Now, the Rams have a core build of players on their rookie deals -- defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, outside linebackers Byron Young and Jared Verse and safety Quentin Lake -- for a unit that took a big step forward this season under new defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Matthew Stafford and Jared Verse were among the Rams’ best players of 2024, but Cooper Kupp’s season was considered a dud

When a team has no interest whatsoever in trading high-profile, well-known veteran players, even the mere suggestion of the possibility by reporters results in a rolling of the eyes and/or a two-word response: "Next question.