind topic.
Snead said the team will work through free agency first, then the draft, and then turn their attention to extension-eligible players – like their 2023 draftees.
So don’t expect Nacua, Turner or any other players to sign extensions with the Rams until after the draft.
Rams are “not desperate” to find Stafford’s successor
The Rams are aware of Stafford’s year-to-year plans, which is perfectly fine with them. And even knowing Stafford could retire at any time, they’re not rushing to find a successor.
“Let’s call it like it is,” he said about Stafford’s likely retirement at some point soon. “We’ve all been honest on that, but we’re not desperate to, but that’s always a possibility. But it’s not a desperate matter.”
This is a weak quarterback class in the draft so the Rams could choose to wait another year to take a young successor, but don’t rule anything out in 2026.
Sean McVay will keep calling the plays, but isn’t “married” to always doing it
McVay confirmed he’ll keep calling the offensive plays in 2026 after promoting Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator. Interestingly, he’s not fully committed to always doing it, though.
He said he’s “not necessarily married” to calling the plays, leaving the door open for someone else to take on that role at some point. But for now, he’ll remain the play caller.
“I’ve always loved calling plays. I’m not necessarily married to always doing it, but that is the plan to continue doing that – until you guys say I should pass it off to somebody else,” McVay joked.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' Les Snead, Sean McVay give key updates before free agency