In a surprising twist, ESPN awarded the Los Angeles Rams a higher offseason grade (A) than their NFC West rival, the San Francisco 49ers (A-). While both teams made impactful moves, the Rams' bold blend of short- and long-term planning sets them apart, and the better grades signal a possible NFL power shift in the division from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
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For the Rams, everything started and ended with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Initially permitted to seek trade options, Stafford ultimately stayed, agreeing to a restructured deal that gives him $40 million guaranteed in 2025 and a non-guaranteed $40 million in 2026. The Rams held firm and retained a top-tier quarterback without overcommitting, an elite move in today’s cap-tight NFL.
They didn’t stop there. Los Angeles made waves by signing wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year, $44 million deal and releasing aging star Cooper Kupp. While both receivers are 32, Adams remains productive, while Kupp hasn’t cracked 1,000 yards since 2021. Add in re-signing standout tackle Alaric Jackson and pulling off a draft-day heist, trading down with Atlanta to snag a 2026 first-rounder, and the Rams’ front office showed savvy rarely seen in the Sean McVay era.
They even turned a potential financial anchor into an asset, flipping benched guard Jonah Jackson and his $17.5 million contract to the Bears for a sixth-round pick and no money eaten. The only real blemish? Overpaying receiver Tutu Atwell on a $10 million deal.
How does ESPN's NFL offseason grades feel about 49ers compared to Rams?
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ClutchQuiz
Question 1 of 4
What infamous comment did LeBron make after blocking Curry during the 2016 Finals?
You're so soft
Get the f*ck out of my face
Weak a** n****
Alright, for sure
Meanwhile, the 49ers made strong moves of their own. They locked in Brock Purdy at $53 million annually, less than expected, and smart value given his system fit. They also re-signed core stars Fred Warner and George Kittle on deals that reflect both loyalty and financial discipline. But San Francisco also endured heavy free-agent losses and moved on from declining receiver Deebo Samuel for just a fifth-round pick.
Hiring Robert Saleh to return as defensive coordinator is a home-run decision, but the 49ers’ offseason felt more like maintenance than transformation.
In contrast, the Rams clearly improved now and are prepared for what’s next. For a team with playoff expectations and an aging quarterback, that dual-focus strategy could be the reason the NFC West crown changes hands sooner than expected.
