The Los Angeles Rams announced that they have signed 10 rookies to their first NFL contracts.
Including in the list of players signed were wide receiver Tutu Atwell, defensive end Earnest Brown IV, wide receiver Ben Skowronek, outside linebacker Chris Garrett, running back Jake Funk, safety Jovan Grant, safety Troy Warner, outside linebacker Max Roberts, safety Paris Ford and defensive end George Silvanic.
Five of the rookies were those taken in the 2021 NFL Draft while the other five went undrafted. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Bobby Brown III, cornerback Robert Rochell, linebacker Ernest Jones and tight end Jacob Harris remain as the rookie draft picks left unsigned at the moment.
The Rams found themselves in the worst cap situation of any team at the start of the offseason. Fortunately, they were able to crunch the numbers and shore up some much-needed cap space with the help of some veterans on the roster.
Since L.A. was once again without a first-round pick, the price tag on their rookie expenditures likely went down significantly. Regardless, it is clear that there is still some work to do for the remaining draft class.
Atwell was the first selection the Rams made this year in an effort to revamp the receiving corps. It has been revealed that he signed a four-year deal worth $5.908 million and a $1.657 million signing bonus as a second-rounder out of Louisville.
Atwell’s deal helps put in perspective what some of the other rookie contracts may look like as they go down the line. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if those left unsigned are still negotiating or if it just a matter of time before the agreement is made official.
The Rams have made a habit of striking gold in the later rounds. Players like safety John Johnson III (third-round, 2017) and defensive end Samson Ebukam (fourth-round, 2017) provided plenty of bang for their buck before receiving lucrative pay days in free agency.
