The Los Angeles Rams are embarking on a potentially pivotal offseason that figures to feature several critical roster decisions, including quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, that is far from the Rams’ only item of significance.
There are multiple key contributors up for new deals, and they could garner plenty of interest on the open market.
One of those players is safety Kam Curl, whose future is very much uncertain.
Kam Curl Among Rams’ ‘Biggest’ Roster Decisions
GettyKam Curl #3 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after an interception against the Chicago Bears during the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Curl just completed his second season with the Rams, joining the organization after four seasons with the Washington Commanders. Washington selected Curl with the 216th overall pick during the 2020 draft.
The Rams have been proactive with contracts. They extended linebacker Nate Landman, running back Kyren Williams, and safety Quentin Lake in recent months.
Losing Curl could prove costly, but so could keeping him.
“Curl, who signed a two-year deal with the Rams in 2024, is now Los Angeles’ biggest free agent decision,” ESPN’s Sarah Barshop wrote on January 28. “Curl had the biggest interception of the season for the Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Chicago Bears, picking off quarterback Caleb Williams’ pass in overtime.”
The veteran made it clear that he would like to return to the Rams. Spotrac projects him to command a deal worth up to $40.2 million over four years. Over The Cap projects the Rams have $34.4 million in room this offseason.
However, that does not mean the Rams will allocate more significant cap space to another safety this offseason.
They must remain flexible to address other areas of need.
“Curl eclipsed 120 tackles and led the Rams’ defense with more than 1,000 snaps played,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote in an article updated on January 28. “But Los Angeles just gave safety Quentin Lake a three-year, $42 million extension, so the chances of the team allocating two big contracts to its secondary are slim.”
Kam Curl Predicted to Sign With Vikings
GettyKam Curl #3 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field during introductions before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams will not have carte blanche to negotiate with Curl for long. He could be an appealing option for several other teams with needs at the position.
One of those teams could be the Minnesota Vikings.
“With Harrison Smith potentially retiring, Minnesota gets his replacement in Curl,” CBS Sports’ Jeremy Pereles wrote on January 28, describing Curl as a “strong-tackling safety who has done solid work with both the Commanders and the Rams.”
The Vikings are facing a cap crunch, though. That could be to the Rams’ advantage, but Pereles projects the Bears and New York Jets could both show interest in Curl.
A bidding war would be bad news for the teams, but good for Curl.
The Rams have done well at replacing multiple positions with bargain options. Lake, Landman, and Williams all qualified before their new deals. That could be a clear sign of the Rams’ shifting their strategy.
Again, that would be good news for Curl, who appears headed for a significant raise on his next deal, be it to return to the Rams or join another roster this offseason.
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