The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the most active teams at the start of NFL free agency, having already signed All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year contract and brought back Jimmy Garoppolo on a one-year deal.
The Rams are now focused on filling the other holes on their roster, including the offensive line. The group was solid last season but the team could stand to add some depth to the interior, particularly at center after trading Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears.
According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, the Rams are closing in on a deal with former Bears center Coleman Shelton:
I’m hearing the Rams are closing in on adding center Coleman Shelton, who started 17 games for Chicago in 2024. Shelton spent the first 5 years of his career with Los Angeles.
The signing marks a reunion as Shelton spent the first five seasons of his career in L.A. before signing a one-year contract with the Bears last offseason.
Shelton made 17 starts for Chicago in 2024 and posted a modest 66.4 PFF grade, which ranked 19th out of 64 players at center.
Shelton now returns to the team that he began his NFL career with in 2019. The Pasadena, Calif., native became a starter during the 2022 season and went on to appear in 30 of a possible 34 games for the Rams over the next two years.
Shelton will likely compete with Beaux Limmer to be the team’s starting center in 2025. While Shelton has experience, it is reasonable to think Limmer has the inside track to the job given how well he played last year. If Limmer starts then Shelton would be able to provide the Rams some depth at all three interior offensive line positions.
Rams focused on trading Cooper Kupp
After doing some heavy lifting in free agency, the Rams will now presumably focus on finding a new home for Cooper Kupp.
The Rams still have not been able to deal Kupp, but both head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead recently suggested it’s unlikely that he returns.
“We’ll seek a trade. We’ll take it a day at a time. I know Les has had some communication with Ryan Tollner, Cooper’s agent. I’ve had dialogue with Cooper and that’s kind of where we’re at with that,” McVay said.
If the Rams are unable to find a trade partner for Kupp, they may decide to simply cut him and allow the franchise icon to sign with a team of his choosing.
