The Los Angeles Rams are staring down a pivotal offseason, and the questions go far beyond whether or not Matthew Stafford will be back under center in 2026. While Stafford’s future understandably grabs the headlines-especially after a season where he played at an MVP-caliber level-there are other roster decisions looming that could reshape the team’s identity heading into next year.
Let’s shift the focus to three veteran starters from the 2025 season opener who may have already played their final snap in a Rams uniform. Whether it’s age, injuries, or just the natural evolution of the roster, these players are on the bubble-and the odds of them returning don’t look great.
1. Rob Havenstein - RT
Rob Havenstein has been a steady presence on the Rams’ offensive line for over a decade, but 2025 was a rough chapter in an otherwise solid career. The veteran right tackle suited up for just seven games during the regular season and missed the entire playoff run. For a player in a contract year, that’s a tough way to go out.
Availability is everything in the NFL, especially in the trenches. Havenstein’s absence forced the Rams to turn to second-year tackle Warren McClendon Jr., who held his own down the stretch. While McClendon showed some growing pains in the playoffs, the Rams clearly see developmental upside there-something they won’t be able to tap into if Havenstein is reinserted as the starter.
Unless Havenstein is open to returning in a backup role on a team-friendly deal, the Rams may opt to move on. It’s a tough call given his leadership and experience, but the team has to prioritize durability and future growth on the offensive line.
2. Ahkello Witherspoon - CB
When Ahkello Witherspoon was on the field this season, the Rams’ secondary looked more cohesive. The problem? He just wasn’t available often enough.
After suffering an injury in Week 2, Witherspoon only managed to appear in four more games the rest of the year. He did make it back for one playoff appearance, but was sidelined again with another injury. At this stage of his career, durability has become a major concern.
There’s no question Witherspoon has the tools to be a productive contributor when healthy. But for a Rams defense that needs consistency in the back end, counting on a player who can’t stay on the field is a gamble they can’t afford to take. Unless he’s willing to return in a reduced role-and at a reduced cost-it’s hard to see a path forward for him in L.A.
3. Tutu Atwell - WR
Tutu Atwell’s time with the Rams has been a rollercoaster, and it looks like the ride may be coming to an end. Drafted in the second round-much earlier than many projections had him-Atwell showed flashes of promise but never quite carved out a consistent role in the offense.
He posted a respectable 42 catches for 562 yards in 2024, proving he can contribute when called upon. But in 2025, as the Rams retooled their offensive identity, Atwell found himself on the outside looking in. By the time the playoffs rolled around, he was a healthy scratch, a clear signal that the coaching staff had moved on.
It’s not about effort-Atwell has always played with heart-but scheme fit and opportunity matter. And right now, there just doesn’t seem to be a place for him in this offense. With a $10 million price tag and no playoff snaps, the writing’s on the wall.
Looking Ahead
The Rams have never been shy about making tough decisions, and this offseason will be no different. While Stafford’s status will dominate the headlines, the quieter roster moves-like parting ways with long-time contributors-will be just as critical to shaping the team’s future.
Rob Havenstein, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Tutu Atwell were all starters when the 2025 season kicked off. But as the Rams look to reload and stay competitive in a brutal NFC West, it’s likely none of the three will be in uniform come Week 1 of 2026-unless they’re willing to return on team-friendly deals in diminished roles.
The NFL doesn’t wait for anyone. And for these veterans, the next few months will determine whether they’re part of the Rams’ next chapter-or just part of their past.