On the heels of their triumphant win in Super Bowl 56 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Los Angeles Rams now have a crucial offseason looming ahead.

The Rams’ plan to go all-in for the 2021 campaign paid off, to the delight of general manager Les Snead. Rookie linebacker Ernest Jones rose to the occasion following the team’s decision to trade fourth-year linebacker Kenny Young to the Denver Broncos, as he went on to feature in 93 percent of snaps in Super Bowl 56. More so, veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. formed keen chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford in the second half of the season, which included his receiving touchdown against the Bengals.

Snead now has a multitude of dilemmas to resolve in the coming months. As it stands, the Rams are $21.6 million over the cap with their current roster. Surprise cuts may be on the way, while Snead could also opt to free up cap space by trading away several notable players. More so, the team will also have free agent matters to address, especially as five players who featured in at least 60 percent of snaps while with the team this past season will be out of a contract in March.

At the least, the Rams must have their sights set on making these three moves in anticipation of their Super Bowl title defense next season.

Three moves the Rams must make in the offseason

3. Bolster the cornerback depth

Multiple positions on the Rams depth chart could end up seeing quite a bit of turnaround in the offseason, including with their cornerback unit.

Unlike with teams such as the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Rams will not have any dilemma to address regarding their top cornerback option, as Jalen Ramsey is still under contract with the team for four more seasons. However, their No. 2 cornerback option in Darious Williams and defensive back Donte Deayon will become unrestricted free agents in March.

Williams was quite the reliable cornerback for the Rams this past season, as he featured in 79.5 percent of snaps on defense and also allowed a 53.6 percent completion percentage while in coverage over the Rams’ four playoff wins. But Spotrac does project a market value of $14.6 million per season for him.

If the Rams prefer to let Williams walk in free agency in order to focus on revamping other positions, the team could call on David Long to move into the team’s No. 2 cornerback role. He showed much promise over the campaign, which included covering Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk in the Rams’ NFC wild-card round win and allowing a mere 8.3 passer rating while in coverage in the contest.

From there, the Rams may also explore the free agency market for low-risk, high-reward options to bolster the position, from Donte Jackson to Chris Harris Jr. More so, Snead could once again opt for win-now moves by signing such talents to one-year deals.

2. Extend Rob Havenstein

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As with the cornerback position, the Rams may also be on the verge of seeing plenty of change with their offensive line. Right guard Austin Corbett and center Brian Allen each will become unrestricted free agents in the coming month, while Andrew Whitworth may end up opting for retirement.

While the Rams will certainly aim to resolve this matter in March, they should also keep an eye out for next year’s free agency period as well, where right tackle Rob Havenstein will become an unrestricted free agent.

Overall, Havenstein did have his fair share of ups and downs this past season. He allowed seven sacks in the campaign, but his keen run blocking did help to open up the Rams rush offense.

In the big picture, the Rams sure can not afford to lose four starting offensive linemen from their Super Bowl run over the upcoming two free agency periods.

1. Extend Matthew Stafford

As with Havenstein, Stafford will also become an unrestricted free agent next year. The veteran passer is set to play in the final season of the five-year, $135 million extension deal that he signed while with the Detroit Lions. He is set to hold a $23 million cap hit for the 2022 season.

Ahead of Super Bowl 56, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that the Rams and Stafford plan to explore an extension deal in the offseason. Spotrac does note that Stafford holds a market value of $41.4 million, and such a deal would then make him the third highest-paid player in the NFL today behind Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ($45 million) and Buffalo Bills passer Josh Allen ($43 million) based on average annual value.

The Rams sure will have multiple options regarding Stafford’s future with the team.