Monday December 4, 2023

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
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Commanders Spend Big On Current Home While Planning New Stadium

The Washington Commanders will keep upgrading FedEx Field.

Pittsburgh Seeks the Spoils of NFL Draft Traveling Road Show

NFL team looks to host key league event on Pittsburgh's North Shore.
The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tosses the ball to fans after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Philadelphia Eagles Continue To Be NFL’s Biggest Draw

Philadelphia was once again in one of the NFL's most-watched games.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Selection Turns Heads with Controversial Selection

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.
LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA Womens Basketball Final Four National Championship at American Airlines Center.
November 6, 2023

Who Is The Highest-Paid Women’s College Basketball Coach?

LSU rewarded Kim Mulkey after winning a national title after her second year leading the program.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers

LAFC’s Historic Run: From MLS Cup Final Return to Billion-Dollar Valuation

MLS club looks to become league's first repeat champion since 2012.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi looks on before taking a free-kick against New York City during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium.
November 30, 2023

Inter Miami Already Sold Out 2024 Season Tickets

Miami saw a 1,215% surge in demand even after prices almost doubled.
December 1, 2023

New Indiana Pacers Investor Could Offer Succession Option

The Pacers are selling a 20% minority stake in the team.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates court side behind Luka Doncic
November 29, 2023

Blockbuster Mavs-Cuban Deal Puts Dallas Casino Complex In Spotlight

Deal valuing NBA team at about $3.5 billion premised on arena-casino development.
David Tepper
November 29, 2023

David Tepper and the Problem of the Investor-Owner

The Panthers are 30-63 since Tepper bought the team.
November 28, 2023

Could Panthers' Ongoing Setbacks Lead To A Surprise Move?

The Panthers are searching for yet another head coach.
November 28, 2023

Oakland Baseball Goes From A's To B's

Baseball's independent Pioneer League placing team in Bay Area city.