Sean McVay
Getty
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams are in a clear contention window. Reigning MVP QB Matthew Stafford is back for another year, but even if he has another year or two in the tank after this one, he’s nearing the end of his career. The Rams are looking to capitalize on their star signal-caller while they still can, and they dueled the Seahawks near-even in the playoffs this past season. Los Angeles is on the short list of contenders entering the offseason.
But the Rams also have two first-round draft picks thanks to a draft-day trade made last year with the Falcons. In exchange for the No. 26 and No. 101 picks in the 2025 draft, the Falcons sent the Rams the No. 46 and No. 242 picks in 2025 and their first-round pick in 2026, which landed at No. 13 overall.
As a result, the Rams have two first-round picks in this draft: the Falcons’ pick at No. 13 and their own at No. 29. That reality gives them a lot of leverage and flexibility in how Los Angeles approaches the offseason.
Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead Teases a Big Trade Could Be in Play
Les Snead
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: General manager Les Snead of the Los Angeles Rams on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Rams insider, Nate Atkins, had an interesting report on Rams general manager Les Snead. It sounds like Snead is keenly aware of the urgency this season brings for Los Angeles and is ready to use all his assets to add winning pieces right now — potentially even a big move for a star.
Per Atkins, the Rams are open to moving at least one of their first-round picks for a proven player. No. 13 is a stronger asset and more valuable pick, but Los Angeles might be more interested in moving No. 29. Either way, it’s something to keep in mind over the next six weeks or so.
Especially since now is prime trade season in the NFL. As free agency kicks off and with the draft rapidly approaching, teams who want to add draft assets will be looking to do so now. And for the teams looking to trade picks for players, those picks are usually at their most valuable right around now.
Snead confirmed that not only are the Rams interested in a potential trade, but that Los Angeles is actively engaging in trade talks that are “heating up.” Could a big move be on the horizon? If so, Snead has a particular position of interest for the Rams….
The Los Angeles Rams Need to Improve Their Secondary
If there’s one major area of need for the Rams right now, it’s at cornerback. It’s a position the Rams lack talent at and one they are focused on improving this offseason. The assumption is that Los Angeles will look to draft one of the top cornerbacks in this class with their pick at No. 13, such as LSU’s Mansoor Delane or Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy.
But Snead has a different idea in mind — or at least an option to consider. “Is there an All-Pro that you could add?” he asked rhetorically, hinting at where the Rams might be going.
If the Rams are able to flip their extra first-round pick into an All-Pro in the secondary, the rest of the league better watch out.