Los Angeles Rams 2021 free agency outlook

The Los Angels Rams got the 2021 offseason off to a huge start. Whether you agree or disagree with the move, trading Jared Goff, two first round picks, and a third round pick to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford is one way to make a huge splash for the coming season. The deal cannot become official until the new league year starts in March, but barring a Deshaun Watson trade, this will be the biggest trade of the offseason.

That being said, the Rams face some serious issues even after the move. They finished the season with a 10-6 record, and made it to the playoff where they eventually lost in the Divisional round to the Packers. Lofty expectations await them again in the 2021 season, but general manager Les Snead is first going to have to do a delicate dance to get his team under the salary cap—they’re heading into the offseason as much as $31 million in the red.

Lost revenue due to COVID-19 will impact every team, but with so many free agents the likely drop in the league wide salary cap number could make things difficult. The 2020 number was around $198 million, while the 2021 number could drop to $180.5 million according to Over The Cap, but is subject to change.

Salary cap

Estimated 2021 cap space (Feb. 2): $31,279,096 over the cap

Franchise/Transition Tag possibilities:

None. Malcolm Brown has been a solid contributor, but with Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson under contract, they don’t need to stress losing him. Josh Reynolds is a good slot receiver, but he’s just not going to be the budget for the Rams, especially with what the tag would cost.

2021 transactions

Free agent signings

TBD

Free agent departures

TBD

Trades

Acquired Matthew Stafford (official on March 17)
Traded away Jared Goff (official on March 17)

Notable unrestricted free agents

* Denotes Restricted Free Agent (RFA)