Rams Focus on Retaining Sean McVay and Les Snead This Offseason
SEATTLE — Following the end of their season, the Los Angeles Rams are now contemplating contract extensions for key players, including receiver Puka Nacua, defensive lineman Kobie Turner, edge rusher Byron Young, and offensive lineman Steve Avila. However, more immediate attention is focused on the contracts of pivotal figures within the organization: head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead.
Both McVay and Snead are entering the final years of their contracts, alongside chief operating officer Tony Pastoors. Given their history of success, it is critical for the Rams to secure the future of McVay and Snead, who have collaborated for nine years.
McVay, 40, has been instrumental in leading the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances since his hiring in 2017, winning one of those championships. He earned $15 million this season, ranking as one of the league’s highest-paid coaches. In comparison, Andy Reid tops the list at $20 million.
Les Snead, now 55, has served as general manager since 2012, navigating the organization through significant changes, including the firing of coach Jeff Fisher post-2016 season. Under his leadership, the Rams have embraced a forward-thinking approach to team building.
Both McVay and Snead received contract extensions after their Super Bowl runs in 2018 and 2021. Despite having contract offers on the table prior to this season, they chose to defer signing new deals.
Recently, McVay had considered transitioning to broadcasting due to burnout following the challenging 2022 season. However, he has since expressed a renewed enthusiasm for coaching. Snead, known for his background in scouting and player personnel, may also explore new opportunities in the future.
Pastoors has played a crucial role in managing the team’s salary cap and mentoring contracts executive Matthew Shearin.
After their Super Bowl LVI victory, the Rams made significant investments in players, including extensions for quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp, and defensive lineman Aaron Donald. However, following a difficult season, they opted for a "remodel," as Snead described it, to reclaim financial stability.
This strategic shift allowed the Rams to clear cap space and work toward rebuilding the roster, showcasing the talents of emerging stars like Nacua and seasoned players, including Stafford and Davante Adams.
As the Rams look ahead, attention will increasingly shift to securing extensions for their standout players. Nacua is expected to command a substantial extension, while Turner, Young, and Avila also stand to benefit. If Stafford returns for an 18th season, a raise would undoubtedly be on the table.
In the meantime, the critical task lies in solidifying the leadership that has shaped this team: McVay and Snead.
