• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 24, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and FOS merch? Take a few minutes to complete our survey and help us improve with your feedback! Take the survey Today

The Rams’ Unique Approach to Building a Champion

  • The Rams flashy 2021 acquisitions included Matthew Stafford, Odell Beckham Jr., Von Miller, and Eric Weddle.
  • But homegrown players Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald ended up making all the difference.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

The Rams made a series of flashy 2021 acquisitions — QB Matthew Stafford, WR Odell Beckham Jr., LB Von Miller, and S Eric Weddle — and reaching the Super Bowl vindicated those moves.

But their two homegrown players were the difference-makers in winning the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald — the best defensive player on the field — were both drafted by the Rams and retained through sensible contracts.

  • Kupp caught a game-high eight passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winner on the final drive.
  • His three-year, $48 million contract has only the 16th-highest total value among wide receivers; he is scheduled to be a free agent in 2024.
  • Donald recorded two sacks and three QB hits — including one on the fourth-down incompletion that sealed the win.
  • The three-time DPOY’s six-year, $135 million deal was the most lucrative for a defensive player ever at time of signing — but it’s currently only fifth by average annual value ($22.5M).

The Rams could be busy this offseason building a repeat winner: Beckham and Miller will both be unrestricted free agents, while Weddle and OT Andrew Whitworth are retiring.

Sean McVay — now the youngest Super-Bowl-winning head coach (36) ever — will still have a core group, including Robert Woods, whom Beckham replaced and who won’t be an FA until 2026.

One day since the dust settled, L.A. is the third-favorite (+1000*) behind Kansas City (+750*) and Buffalo (750*) for next year’s Super Bowl.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; (left to right) Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Avram Glazer, owner Edward Glazer and owner Joel Glazer during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium.

Mavs, Bucs Owners Donate to Trump’s White House Ballroom Renovation

The White House said the ballroom is “currently unable to host major functions.”

As the NFL, NBA, and NHL Go Global, The Masters Is Looking..

The tournament’s chairman touted new qualification measures.
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Can Travis Kelce Save Six Flags From Free Fall?

The NFL star joined an activist investor in pushing for change.
Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa’s L.A. Home for Sale for $3.7 Million

The Bills defensive end purchased the home last July.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Tom Dundon
exclusive

Sale of Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon Will Take Multiple Years to..

Dundon is buying the team at a $4.25 billion valuation.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
October 18, 2025

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.