The Los Angeles Rams were on the doorstep of the Super Bowl, but came up just short against the Seattle Seahawks. But their roster is good enough to contend in 2026, as long as Matthew Stafford is back.
From the sounds of it, he's going to be returning for one more season, which will give the Rams the chance to go all-in this offseason and build a Super Bowl contender. To do so, there are a few clear needs to address.
Cornerback might be a big issue, but after Rob Havenstein announced his retirement, the Rams' biggest question this offseason, as Bradley Locker of PFF.com notes, is what the Rams will do at right tackle.
Rams have big right tackle question after Havenstein's retirement
"The Rams' most pressing issue has already been resolved, with Matthew Stafford declaring he will return in 2026 after winning MVP last week," Locker writes. "Now, Los Angeles must reckon with what to do to best protect its superstar passer."
In the wake of Stafford's return and the retirement of Havenstein, there is no bigger need for the Rams than addressing their right tackle spot.
While they could end up sticking with Warren McClendon Jr. for another year, he wasn't good enough for the Rams to go into 2026 with only McClendon as an option.
The Rams could go about resolving this right tackle question in one of three ways. They could stick with McClendon, draft one using one of their two first-round picks, or the Rams could sign or trade for a veteran right tackle.
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While there might not be as great of options in free agency or the trade market, there are a few tackles in this year's draft that might be worth exploring.
However, the Rams, picking 13th, might be too far into the draft to lend either. They could trade up to land a new right tackle, or, which is most likely going to be the case, they'll sign a veteran to a short-term deal to compete with McClendon next year.
Los Angeles cannot put all of their resources into their right tackle, as the cornerback room is also in dire need of help. Wide receiver depth and another safety could also be in play.
Overall, the Rams, while they have a big question mark at right tackle after Havenstein's retirement, should not overspend at the position.
McClendon would be a fine starter if it means upgrading significantly elsewhere. It might not be ideal, but the Rams could do worse at the position if McClendon is the starter.
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