The top two players the Rams need to acquire in the 2024 NFL offseason…

The top two players the Rams need to acquire in the 2024 NFL offseason…

The 2023 season was quite the roller coaster for the Los Angeles Rams. Their campaign had many good points and negative points. Despite finishing with a 10-7 record, the club showed signs of improvement but faltered in the playoffs during the Wild Card Round. The Rams struggled with ageing players and injuries even though they had an experienced core of players. They employed calculated strategies throughout the off-season. These included focusing on the draft to strengthen their roster with 14 picks and abstaining from active engagement in free agency due to salary cap restrictions. But the season also demonstrated how important it is to have depth and new talent in order to build a stronger foundation going forward.

The Rams’ sad 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions in the NFL Wild Card round marked the end of their 2023 campaign. Even if the loss was depressing, Rams fans can be optimistic. After finishing with a 5-12 record in 2022, the Rams had a difficult season and weren’t expected to be NFC contenders. Expert predictions predicted that the Rams would win just 6-7 games. It was likely that the Rams would start moving experienced players to acquire draft selections and be ready for the 2024 campaign by the time of their bye week at 3-6. But in the later stages of the season, the Rams made a comeback. They won seven of their final eight regular-season games to guarantee a spot in the postseason.

For the Rams this season, quarterback Matthew Stafford’s health was a major factor. He only missed one game because of an injury. Stafford wasn’t the only player carrying the offensive load because of his dedication to the rushing game. He had a passing yardage of over 3,900 and a low turnover rate. During his final five starts of the season, he played at his best. He only threw two interceptions in that time while throwing 11 touchdowns. Stafford confirmed his return for the upcoming season, dispelling any early reports of his retirement.
Considerations for the Off-Season

With important veterans under contract and young players on rookie contracts, the Rams are in a good situation. But key players must be replaced. Among them are guard Kevin Dotson and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, two essential starters. Jackson demonstrated his value by surrendering sacks and receiving little penalties. Re-signing defensive end Jonah Williams and linebackers Christian Rozeboom and Michael Hoecht are among the other factors to be taken into account. Additionally, they must hold onto Jordan Fuller and John Johnson III as backups. Keeping the offensive line intact is crucial in light of Stafford’s declining sack total and Kyren Williams’ achievements. GM Les Snead has estimated cap space of $48.2 million, which he may use to either keep the current roster or reorganize it.

The two top players that the Los Angeles Rams need to acquire in a trade during the 2024 NFL offseason are examined below.

QB Trey Lance

Rebuilding a young quarterback behind Matthew Stafford could be advantageous for the Rams. In 2023, they did indeed draft Stetson Bennett. His absence from the club since the beginning of the season, nevertheless, casts doubt on whether he will be back in 2024.

Given Stafford’s continued excellent play, the Rams might look to develop a succession plan. This makes Trey Lance or someone similar a compelling choice. Lance, a first-round selection in 2021, is on the final year of his rookie contract and is buried deep on the Dallas Cowboys depth chart. Unless the Cowboys surprisingly exercise his fifth-year option, that is.

Despite being shelved in Dallas and replaced by Brock Purdy in San Francisco, Lance still has a skill set that is rather intriguing. In Sean McVay’s plan, he has the potential to evolve into an intriguing developmental project. Purchasing Lance could also not require a large financial outlay. This is in light of the fact that Dallas acquired him last summer for just a fourth-round pick.