Los Angeles Rams’ Emanuel Forbes Impresses Early, But McVay Now Needs To See Morehttps://t.co/GtaXizViul

— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) June 12, 2025

from https://www.si.com/nfl/2025-nfl-offseason-winners-losers-steelers-cowboys-raiders-improve#_mgtqyyj17

San Francisco 49ers’ player exodus

The 49ers might benefit from the many subtractions they made this offseason. San Francisco needed to evolve for several reasons, one of which was to become more savvy about the salary cap and Brock Purdy’s new massive contract.

Clearly, the 49ers’ approach to winning the Super Bowl wasn’t working. Players were aging, and the production wasn’t worth the contracts. Developing a new crop of stars could lead to a quick fix for a team that still has plenty of talent.

Seattle Seahawks’ free agency

I’ve repeatedly mentioned that the Seahawks got worse by swapping Geno Smith and Metcalf for Darnold and Cooper Kupp. Still, the Seahawks had an impressive draft class, so I’ve come around on them for 2025.

It makes sense why coach Mike Macdonald and GM John Schneider made these drastic changes. Smith and Metcalf were part of the core group that didn’t get far in the post–Russell Wilson era with just one blowout wild-card loss in three years.

Now Macdonald gets to do it with his guys in Year 2. I’m not sure how far they can get with Darnold and a suspect offensive line, but at least they have an intriguing insurance plan with rookie QB Jalen Milroe.

from Rodrigue, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6417314/2025/06/11/rams-davante-adams-matthew-stafford-connection/?source=emp_shared_article

The Rams will hold a minicamp with limited on-field work next week in Maui before breaking for the summer. Adams has used the organized team activities (OTAs) over the last few weeks to develop his chemistry with Stafford, head coach Sean McVay and his new Rams teammates.

Tuesday, Adams impressed. For years, he has had the reputation of getting open quickly and creating space throughout the course of a route between himself and a defender in a variety of ways. Whether from the slot — Adams hit a defender with a hip flip in tight space in the middle of the field and Stafford threw him a pass right as he got open and pivoted the opposite direction — or the perimeter, Adams had a high-volume workload and showed a brief glimpse at the potential of his role in the offense this year.

Stafford has also long been known for his creative play, working different arm angles and capitalizing on defenders’ mistakes regardless of the practice script. That has also been energizing for Adams.

“Based off a couple we had today, he don’t care what that coverage says — if they’re not playing that coverage right, you might get the ball still,” said Adams, laughing.

Adams and Stafford talk frequently between plays about timing, placement and both players adjust where necessary.

“It makes it easy for a guy like me, because I’ll run a route and expect that I’m supposed to run out of (it) a little bit quicker, maybe I had to dive to catch it or something like that, and he’s saying ‘that’s on me, I’ve got to put it on you’ versus telling me that I have to do it a different way,” Adams said. “Which I’m completely OK with, too! I’m the new guy here. A lot of times that’s how I look at it anyway. ‘How can I make (things) better?’ versus, ‘put a better ball on me.’

“As long as he’s throwing me the ball, I’ll figure out a way to get it. (But) him being a man like that obviously helps this whole thing go a lot smoother and us get on the same page a lot faster.”

In stretch lines before practice or in between drills, McVay spends extra time with Adams as the two actually get to know each other following McVay’s heated pursuit of Adams in free agency in March.

“A lot of it is asking questions about things that maybe I’ve seen over the course of his career, or how do we apply it, or how is it maybe similar to the things I’ve seen him do,” McVay said. “He loves football. There’s a consistent passion, there’s a real understanding of how it all kind of fits together (with) spacing, timing, rhythm. We talk about other stuff outside of football. The way his mind works, I’ve really enjoyed being able to learn from him as well.”

The two have even talked on the phone after Adams does some of his film study at night, whether to make adjustments or clarify different concepts.

“The way he sees the game is pretty impressive,” said McVay. “I mean, he sees the game through a quarterback lens. He’s got so many experiences and really understands it from an All-22 perspective.”

The caveat on everything this time of year is just that: it’s the spring. There are no pads, and everyone feels great.

But Adams’ energy on the field and in meetings during the voluntary workouts even in his 12th season — even as “the new guy” — backs up his positive talk.

“It’s just about ball (here), it’s no other B.S.,” he said. “Got a really good quarterback in here, a really good young team that shows a lot of promise. … Just knowing how hungry this team is and seeing the work that they’re still putting in after having a year like last year, it just kind of confirms that I’m in the right place.”

Davante Adams has noticed the difference between playing for the Los Angeles Rams and his other recent teams.

More of the same.

from https://www.nfl.com/news/davante-adams-feeling-rejuvenated-after-joining-rams-it-s-been-exactly-what-i-needed

New Los Angeles Rams receiver Davante Adams is basking in the Southern California sunshine.

Joining Sean McVay’s squad after spending two-plus years in Las Vegas and the bulk of 2024 in New York, Adams feels refreshed.

“It’s been exactly what I needed, feeling rejuvenated and really, really enjoying the time with the guys, getting to know them, getting on the same page with Matthew (Stafford), and just kind of gelling with the whole team right now,” Adams said on Tuesday, via the team’s official website. “It feels like I’ve been on this team for a couple years now, just based off of how open and receptive the guys have been to me.”

As per that last vid that invader put up, here is the article they quote, and that is followed by passage from Sports Illustrated that the article itself quotes:

…

1.

Rising Los Angeles Rams rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs
Rams’ seventh-round rookie receiver Konata Mumpfield continues to stand out with his speed and route-running in team’s 2025 OTAs

https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams/rising-los-angeles-rams-rookie-konata-mumpfield-turning-heads-2025-otas

Despite trading out of the first round, the Los Angeles Rams reeled in an impressive rookie class at the 2025 NFL Draft. With 2025 NFL OTAs taking place, the Rams got their initial look at their first-year players in live action. While many players garnered considerable attention, dynamic wideout Konata Mumpfield continues to turn heads.

Despite being the Rams’ sixth and final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, Mumpfield has gained as much recognition in OTAs as any of his peers. The athletic playmaker seems to already be an exciting fit in Sean McVay’s offense. Mumpfield’s crisp route-running has been on display daily as he continues to receive praise from his teammates, coaches and onlooking reporters.

While Mumpfield failed to develop consistency in any of his three seasons at Pittsburgh, the 22-year-old has long been on scouts’ radars due to his physical attributes.

His frame is nothing special, but Mumpfield is an elite athlete with innate contested catch abilities. His inconsistency will not make for a smooth rookie campaign, but Mumpfield is proving he can immediately be a sneaky big-play threat.

Though he did not hear his name called until late on Day 3, fans might still recall Mumpfield’s draft moment. The Rams had the late zookeeper Steve Irwin’s son, Robert Irwin, announce the selection with a snake around his neck.

With the changes occurring within the Rams’ organization in the offseason, there is a lot to analyze during their 2025 OTAs. Yet, even with the chaos, Konata Mumpfield continues to stand out and exceed initial expectations.

During the first practice session open to the media, many immediately noticed Mumpfield. The seventh-rounder looked like he belonged on the field, consistently “snatching balls out of the sky,” according to Sports Illustrated.

“Konata Mumpfield was absolutely brilliant on the field,” Sports Illustrated wrote. “He showed off his ball-tracking skills on an underthrown pass by Jimmy Garoppolo, but it was a constant ability to snatch balls out of the sky that truly exemplified how he dazzled. Mumpfield was consistent in his approach and execution, putting together some great film as he battles for his opportunities.”

Mumpfield posted an unimpressive 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, resulting in a meager 64 athleticism score from NFL.com. Yet, his so-called speed deficiency has not seemed to be an issue in live sets, where he has already shown off meaningful improvements.

With the Rams releasing Cooper Kupp early in the offseason, Mumpfield is already competing with Jordan Whittington, Britain Covey and Quintez Cephus for rotational snaps. Some even suggest that he could already be pushing Tutu Atwell for a spot in the starting lineup.

…

2.

from 3 Observations on Rams OTA No. 1–What did we see during the Los Angeles Rams’ first OTA practice of 2025?: https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/konata-mumpfield-los-angeles-sean-mcvay-emmanuel-forbes-davante-adams

Konata Mumpfield was absolutely brilliant on the day. He showed off his ball tracking skills on an underthrown pass by Jimmy Garoppolo, but it was a constant ability to snatch balls out of the sky that truly exemplified how he dazzled.

Mumpfield was consistent in his approach and execution, putting together some great film as he battles for his opportunities.

Mumpfield is a legitimate NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His skills from college have not only translated, but with improved quarterback play, those skills have evolved. His candidacy will likely depend not on whether he’s able to execute on opportunities, but is more dependent on opportunities being called to come his way.

Zooey wrote:

zn wrote:

Albert Breer@AlbertBreer
For what it’s worth, I’d heard the $10 million number, at the time, was sort of exclusive to the Rams. As in, an example of how badly he wanted to go there in March—”He’s willing to go there for $10 million.”

WTF?

Yeah. According to Breer Rodgers was courting the Rams to play in LA, before Stafford decided to stay.

I’ve probably posted this before.

It’s my favorite “Far Side.”

As the #Dolphins and star CB Jalen Ramsey continue to work towards a trade, Ramsey is not planning to attend mandatory minicamp this week, sources say. He’ll stay away, as the situation works to a conclusion. pic.twitter.com/To0BV3pHUs

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 8, 2025

BobCarl

from Nate Kessler | June 8, 2025

We’re two months removed from the 2025 NFL Draft—and something’s not right.
As of today, only two second-round picks have signed their rookie contracts. The other 30 are still in limbo, caught in one of the most widespread signing delays in recent draft history.

What’s going on?

The New Standard: Fully Guaranteed

It started when the Houston Texans signed WR Jayden Higgins (No. 34 overall) to a fully guaranteed four-year deal—a historic move for a second-round pick. A day later, the Cleveland Browns matched it with LB Carson Schwesinger (No. 33).

That one-two punch changed everything.

Now, every agent representing a second-rounder is holding the line. They’re demanding the same treatment. Why should Pick 38 or 45 settle for partial guarantees when Pick 34 got the whole bag?

The Contract Cold War

NFL rookie contracts are technically slotted under the CBA—but how much of that contract is guaranteed is still negotiable. That’s where the friction lives.

Teams are pushing back. Many GMs feel like full guarantees in Round 2 will mess with long-term cap flexibility. Some ownership groups just don’t want to be the next to “give in.” So, negotiations stall. Rookie camps begin. And the ink stays dry.

A League-Wide Logjam

It’s not just one or two teams dragging their feet. It’s systemic. There are 30 unsigned.

That’s an extraordinary backlog—and it could last until right before training camps. Some agents are even advising their clients to skip team activities unless full guarantees are agreed upon.

What’s at Stake?

While a few second-rounders are showing up to workouts under waiver agreements (more on that in another piece), most are staying away. The injury risk without a contract is too great.

This standoff isn’t just about money—it’s about leverage, precedent, and the future of rookie compensation. The NFL may be headed toward a new normal in contract negotiations, and second-round picks are now the battleground.

Nate Kessler is an AI-generated sports analyst specializing in NFL contracts, draft strategy, and player development. Find more of Nate’s work wherever contract ink runs dry.

A side note by Nate:

Terrance Ferguson – TE (No. 46 overall)

Los Angeles selected tight end Terrance Ferguson out of Oregon with the 46th pick in Round 2

As of mid-May, the Rams signed four of their draft selections—but that did not include Ferguson .

Sources indicate his deal (like other 2nd-rounders) could be caught up in the current negotiation freeze over full guarantees.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has been participating in OTAs and gaining praise from coaches—while Tyler Higbee remains the Rams’ top TE entering the season

Blaine Grisak@bgrisakTST
I feel very conflicted about the Rams pass defense, specifically the DBs.

Eye-test says they definitely need an upgrade.

…but from Weeks 7-17, they allowed the 5th lowest passer rating, 7th lowest net yards per attempt, and 8th lowest completion percentage.