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5 Rams players whose numbers could decline in 2026
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- 5 Rams players whose numbers could decline in 2026
5 Rams players whose numbers could decline in 2026
The Los Angeles Rams are set to gear up for another incredible season, with the idea that their star-studded roster will shine against the NFL's best . However, for some to elevate their production, others may have to decline. And for a roster this stacked, here are five players who could see a drop in production this season.
WR Davante Adams
Adams was spectacular during his first season with the Rams, becoming the team's answer to their red zone issues by hauling in a league-leading 14 touchdown receptions. The belief is that with another year in the Rams' offensive system and a full training camp of working with Matthew Stafford , he should get even better. But age and durability could be a factor; Adams will turn 34 in December and missed the final three games of last season with a hamstring injury.
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With the Rams' evolution of their offense, paired with the rise of Puka Nacua 's targeting outside of the red zone, Adams was already a candidate for regression. Now, with his age, that might be the likely course of action. Considering the Rams proposed a dramatic move for A.J. Brown , a move that would've sent Adams away, one has to wonder how much thought has gone into expanding or maintaining a role for a player that they were willing to trade months ago.
RB Kyren Williams
Williams will be the team's RB1 for the 2026 season, but Blake Corum is cutting into his carries. The Rams got more dependent on the pass as last season went on, even in times when they didn't have to.
Since becoming the starter, Williams has achieved three straight 1,000-yard seasons, a goal he has once again set for himself. However, in those three seasons, Williams has had a decrease in yards per game each year. Not only is he on that declining slope, but his workload could be the lightest it's ever been as a starter.
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In the same breath, the Rams have expanded their tight end passing package, giving the running backs less usage than they deserve as pass catchers.
TE Colby Parkinson
Parkinson had a career year in 2025, establishing himself as the TE1 in the offense, with his role being a prevalent part of their multi-tight end packages. As Stafford's typical third option, Parkinson used his size and ability to make plays with the ball in his hands to maintain his quarterback's efficiency.
The issue in 2026 is that Terrance Ferguson is coming for that role, already making massive strides in his development. Tyler Higbee is also healthy once again and ready to contribute. Parkinson won't have the same benefits as last season, which should lead to fewer targets.
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S Jaylen McCollough
McCollough is a favorite of defensive coordinator Chris Shula, but with the rise of Josh Wallace serving as the team's backup at both slot and outside corner, McCollough's role could change.
Typically, the Rams love to run their dime defense, bringing in McCollough for linebacker Omar Speights in order to utilize his skills against wide receivers and tight ends. The Rams would then supplement their secondary with five other defensive backs.
Safeties Kam Curl , Quentin Lake , and Kam Kinchens virtually never leave the game, meaning the other two spots would belong to their outside corners. The idea is that the corners would be Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson . However, the Rams were moving McDuffie inside a lot, as that's where he's more effective, which led to Emmanuel Forbes Jr. playing on the outside.
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So if the Rams are moving McDuffie more inside, and McCollough doesn't play outside, where does he fit? Do they swap our Curl or Kinchens more? They're not taking out Lake, as he helps coordinate and reorganize the defense.
How will the Rams use such a unique talent? In spot appearances, most likely.
NT Poona Ford
The man who single-handedly fixed the team's run defense also grew as a pass rusher. His influence should be at a career high, but his production should fall as a result. Opponents struggle to run against him, and due to the return of Aaron Donald , Ford will likely see fewer snaps against the pass.
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If he won't be on the field for passing downs, and teams are likely to run away from him, Ford's statistical output should decrease, unless the opposition wishes to have their attacks stiffled at the line of scrimmage.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 Rams players whose numbers could decline in 2026
