NFL free agency: Grading 49ers, other NFC West moves in 2021

Los Angeles Rams

Key NFL free agency additions: WR DeSean Jackson

The Rams weren’t overly big players on the free-agent market aside from taking a similar approach like the 49ers did: retaining some of their most-needed talent.

Veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth and EDGE Leonard Floyd while cornerback Darious Williams is a solid part of Los Angeles’ secondary.

But the biggest portion of the Rams offseason included the blockbuster trade with the Detroit Lions, the deal that sent LA’s former starting quarterback, Jared Goff, and a slew of draft picks in exchange for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Stafford is expected to bolster head coach Sean McVay’s offense, which is something Goff struggled to do in the two years since the Rams made the Super Bowl.

While not a free-agent move in of itself, the Stafford pickup will be the one that ultimately defines LA’s offseason. In order to get under the cap, the Rams had to restructure a number of deals while also bidding farewell to some notable players, including tight end Gerald Everett, cornerback Troy Hill and safety John Johnson.

Despite those losses, Los Angeles managed to improve at the most important position, quarterback, and can at least chalk up its offseason to a win so far.