The Los Angeles Rams have made significant adjustments to their roster during the offseason, highlighted by the signings of offensive tackles D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry. Humphries, with a cap hit of $2.36 million in 2025, is the most notable addition, while Quessenberry's contract is valued at $1.33 million and is nearly fully guaranteed. Additionally, cornerback Derion Kendrick was released and then re-signed for a reduced cap hit of $1.03 million, a strategic move aimed at maximizing salary cap flexibility.

Following these transactions, the Rams currently hold $20.22 million in cap space, ranking 18th in the NFL. This financial position provides ample opportunity for the Rams to pursue further free agent signings or trades as the season progresses. The restructuring of Kendrick's contract reflects their intent to streamline expenditures while maintaining a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Entering the 2025 season, the NFC West backup quarterback rankings showcase a mix of seasoned veterans and young talents. Leading the list is Jimmy Garoppolo of the Los Angeles Rams, who, despite limited play last year, has a proven track record, having led the 49ers to a Super Bowl. Following him is Jacoby Brissett, now with the Arizona Cardinals, known for his remarkable interception rate, making him a reliable backup. Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers and Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks round out the rankings, both having struggled with turnovers, raising questions about their effectiveness in critical moments.

This offseason has seen significant changes, with the Rams retaining Garoppolo while the Cardinals acquired Brissett and the 49ers brought in Jones. The Seahawks opted to re-sign Lock, hoping for better performances compared to his previous stints. As teams look to solidify their quarterback depth, these backups will play crucial roles in their respective offenses, especially in cases of injury or underperformance by starters.

Matthew Stafford's talent as a quarterback is often overshadowed in discussions about the best of the last decade, despite his impressive statistics and successes with the Los Angeles Rams. An AFC defensive coordinator remarked that Stafford's accuracy and ability to make all throws place him among the elite quarterbacks, yet he remains unrecognized in mainstream conversations.

Stats reveal Stafford's consistent performance, contributing significantly to the Rams' success, especially during their Super Bowl run. His advanced metrics suggest that he may indeed be one of the most underrated quarterbacks, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of his legacy in the NFL.

As the Rams gear up for training camp, a key player to watch is cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. Entering his third season with the Rams, Witherspoon is recognized not for flashy stats, but for his reliability and experience in the secondary. In 2023, he started all 17 games, recording three interceptions and 14 passes defensed. Last season, while his start count dropped, he still contributed solidly with 31 tackles and an interception across 13 games.

With competition heating up for the starting cornerback spots, Witherspoon’s status as a consistent performer could be pivotal for the Rams’ defense in 2025. His familiarity with the team's schemes and ability to compete against quality defenders like Darious Williams and Cobie Durant may secure him a significant role, ensuring he remains a crucial asset as the Rams strive for excellence this season.

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, excitement builds around emerging rookies poised to make a significant impact. Ashton Jeanty, the promising running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, stands out as a key player to watch. His agility and vision have impressed coaches, and he's expected to take on the role of feature back. This follows a tradition of success for teams under Pete Carroll with strong rushing games. Jeanty's dedication to training and his quick adaptation to playbook strategies are promising signs for his upcoming performance.

Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels and Jared Verse, last year's offensive and defensive rookies of the year respectively, set a high bar with their explosive performances. Daniels shattered rookie records with his passing and rushing capabilities, while Verse excelled in pressuring quarterbacks. As these rookies enter their second seasons, they will both be crucial to their teams' successes as they aim to elevate their squads further.