In the sun-soaked setting of Palm Beach, Florida, Los Angeles Rams General Manager Les Snead took center stage at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting on March 31, 2025, offering a candid glimpse into the team’s offseason strategy. With the meeting running through Tuesday, Snead’s discussions with reporters covered critical topics: contract extension talks with star running back Kyren Williams, the potential of drafting a quarterback with the 26th overall pick, the return of Coleman Shelton as the starting center, and reflections on the release of wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Each point underscores a franchise balancing present competitiveness with future stability.
Kyren Williams: A Long-Term Partnership in the Works?
At the forefront of Snead’s agenda is securing the future of Kyren Williams, the dynamic running back who has become a cornerstone of the Rams’ offense. Snead confirmed that the team is set to meet with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, during the league meeting to hammer out a potential extension. Williams, entering the final year of his rookie deal, has dazzled with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including a career-high 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024. Yet, negotiations reveal a gap—Snead acknowledged that while both sides share “different numbers,” the desire for a “long-term partnership” is mutual.
“Kyren’s a great human,” Snead emphasized, highlighting the personal and professional value Williams brings. “We all want this to work out. It’s just, can we agree upon a contract where we both feel like it’s a win-win moving forward?” Snead’s optimism is tempered with pragmatism—he noted that if a deal isn’t struck this year, it doesn’t preclude Williams from remaining a Ram in 2026 or beyond. This flexibility suggests strategic patience, allowing the Rams to prioritize Williams without rushing into an unfavorable agreement. For a team that ranked 24th in rushing last season (103.8 yards per game), locking in Williams could solidify an often-overlooked ground game in Sean McVay’s pass-heavy scheme.
Quarterback at No. 26: Opportunity, Not Urgency
With quarterback Matthew Stafford’s tenure on a year-to-year basis following a reworked contract last offseason, speculation has swirled about the Rams’ plans under center. Holding the 26th pick in the upcoming draft, Snead addressed the possibility of selecting a quarterback, offering a measured yet open stance. “Always open to drafting a quarterback,” he said, but quickly added a caveat: other teams, often with more pressing needs, tend to snatch up signal-callers earlier than the Rams would prefer.
Snead’s comments reveal a calculated approach. He dismissed any notion of reaching for a quarterback at No. 26, suggesting that if a coveted prospect falls, it might benefit the Rams more to trade the pick to a QB-hungry team. “If the right guy fell to 26, maybe he’s the right guy for another team,” Snead mused. “They might want to move into the first round and draft that right guy. Maybe that’s better for the Rams than picking that right guy.” This hints at a willingness to leverage their draft position for additional assets, a hallmark of Snead’s tenure.
The lack of urgency stems from Stafford’s continued presence. At 37, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback remains a viable starter, posting 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024 despite ongoing contract negotiations. “We’re very well aware that there is a life after Matthew coming at some point,” Snead said. “When that is, it could be two, three years from now. So it’s not urgent for us right now.” This timeline buys the Rams breathing room to groom a successor—or pivot—without disrupting their current “win-now” roster.
Coleman Shelton: The Center of Stability
One of the offseason’s quieter moves gained clarity as Snead confirmed that Coleman Shelton, signed to a two-year, $12 million deal, is slated to reclaim his role as the Rams’ starting center. Shelton, who started for the team in 2022 and 2023 before spending 2024 with the Chicago Bears, brings a veteran presence to an offensive line that struggled with cohesion last season. Snead praised rookie Beaux Limmer, who stepped in after Jonah Jackson’s injury but pointed to Shelton’s intangibles as the deciding factor.
“What we missed with Coleman when he left was that ability to communicate to all of our young OL, and maybe even our veterans,” Snead explained. He highlighted Shelton’s knack for handling audibles and in-game adjustments—skills that proved vital in McVay’s intricate system. Limmer, while impressive, was “a freshman working amongst a bunch of PhDs,” per Snead, suggesting that Shelton’s return elevates the unit’s overall IQ. This move, spurred by a playoff loss to the Eagles where miscommunication led to critical breakdowns, signals a focus on refining the line’s execution as the Rams chase another deep postseason run.
Cooper Kupp’s Departure: A Bittersweet Farewell
Snead also reflected on the release of wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a move that stunned fans given his storied tenure with the Rams. The Super Bowl MVP in 2022, Kupp’s exit was framed as a misalignment of timing rather than talent. “It’s probably person and situation,” Snead said. “Sometimes the person being Cooper and the player’s phase of career doesn’t necessarily align ideally with the club’s.” At 31, Kupp’s production had dipped amid injuries, and his release freed up cap space for a team blending youth and experience.
Yet, Snead’s tone was reverent. “We don’t win a Super Bowl without Cooper,” he declared, echoing sentiments from January. Kupp’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also underscores Snead’s willingness to make tough calls for the franchise’s trajectory. With Davante Adams now in the fold, the Rams are pivoting to a new chapter at receiver while honoring Kupp’s indelible legacy.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Act in Los Angeles
Snead’s remarks paint a picture of a franchise at a crossroads yet firmly rooted in its identity. The pursuit of a Williams extension reflects a commitment to rewarding homegrown talent. The quarterback discussion showcases a blend of opportunism and patience, trusting Stafford while keeping an eye on the horizon. Shelton’s return prioritizes stability up front, and Kupp’s release signals a pragmatic shift. Together, these moves suggest a team aiming to maximize its current window—bolstered by a young roster that exceeded expectations in consecutive seasons—while laying the groundwork for the inevitable transition ahead.
As the Rams prepare for the 2025 draft and beyond, Snead’s stewardship remains a high-wire act of ambition and adaptability. Whether it’s negotiating with Williams, fielding trade calls at No. 26, or fine-tuning the offensive line, the GM’s decisions this offseason will shape whether Los Angeles can reclaim its Super Bowl glory—or begin anew. For now, in the humid air of Palm Beach, the Rams’ path forward is as clear as it is complex.
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