The Los Angeles Rams have spent the offseason building a talented roster, but the work will not necessarily end once the team settles on its initial 53-man group. With NFL teams required to trim their rosters to 53 players by August 30, a number of experienced players around the league will suddenly become available.
For the Rams, that could create an opportunity to add depth without making a major investment. Even teams with strong rosters will be forced to release players who may have legitimate
NFL ability simply because there are only so many spots available. Los Angeles could monitor those moves closely and identify potential additions at positions where it needs additional competition or insurance.
Sean McVay and the Rams’ front office have already shown a willingness to develop overlooked talent. Once the league’s roster cuts begin rolling in this weekend, Los Angeles could have another chance to strengthen its roster with players who were simply victims of the numbers game elsewhere.
1. Sam Williams, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
Sam Williams entered the NFL with the potential to become a key piece of the Dallas Cowboys’ pass rush.
Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams recorded 8.5 sacks during his first two seasons, showing flashes of the explosive edge-rusher many expected him to become. However, his development was interrupted by a season-ending injury in 2024. When he returned, Williams struggled to regain his previous form, finishing with only one sack despite playing a career-high 474 defensive snaps last season.
There is a legitimate possibility that Williams could need a fresh start with another team. Dallas appears to have several edge rushers firmly positioned to make the roster, including Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, rookie Malachi Lawrence and veteran Von Miller.
If those players secure their spots, the remaining competition could become extremely difficult for Williams. He may find himself battling Marist Liufau and James Houston for one of the final available roster spots. Liufau could have an advantage because of his contributions on special teams, giving the Cowboys another reason to keep him around.
The Rams would have been able to get a respectable look at Sam Williams during their joint practice with Dallas.
Another factor to keep in mind is that Byron Young is a free agent after this year. While the team has Josiah Stewart ready to replace Young. The team could use a rotational piece like Williams.
A question could be: do the Rams like Wesley Bailey more or a high ceiling player like Sam Williams?
2. Kristian Fulton, DB, Kansas City Chiefs
Similar to Sam Williams, the Rams will have been able to get a good look at Kristian Fulton compared to other external players based on their first preseason game against Kansas City. Fulton logged 29 snaps, the third most for the second string defense.
Fulton carries a sizable cap hit this year – $13 million. The Chiefs could save $5 million by cutting him. The Rams could continue to add to their secondary that is comprised of former Chiefs. Behind Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Rams do not have much. Emmanuel Forbes is CB3 and he has disappointed for the large portion of his career.
3. Roger McCreary, DB, Detroit Lions
According to Detroit reports, head coach Dan Campbell said McCreary has had an “up and down” camp so far.
The Lions signed McCreary this offseason to a one-year, $1.4 million deal. Detroit’s secondary has been a weakness over the past few seasons making it hard to imagine McCreary would not be able to grab a 53 man spot but judging by Campbell’s comments, this summer’s performance might cost him.
The Rams are logical landing spot since Les Snead traded for McCreary at last year’s deadline. McCreary did not play as much as fans expected or hoped but when he did play – he was actually a bright spot in the secondary.
