In free agency, the Rams might bring back Demarcus Robinson or go in a different path.
Historically, the Rams have adored wide receivers. Sean McVay has added Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Josh Reynolds, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, Odell Beckham Jr., DeSean Jackson, Van Jefferson, and Ben Skowronek since 2017. McVay puts the position forward.
Will the Rams add a receiver off-season? What sort of receiver are they likely to target?
Notable: Curtis Samuel
Samuel is a powerful Swiss-army knife wideout. He makes guys miss in space since he was a running back and receiver in college. Samuel is appealing to contribute to an offense that may scheme him open at 27. After 7 NFL seasons, Samuel has 29 touchdowns. I nearly put him in the top five as an honorable mention.
- Michael Thomas
Once a top league receiver, “slant boy” got injured. Thomas may succeed in a McVay offense with Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Tutu Atwell. I also like his blocking receiving skills.
His expected one-year agreement is $8 million, according Pro Football Focus. The idea of him with the Rams for a year intrigues him at 31. His five-place ranking assumes he will fit in 2024. It’s unlikely he lasts longer this year, but the Rams may want that.
- DeMarcus Robinson
Post-season performance makes Rams fans love him. The 30-year-old Robinson was PFF’s eighth-best blocking receiver. The Robinson case may take one to two years. Robinson made friends with Matthew Stafford and was regarded in the locker room. Given Robinson’s low price, both parties will likely get a return.
Robinson may try for one final big pay day before retiring because he hasn’t scored “the bag” yet.
- Odell Beckham Jr.
Planning a reunion? It seems odd given Odell’s Ravens devotion this year. He won a Super Bowl with the Rams, crashed Sean McVay’s wedding, was rescued a locker, and was anticipated to re-sign before tearing his ACL. May Odell return to LA?
However, remember. Odell wanted a ring and to be compensated, and few anticipated the Rams to be as good as they were. He still praises McVay and Stafford to receivers like Kupp. Not shocked if Beckham Jr. joins the Rams one last time this year. Based on PFF, he may earn $10 million in one year.
- Jauan Jennings (Restricted-Free Agent)
If the Rams could sign Jauan Jennings, that would be a home run. He hasn’t had a quarterback throw him the ball and has been overshadowed by George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey.
Jennings matches what the Rams do and what they would need if Robinson didn’t return, call me nuts. I don’t mind Jennings’ sluggish 4.72 forty-time since he’s reliable, a good route runner, can break tackles, and blocks effectively. An offense like the Rams or 49ers needs his blocking receiving skills. A higher tender would mean the Rams would owe the 49ers a 7th-round selection if they tender him in the first round and a second-round pick if they tender him in the second round.
Here’s how. Rams shouldn’t spend a high selection on a receiver who hasn’t topped 1,000 yards in four years. If Jennings gets tendered with a right of first refusal, I’d send him an offer sheet and see if the 49ers match. Maybe you could acquire him at a good price without giving up draft assets. Project Jennings, not the player. I imagine him as an ideal hybrid third or fourth receiver who can carry the day like Robinson.
1.Tee Higgins (Likely Franchise Tag Candidate)
I disagree with this being impractical. Aged 25, Higgins. In the run game, he wants to block, has amazing 50/50 ball disputed catch upside, is fast and tall, and has played in a Super Bowl. You want Higgins as a franchise wideout. The Bengals might move on from him given that they need to pay Ja’Marr Chase shortly and that Higgins deemed their off-season offer cheap.
In general, Higgins is too talented to move, but the Bengals may have to. Dual narratives exist. Higgins has been crucial for the Bengals and a wonderful complement to Ja’Marr Chase when healthy. The Bengals notice his injury issues. Talking about a receiver making $20 million a year makes you worry about the little things and how a large deal may backfire.
Maybe Higgins will beg out and not sign the franchise tag if tagged. This isn’t because Higgins is Chase’s second fiddle. I assume this because Higgins cut ties following a low-ball contract offer. So that’s intriguing. Will the Rams give a 1st and 3rd to bring in Higgins to play with Kupp, Nacua, and Atwell now and after Kupp? The prospect would give Stafford a big-bodied weapon not seen since Calvin Johnson.
Les Snead’s statements about going back to what they did in 2024 and 2025 make us question what that means. The Rams may go cheap at this position and try to locate a DeMarcus Robinson in the later wave of free agency. To acquire Brandin Cooks, the Rams sacrificed a first-round selection in 2018. Try again with Higgins? Will discover shortly.
I’ve learnt something since McVay arrived in LA covering the Rams. The Rams always aim to improve their offense. Even when you think everything’s good, the Rams mix it up.
