NFL: Los Angeles Rams-OTA Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Insider Breaks Down Rams’ Trade Deadline Plans Sitting on 2 Massive Tradeable Assets

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 5:04 PM ET

The Rams trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and while contenders across the league prepare to make aggressive pushes, the Los Angeles Rams are walking a fine line between the present and the future.

At 5–2, Los Angeles has played its way into contention. Matthew Stafford has been sharp—throwing 17 touchdown passes to just two interceptions—and the offense has regained shades of its 2021 form. That was the last time the franchise went all-in midseason, acquiring Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. en route to a Super Bowl title.

But this year’s Rams appear poised to take a different approach. As Nate Atkins of The Athletic wrote, “They came into the season expecting to be contenders and are 5–2… I don’t expect the same push this year, partly because the Rams will want to keep their two first-round picks to chase a quarterback of the future next spring.”

It’s a sentiment that reflects a long-term view from general manager Les Snead, who hasn’t controlled multiple first-round selections since 2016. With Stafford turning 37 in February and battling intermittent health concerns, protecting that draft capital could be the organization’s most important move of the fall.

Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!

Rams Trade Deadline Still, the Rams Phones Will Be Busy

Insider Breaks Down Rams' Trade Deadline Plans Sitting on 2 Massive Tradeable Assets 1 Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

This Puka-Flex T-Shirt Is Illegal In Philly

According to Eric D. Williams of Fox Sports, the Rams are still among several teams expected to be active at the deadline, joining the 49ers, Bills, Jaguars, Patriots, Seahawks, and Eagles. Each has the salary cap flexibility to add an impact player, and Los Angeles’ roster construction history suggests they’ll at least explore upgrades.

One area drawing attention is cornerback, especially after San Francisco’s Kendrick Bourne erupted for 142 yards against the Rams in Week 5. Atkins noted that head coach Sean McVay hinted postgame at potential reinforcements, saying he didn’t “want to get too into it without watching the tape back” but stopped short of praising the unit.

With Ahkello Witherspoon sidelined, names like L’Jarius Sneed have emerged as possible targets. But any deal would likely have to come at a reasonable cost—one that doesn’t jeopardize those coveted 2026 first-round picks.

The Rams’ challenge, then, is clear: improve enough to contend in the NFC, without mortgaging the future they’re quietly preparing to build.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: