The Los Angeles Rams are all-in, and general manager Les Snead made that clear.
Snead is well aware of the looming cloud that is quarterback Matthew Stafford’s decision on returning for an 18th season. The executive also knows how finite their time is with the three-time Pro Bowler and MVP hopeful. That is even if he comes back.
However, Snead’s vision for the Rams is not just about helping Stafford directly, but also strengthening the roster as a whole.
Les Snead Unveils Vision for Rams’ Offseason
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead looks on before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Snead held his season-ending media availability on Wednesday and made it clear the Rams will keep their foot on the gas as long as Stafford is in their plans.
“There is a vision to have sustained success over time. There’s a balance there. But if Matthew decides to come back, I do think there will be an element where, okay, let’s–whether it’s 51/49 [percent], whether it’s 52/48, whether it’s 60/40–let’s definitely make the most of the time we have with Matthew,” Snead told reporters on February 4.
“The type of season he had, the type of season that he’s still showing that he can have, there’s only so many of those left. So, those are some moments that you want to take advantage of, for sure.”
Like Rams head coach Sean McVay, Snead said Stafford can take all the time he needs.
Snead’s comments stand out, given his remarks around this same time frame last offseason. Then, Stafford and the Rams agreed to let the QB’s camp explore his trade value.
“Matthew probably disturbed our rejuvenation period,” Snead said in January 2025 about the 2021 deal to bring the QB to LA. “We did play in the Divisional Round that year. And then, maybe a week later, is when it leaked that, ‘Hey, he would like to be traded,’ and the Lions were thinking of trading him. So, we had to get back to work a little bit quicker than we wanted to.”
That deal led to a Super Bowl that season. Stafford is the finalist for MVP this season. It will be announced during the NFL Honors on February 5. Now, Snead and the Rams must continue striking a balance between building around him and for the future.
Rams Looking to Resolve Problematic Position
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead on the field before a game against the New York Jets.
Stafford quarterbacked the NFL’s No. 1-ranked offense overall and in scoring during the 2025 regular season. The Rams’ defense finished the campaign ranked 10th and 17th, respectively.
They were 12th against the run and 19th against the pass, and Snead plans on addressing a key reason why.
The Rams ranked 15th in opponent completion percentage, per Pro Football Reference.
Moreover, two of the Rams’ top five corners in terms of snap share (Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant) are free agents this offseason. Trade deadline acquisition Roger McCreary is also heading into free agency after an injury-marred campaign.
Two others–Darious Williams and Emmanuel Forbes are entering the final year of their respective contracts.
“I think that’s a group, because of the contracts expiring, even–again, how many years they’ve been in the league–is definitely something we got to sit down and maybe, let’s call it ‘stabilize it’ more from a standpoint of getting the right people in, under the right contracts, and things like that, based on how many guys are up or voiding, and things like that.
“It’ll be a position group that we’ll attack over the next few weeks, few months.”
Rams Putting Plan in Place
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead recalls a story from his office.
Armed with two first-round picks, Snead said the Rams will be careful to have a select group of prospects at each slot. They will also keep up with later-round finds and trade opportunities.
Addressing the defense does not stand out as an immediate aid for a veteran quarterback like the Rams have in Stafford. He was without his top two wide receivers, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, and top tight end, Tyler Higbee, at different points throughout the season.
However, easing the burden on him would do exactly that.
Rams GM Les Snead Gets Honest About Aggressive Plan for Roster