Why Rams sign 15 players to Reserve/Future contracts now?

Rams sign 15 players to Reserve/Future contracts in a sweep that reshapes the offseason
The move opens a new chapter of depth building and competition.
By adding former draft picks, practice squad standouts, and young free agents, the Rams expand talent. These signings target positions across offense, defense, and special teams.
As a result, the team creates more options for training camp and the preseason.
The timing matters because Los Angeles has ample cap space and two first round picks to shape 2026.
In addition, there is intrigue at quarterback with Matthew Stafford still in the mix.
Therefore these contracts serve as low-risk bets with upside. This group provides a foundation for the front office and coaching staff to evaluate players.
However, only a few names carry immediate name recognition while others offer developmental promise.
Read on for a full breakdown of who signed and how each could affect the Rams depth chart.
Analysis of the Rams sign 15 players to Reserve/Future contracts
The Rams added a balanced group of depth, upside and special teams talent. This class mixes former draft picks, practice squad standouts, and undrafted free agents. Therefore the moves point to a low risk, high upside offseason strategy.
Key names signed
- A.J. Arcuri — former draft pick who gives developmental upside at tight end and special teams.
- Dylan McMahon — one of the few other ex draft picks among the group, adding offensive line depth.
- Tyler Scott — a 24 year old fourth round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2023 out of Cincinnati. Scott signed a four year rookie deal worth $4,503,448. He spent time with the Bears, Colts and Seahawks, and joined the Rams practice squad. In 2024 he appeared in 11 Bears games with one catch for five yards and eight kickoff returns for 207 yards.
- Wyatt Bowles, Tru Edwards, Tanner Ingle, Alex Johnson, Cam Lampkin — youth pieces with college production and recent practice squad experience.
- Elias Neal, Bill Norton, Brennan Presley, Mark Redman, Nate Valcarcel, Jordan Waters, Mario Williams — developmental players who can compete in camp and contribute on special teams.
Why these players, and what it means
- The Rams prioritized versatility and special teams value because those traits translate quickly in training camp.
- Only three signees came via the draft, while the rest are undrafted or free agent signings. As a result, the roster gains low cost competition across positions.
- With ample cap space and two first round picks, the team can pair these signings with big moves. For context, read more on the Rams offseason roster at the Rams offseason roster and how earlier futures moves reshaped depth at Rams sign 10 players.
Practical impact
- These contracts lock each player into the 90 man offseason roster. Therefore coaches can evaluate them through OTAs and camp.
- Expect most to fight for special teams roles first, and for a few to push for depth snaps.
- In short, the signings establish a broader talent pool while preserving flexibility for the front office.
External reference links for stats and league context

| Player | Position (if known) | Previous team or draft info | Notable statistics or contract highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.J. Arcuri | Tight end | Former draft pick | Developmental upside and special teams candidate |
| Wyatt Bowles | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Depth addition with practice squad upside |
| Tru Edwards | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Developmental cornerback/special teams potential |
| Tanner Ingle | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Safety depth candidate and special teams value |
| Alex Johnson | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Young depth piece for offseason evaluation |
| Cam Lampkin | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Versatile youth piece for camp competition |
| Dylan McMahon | Offensive line | Former draft pick | Adds O-line depth and developmental upside |
| Elias Neal | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Developmental edge or line depth candidate |
| Bill Norton | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Interior line or reserve depth prospect |
| Brennan Presley | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Special teams upside and slot receiver potential |
| Mark Redman | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Developmental defensive back or special teams option |
| Tyler Scott | Wide receiver / returner | 2023 fourth round pick by Chicago Bears; spent time with Bears, Colts, Seahawks; joined Rams practice squad | Signed four-year, $4,503,448 rookie deal originally; 2024: 11 games, 1 catch for 5 yards, 8 kickoff returns for 207 yards |
| Nate Valcarcel | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Developmental lineman or depth option |
| Jordan Waters | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Developmental offensive or defensive depth candidate |
| Mario Williams | Not listed | College product / recent free agent | Special teams and developmental depth role |
Notes: The Rams signed 15 futures contracts on February 19, 2026. Arcuri, McMahon and Scott are the only former draft picks among the group. These signings lock the players into the 90 man offseason roster for evaluation in OTAs and training camp.
What Rams sign 15 players to Reserve/Future contracts means for offseason strategy
The Rams used these futures contracts to widen competition and preserve roster flexibility. With cap space and draft capital, the front office can take measured risks. Therefore this group fits a strategic blueprint built around depth, special teams and development.
Cap space and draft assets
- Los Angeles enters the offseason with ample cap room. As a result, the team can pursue veteran additions and still evaluate young players.
- The Rams also hold two first round picks. In addition, those picks give the team leverage to target a quarterback of the future.
- For broader roster context, see this article which outlines current needs and asset allocation.
Quarterback scenarios and planning
- Matthew Stafford remains a factor because his status influences short and long term planning. However, the Rams can explore a successor via draft or trade.
- The two first round picks could field a developmental quarterback. For example, the team could draft a long term option while Stafford provides stability.
How the signees build depth
- The signings add competition at receiver, offensive line, defensive back and special teams. Therefore coaches gain more practice bodies for OTAs and camp.
- Most of the players project to special teams roles first, and then to depth rotation. This pathway reduces risk and rewards performance.
- Only three signees were former draft picks, while the rest are undrafted or recent free agents. Because of that mix, the roster gains low cost upside.
Strategic value and competitive impact
- These contracts create a larger talent pool for the coaching staff to evaluate. As a result, the Rams improve injury insurance and depth chart flexibility.
- The moves also preserve the ability to pursue marquee talent later this spring. In short, the signings balance short term needs with long term planning.
Further reading on league rules and roster mechanics
CONCLUSION
Rams sign 15 players to Reserve/Future contracts lays a groundwork for the Rams’ offseason plan. These low cost additions increase competition and provide special teams and depth options. With ample cap space and two first round picks, the front office can pair this class with a major move later. In addition, the presence of Matthew Stafford shapes short term planning, while draft capital preserves a path to a quarterback of the future. Most signees will compete for special teams roles, and several can push for rotational snaps. Therefore coaches gain a broader pool to evaluate in OTAs and training camp. In short, the signings balance short term needs with long term flexibility.
For continuing coverage and deeper roster analysis, visit Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and follow updates on Twitter at Zach Gatsby. Expect several of these young players to earn meaningful roles if they outperform veterans during camp soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Reserve/Future contract?
A Reserve/Future contract signs a player to the team’s 90 man offseason roster. When the Rams sign 15 players to Reserve/Future contracts they lock up developmental talent.
Why sign so many players this way?
These deals create competition, low cost depth and special teams options. Coaches can then evaluate players in OTAs and camp.
Who among the 15 could stick?
Special teams standouts and ex draft picks like A.J. Arcuri, Dylan McMahon and Tyler Scott have better odds. However undrafted players can earn roles.
What about quarterback plans?
The moves preserve flexibility. With cap space and two first round picks the Rams can draft or trade for a quarterback while Matthew Stafford remains involved.
How soon will we see impacts?
Expect evaluation in OTAs and training camp, with special teams showing results earliest.