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Byron Young has established himself as one of the best young edge rushers in football, but The Athletic's Nate Atkins suggests it's "very unlikely" the Rams retain him beyond the 2026 season.
The numbers make clear why Young's price tag is about to become a problem. In 2025, he set career highs across the board, leading the Rams in sacks (12.5), quarterback hits (29) and tackles for loss (12) while finishing fifth on the team in total tackles. All production that has vastly outpaced his third-round draft slot in 2023.
That kind of tape typically points to a market-resetting extension. Instead, it points toward a difficult goodbye. Young's next deal is expected to be worth well over $100 million, with some projections landing around four years and $145 million.
The Rams' own spending has made that math even harder. Los Angeles' trade for Myles Garrett and the subsequent reworking of his contractsignaled the team is prioritizing its investment at the position elsewhere, leaving less room to also pay Young top-of-market money. With Puka Nacua and Kobie Turner both extension-eligible as well, the Rams simply may not have the cap space to keep every member of their loaded 2023 draft class around.
Los Angeles could still franchise tag Young for a season if it wants more time, but that would only delay the inevitable given his age, market value and the number of other stars the front office needs to pay. Barring a surprising change of course, Young's dominant tenure in Los Angeles may be nearing its final year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Insider thinks Rams unlikely to retain key defensive star past 2026
Continue reading...
The numbers make clear why Young's price tag is about to become a problem. In 2025, he set career highs across the board, leading the Rams in sacks (12.5), quarterback hits (29) and tackles for loss (12) while finishing fifth on the team in total tackles. All production that has vastly outpaced his third-round draft slot in 2023.
That kind of tape typically points to a market-resetting extension. Instead, it points toward a difficult goodbye. Young's next deal is expected to be worth well over $100 million, with some projections landing around four years and $145 million.
The Rams' own spending has made that math even harder. Los Angeles' trade for Myles Garrett and the subsequent reworking of his contractsignaled the team is prioritizing its investment at the position elsewhere, leaving less room to also pay Young top-of-market money. With Puka Nacua and Kobie Turner both extension-eligible as well, the Rams simply may not have the cap space to keep every member of their loaded 2023 draft class around.
Los Angeles could still franchise tag Young for a season if it wants more time, but that would only delay the inevitable given his age, market value and the number of other stars the front office needs to pay. Barring a surprising change of course, Young's dominant tenure in Los Angeles may be nearing its final year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Insider thinks Rams unlikely to retain key defensive star past 2026
Continue reading...
