How serious is the Los Angeles Rams offseason risk?

Los Angeles Rams offseason: Why the Splash Might Fall Short

The Los Angeles Rams offseason has dominated headlines, yet the noise often hides real risk. Instead of cheering every headline grab, consider a skeptical read. This piece takes off the rose colored glasses and weighs the moves analytically. After all, signing familiar names does not equal solved problems.

First, the secondary drew clear attention because it cost the Rams a trip to the Super Bowl. However, adding Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson does not automatically fix coverage holes. Meanwhile, Kamren Curl’s three year, 36 million dollar deal buys availability, not elite coverage. Quentin Lake’s midseason extension signals trust, yet it does not erase slot corner questions.

Therefore, this article breaks down snap counts, tackle rates, and coverage metrics to test the hype. Because the Rams aim for a 2026 Super Bowl run, their window feels urgent. Yet urgency can lead to expensive bets that fail under pressure. Read on for a contrarian, numbers first evaluation of what really changed this offseason.

Background and Los Angeles Rams offseason context

No team made a bigger splash than the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. Yet splash does not equal solved. Because the Rams aim for a 2026 Super Bowl run, their moves drew urgent attention. However, urgency can push teams into high-cost bets that mask persistent flaws.

Key moves and context

• The Rams traded for Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. McDuffie brings experience and two seasons with over 1,200 snaps, which matters in high-leverage games.
• Los Angeles signed Jaylen Watson to take on a larger role. Watson’s growth matters because he rose to a career year in 2025.
• The team re-signed Kamren Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal. That contract averages more than $12 million per year. Curl rarely misses tackles and has averaged nearly 1,000 snaps per season.

Why these moves matter and where questions remain

First, the secondary cost the Rams a trip to the Super Bowl in the NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Therefore, front offices prioritized coverage and availability. Yet availability is not the same as elite coverage. As one contrarian line put it, “The Curl signing is out of character.”

Second, snap counts tell a mixed story. McDuffie has shown durability in Super Bowl seasons. However, McDuffie logged 883 snaps as a rookie and 688 defensive plays in 2025, which shows variance. Watson played 750 defensive snaps as a rookie, then dipped below 600 in the following years, before rebounding in 2025.

Finally, the Rams’ roster moves intersect with broader team decisions. For more on roster strategy and QB depth, see this breakdown: Rams Offseason QB Options. Also consider the Super Bowl expectations and related rumors here: Los Angeles Rams Favorites. For contract context and how this fits the market, read Brandon Aiyuk Contract Notes.

Let’s take off the rose-colored glasses. The Los Angeles Rams offseason added talent, but the changes may not fix the secondary’s core problems.

First, the roster moves in plain terms

• Kamren Curl’s three-year, $36 million deal buys availability and tackling reliability, not lockdown coverage. However, Curl averaged nearly 1,000 snaps per season, which matters for continuity. Yet his coverage lapses remain a mismatch risk versus elite receivers.
• Trent McDuffie arrives with big-season durability. He had two seasons with over 1,200 snaps, and that experience helps in high-leverage games. However, McDuffie’s yearly usage varies. In 2025 he played only 688 defensive snaps, which raises fit and stamina questions.
• Jaylen Watson showed a clear 2025 uptick and stands 6-2, 197 pounds. Therefore the Rams expect him to expand into a full-time role. Nonetheless, his early career snap totals dipped into the low 500s, so the projection rests on continued growth.

A skeptical projection

Because Curl primarily delivers availability, he changes the floor, not the ceiling. Meanwhile, McDuffie provides proven minutes, but his recent snap variance tempers optimism. As a result, Watson’s leap becomes crucial because the Rams need at least one rising corner to become a consistent boundary defender.

Key tactical gaps remain

• Coverage quality: Curl’s weaknesses create matchup vulnerabilities on paper. That forces the defense to mask him with scheme or safety help.
• Consistency risk: Both McDuffie and Watson have shown snap volatility. Therefore their health and snap loads will determine real impact.
• Complementary pieces: The secondary still needs a true elite cover corner or a dramatic schematic shift. Otherwise, opponents will attack the soft spot.

In short, the offseason reduced risk but did not erase it. The Rams improved durability and depth. However, they did not acquire a true coverage game-changer. Therefore their secondary still looks like a work in progress rather than a solved problem.

Conclusion

Let’s take off the rose-colored glasses. The Los Angeles Rams offseason looked dramatic, yet it must survive closer scrutiny. Because the team added Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and re-signed Kamren Curl, the depth improved. However, those moves raise more questions than they answer about elite coverage.

Key implications

• Durability rose, but coverage ceiling did not. Curl buys availability, not lockdown ability.
• McDuffie brings playoff experience, yet his recent snap variance limits certainty.
• Watson’s growth matters because the Rams expect him to fill a full-time role. Still, his earlier snap dips make that projection risky.

Therefore, this offseason reduced downside, not the fundamental problem. Opponents can still exploit coverage mismatches unless scheme or a true cover corner emerges. As a result, the Rams enter 2026 with a stronger roster, but not a fully solved secondary.

Analysis by Rams News LLC. Visit ramsnews.com for more coverage and follow @ZachGatsby on Twitter for updates and commentary.

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