Week 1 is right around the corner for the Los Angeles Rams, who just set their initial 53-man roster this past Sunday. They'll make changes throughout the year but for now, their roster is locked in for the start of the season.
As we do each year, we're comparing the Rams' initial 53-man roster this season to the roster Los Angeles set last summer. After nearly reaching the Super Bowl, the Rams didn't feel the need to make wholesale changes to their team, running it back with many of the same players. Every position group except for one underwent at least one change, with only the safeties remaining exactly the same.
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the Rams' roster this year and last year (newcomers noted in italics).
Quarterback
Although two of the three
quarterbacks from last year have returned, Stafford will have a new backup. It'll either be Bennett or Simpson as the QB2 this year, replacing Garoppolo from last season. Garoppolo remains a free agent after considering retirement in the offseason.
Running back
The Rams didn't have Rivers on the initial 53-man roster last season but he was eventually brought up from the practice squad. This year, he made the team right off the bat, taking the place of Hunter as the RB3. The Rams traded Hunter to the Dolphins for Tutu Atwell before final cuts.
Wide receiver
It's almost an identical receiver room to last year's after the return of Atwell via trade. Daniels is the only new face in the room, currently slotting in as the No. 7 wideout. Mumpfield and Whittington are both clearly ahead of Atwell this time around, too.
Tight end
The players are almost the same but the roles could be very different. Parkinson and Ferguson will probably play the most among the team's tight ends, with Higbee and Allen also contributing. Klare, the second-round rookie, could get some snaps, too, though he's in a crowded group.
Offensive line
After keeping 10 offensive linemen last year, the Rams only kept nine this season. Dedich would've made the 53-man roster if he didn't land on injured reserve, as would have Keagen Trost, who was also put on IR. That allowed McMahon and Murray to make the team. McClendon steps into a starting role at right tackle and Quessenberry is now the swing tackle.
Defensive line
No one expected Donald's name to be back on this list four months ago, but here we are. He's technically a newcomer after being retired for the last two years, joining Turner, Ford and Fiske as the top four defensive linemen. Davis and Hamilton are also back in the fold, too, with Johnson switching to outside linebacker.
Outside linebacker
Garrett is the Rams' big offseason addition, replacing Verse at outside linebacker after a blockbuster trade in June. Hampton is gone and Johnson is now an edge rusher, with Bailey making the team as an undrafted rookie thanks to a dominant preseason and camp.
Inside linebacker
Stuard will be the Rams' new special teams ace, also replacing Reeder on the linebacker depth chart as a key backup who could earn playing time. Dolac made the team once again after securing his spot as an undrafted rookie last year.
Cornerback
The Rams went light at cornerback this year, only keeping four on the initial roster. Quentin Lake will play slot corner, as can McDuffie and Wallace, so versatility is aplenty in the secondary. Williams and Witherspoon both retired this offseason, while Durant signed with the Cowboys.
Safety
The safety group is the exact same as last year's, a testament to the confidence the Rams have in these four players. Curl signed an extension this offseason, as did Lake in January, while Kinchens and McCollough are still on rookie deals. The safeties are a strength of the Rams defense.
Special teams
It's no surprise that the Rams' special teams unit looks different this year. Karty and Ward were both cut during the 2025 season, and now Mevis steps in as the primary kicker after filling in last season. Cardona was also signed in free agency to be the team's new long snapper.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Comparing Rams' 53-man roster to last year's: What's changed for LA?
