3 ways the Rams' draft picks impact potential extensions

The Los Angeles Rams walked away with five draft picks that set the team up for success moving forward. After their selections of Ty Simpson, Max Klare, Keagen Trost, CJ Daniels, and Tim Keenan III, here are three ways those selections impact how the Rams will go about managing extensions this offseason.

Puka Nacua is about to get paid

The fact that the Rams failed to secure a pass catcher early who could eventually replace Davante Adams means the Rams think they have his replacement in-house, and that would be Konata Mumpfield. The Rams love Mumpfield, and even if they executed a move for A.J. Brown, the plan would have always been to develop Mumpfield.

After drafting Simpson, the Rams need to give him his Cooper Kupp as McVay gave Jared Goff back in 2017. Nacua was always going to be extended (almost) regardless, but with his willingness to better himself and the Rams drafting a quarterback who will need reliable teammates to succeed early, the timeline to pay Nacua just got moved up.

The Rams could see an exodus on offense

The selections of Klare, Trost, and Daniels address three positions with massive contract questions. Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen are set to be free agents after the season, as well as four starting offensive linemen, and Davante Adams. If the Rams are expected to pay the multitude of defenders set to hit free agency over the next two seasons, they'll need to lighten the load on offense.

Don't be surprised if Klare and Trost are starters in 2027. Daniels could also rotate in with Nacua, Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington starting on offense.

Expect at least three extensions before Week 1

The Rams are seeing the benefit of getting deals done before the end of the season, as their deals with Kyren Williams, Quentin Lake, and Nate Landman set up a financial picture that allowed the team to attack free agency with gusto. By doing that, they felt that they already had a championship roster heading into the draft, fulfilling Les Snead's hope of using free agency to avoid desperation during the draft.

Considering the current state of the team and their contracts, I predict at least three deals will be done in order to help Snead and the front office figure out their financial picture for 2027. My guess is Nacua, Matthew Stafford, and Kobie Turner.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 3 ways Rams' picks impact potential extensions