The Los Angeles Rams don’t have a lot of cap space right now and still need to sign their incoming draft class, but they’ve always got an eye on the future. There are several players who are eligible for extensions, including Jared Goff and Marcus Peters.
Whether players are nearing the end of their rookie contracts or they’re simply set to be free agents in 2020, there are a handful of guys who could be inked to extensions this offseason.
Here are the six likeliest, beginning with the star quarterback.
QB Jared Goff
Goff still has two years left on his contract thanks to the fifth-year option in 2020, but he’s eligible for an extension now. Goff said a new deal isn’t on his mind at all and the Rams aren’t in any rush to get a deal done, so it seems unlikely they’d come to an agreement before the season begins.
That being said, the Rams are no strangers to extending their own players early. They signed Todd Gurley last offseason after just three seasons and despite him having two years left on his contract like Goff.
It’d be smart for the front office to wait another year before extending Goff, even if it means the quarterback market continues to rise.
CB Marcus Peters
Peters is in a fascinating, yet difficult situation. He was a lockdown corner in Kansas City, but his play took a big step back in 2018 with the Rams. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, but after seeing how much he struggled last season, the Rams might have some reservations about signing him long-term right now.
Sean McVay has expressed a desire to keep Peters, saying that’s something the Rams “absolutely” want to do, but it’s risky to sign an inconsistent player to an extension after a down year. His stock is low right now, which could entice Los Angeles to do a deal now.
LB Cory Littleton
Littleton doesn’t get mentioned often when it comes to players who could sign an extension, considering he’s set to play the 2019 season on a $3.1 million restricted free agent tender. But he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2020 and would be among the top linebackers available if he reaches the market.
If the Rams want to get ahead of the curve and prevent his price from skyrocketing with a breakout 2019 season, signing him to an extension now would be a wise decision. He provides value and stability at linebacker, as well as on special teams where he was a Pro Bowler last season.
K Greg Zuerlein
Zuerlein will be a free agent after next season and while he was inconsistent early in his career, he’s become one of the best kickers in the league the last two seasons. He has a strong leg and is very accurate from beyond 50 yards, going 10-for-13 from 50-plus yards since 2017.
The biggest question with Zuerlein is durability as he’s missed eight total games the last two years.
He’s still only 31 years old and has plenty of good football left in him, so signing him before he hits free agency wouldn’t be a bad decision. Without stability at kicker, it can become a revolving door at the position. Just ask the Bears and Vikings.
OL Austin Blythe
Blythe has only been a starter for one season, but he proved to be an upgrade over Jamon Brown last year. Although he had his struggles in pass protection, he was solid in the running game and will only improve as he gains more experience at guard. Remember, he came to the Rams as a center.
It remains to be seen exactly where he’ll play in 2019 – it’ll likely be right guard but he could compete at center if need be – but he’s almost certain to be a starter somewhere. With free agency coming in 2020, locking up Blythe now would help solidify the offensive line for the future.
DL Michael Brockers
Brockers was viewed as a potential cap casualty this offseason due to his $10.75 million cap hit, but the Rams made it clear they had no plans to move on from him.
So what does the future hold for Brockers? He was asked by FS1’s Kristine Leahy if he thinks he’ll be back with the Rams in 2020. His answer: Yes.
“I will. If I had to bet on in it, I will,” Brockers said. “I love it here, love the culture. Coach McVay, just his whole staff. I love being here. It’s amazing.”
In order for that to happen, he’ll need to sign a new deal because he’ll be a free agent next offseason if no contract is signed beforehand. If the Rams do sign him to an extension, it’ll likely be a two- or three-year deal, potentially allowing Brockers to retire with the team. However, it won’t be for the $11-plus million per year his current contract paid him.
