The Los Angeles Rams have a talented young defensive line and offensive weapons. With most of the future already on the roster, the Rams still need to solidify one more position group.
Los Angeles attempted to reinforce their cornerback spot for the upcoming 2025-26 season but failed to do so, citing salary cap issues.
Looking ahead to next offseason, the Rams could line themselves up for a former Pro Bowl cornerback. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes the team’s need for a CB1 starter is a long-term issue.
Ballentine believes the Rams should target Dallas Cowboys’ DaRon Bland in the 2026 offseason.
“The Rams have done a good job of locking up the talent that’s on their roster… The most notable 2026 free agents on their roster include Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl. The safety duo could be upgraded, but it might be tough to bring in two new players and have to rebuild the chemistry from scratch,” Ballentine wrote. “The Rams were expected to be in on the Jalen Ramsey trade market. Unfortunately, only having $19.5 million in cap space this season would have made it hard to take on his contract.”
“The good news is the Rams have the fourth-highest projected cap space for 2026 right now, which means they could get aggressive in landing help at a premium position next season. Thus far, the Cowboys haven’t locked up DaRon Bland on an extension. With Trevon Diggs already on the books and Micah Parsons requesting a trade, there’s a decent chance he hits the market.”
Ballantine also noted the Rams’ safety and quarterback position as long-term needs.
DaRon Bland In Rams Secondary
GettyCowboys CB DaRon Bland
If the Rams were to sign cornerback DaRon Bland, he would be a huge boost to a young Rams defense.
Bland, who turns 27 years old next offseason, will bring Pro Bowl talent to the Rams’ secondary. The cornerback had 9 interceptions for 209 yards and 5 interception touchdowns in his First-Team All-Pro season two seasons ago, alongside 15 pass deflections.
Bland missed the first 10 games of the 2024-25 season due to a stress fracture. In his 10 games active for the Cowboys last season, he logged 5 PDs and 41 tackles.
Looking healthy for the 25-26 season, Bland has been ranked as the 32nd best cornerback by Pro Football Focus.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said that he believes that the cornerback group is fine as it is and doesn’t need any additions.
Resources For The Cornerback
GettyDallas Cowboys CB DaRon Bland
According to Over the Cap, the Los Angeles Rams will have around $74 million for the 2025-26 season.
DaRon Bland could receive a high contract offer from LA, but the Rams should be cautious about their budget.
With a young roster, the Rams will have to pay key pieces to their team. Safeties Lake and Curl will both be free agents, as mentioned earlier, and the Rams could look to retain one (or both) to have experience and chemistry on the defensive side of the ball.
Bland is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has said he would like to stay in Dallas.
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