The Los Angeles Rams went all-in this offseason — and "F Them Picks" is back. Les Snead traded for Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, signing him to a massive extension. He also brought in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to rebuild the secondary. Matthew Stafford is back after winning MVP at age 37. The Rams have Super Bowl-or-bust expectations entering camp. Here's a complete preview.
The Myles Garrett Trade
The biggest move of the NFL offseason — the Rams sent Jared Verse and first-, second-, and third-round picks to Cleveland for Myles Garrett. The haul was historic, but Garrett is two-time reigning DPOY who set an NFL single-season sack record with 23.5 sacks last year. He's the closest thing to Aaron Donald since Donald retired, and he instantly transforms a Rams defense that was already good into a potentially dominant one. The Rams extended Garrett on a contract that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in football. Garrett has already been spotted at OTAs working with defensive coordinator Chris Shula on how to deploy him alongside Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young. The Rams' front four, with Garrett as the centerpiece, might be the best in football.
Secondary Rebuild: McDuffie and Watson
After getting torched in coverage during last season's NFC Championship Game loss, Sean McVay made the secondary a priority. The Rams acquired Trent McDuffie from Kansas City in a blockbuster trade that sent first- and fifth-round picks to the Chiefs. McDuffie signed a four-year, $31 million-per-year extension — the largest ever for a cornerback. Jaylen Watson was also poached from Kansas City in free agency, giving the Rams two starters from a Super Bowl defense. The new-look secondary — McDuffie, Watson, Quentin Lake, and Kamren Curl — is a massive upgrade over the unit that struggled in big moments last year.
Stafford's MVP Season and Extension
Matthew Stafford is coming off the best season of his Hall of Fame career: 4,707 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions. He won his first MVP award at age 37. The Rams extended Stafford, ensuring he'll finish his career in Los Angeles. Behind him, Stetson Bennett and rookie Ty Simpson battle for the backup job. The offense still features Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams, though Nacua's potential extension looms after some off-field drama. The offensive line needs to sort out its contract crunch — Whitworth predicted the Rams prioritize locking up interior players to protect Stafford.
2026 Schedule
The Rams open in Melbourne, Australia against the 49ers in Week 1 on Monday Night Football — a massive statement game. They host the Giants (Week 2) before traveling to Denver and Philadelphia. The bye comes in Week 11. Key games: Thanksgiving vs. Green Bay (Week 12), vs. Kansas City (Week 13), at San Francisco (Week 14), vs. Dallas (Week 15), at Seattle (Week 16), and the finale vs. Seattle (Week 18). This is a Super Bowl-or-bust schedule for a Super Bowl-or-bust roster.
Camp Storylines
How quickly can Garrett integrate into the Rams' scheme? Can McDuffie and Watson replicate their Kansas City success? Can Stafford stay healthy and repeat his MVP season? The kicker position and special teams remain a concern. But on paper, this is the most talented Rams roster since the 2021 Super Bowl team. Camp will show whether the chemistry matches the talent.
Jack Reynolds
Jack Reynolds writes about sports from a steady, fan-first perspective, focusing on storylines, trends, and angles that matter before the action starts.