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

February 19, 2026

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

Football helmet and clipboard on locker-room bench
PlayerPosition (if known)Previous team or draft infoNotable statistics or contract highlights
A.J. ArcuriTight endFormer draft pickDevelopmental upside and special teams candidate
Wyatt BowlesNot listedCollege product / recent free agentDepth addition with practice squad upside
Tru EdwardsNot listedCollege product / recent free agentDevelopmental cornerback/special teams potential
Tanner IngleNot listedCollege product / recent free agentSafety depth candidate and special teams value
Alex JohnsonNot listedCollege product / recent free agentYoung depth piece for offseason evaluation
Cam LampkinNot listedCollege product / recent free agentVersatile youth piece for camp competition
Dylan McMahonOffensive lineFormer draft pickAdds O-line depth and developmental upside
Elias NealNot listedCollege product / recent free agentDevelopmental edge or line depth candidate
Bill NortonNot listedCollege product / recent free agentInterior line or reserve depth prospect
Brennan PresleyNot listedCollege product / recent free agentSpecial teams upside and slot receiver potential
Mark RedmanNot listedCollege product / recent free agentDevelopmental defensive back or special teams option
Tyler ScottWide receiver / returner2023 fourth round pick by Chicago Bears; spent time with Bears, Colts, Seahawks; joined Rams practice squadSigned four-year, $4,503,448 rookie deal originally; 2024: 11 games, 1 catch for 5 yards, 8 kickoff returns for 207 yards
Nate ValcarcelNot listedCollege product / recent free agentDevelopmental lineman or depth option
Jordan WatersNot listedCollege product / recent free agentDevelopmental offensive or defensive depth candidate
Mario WilliamsNot listedCollege product / recent free agentSpecial 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.