PFF names center Coleman Shelton as the Rams' biggest upside free-agent signing

[ASFN Admin]

The Los Angeles Rams made a bevy of moves in free agency.

Signing Davante Adams was the biggest, but L.A. also re-signed left tackle Alaric Jackson, receiver Tutu Atwell and cornerback Akhello Witherspoon and added center Coleman Shelton and linebacker Nate Landman.

All of these moves should have impacts this season, but Pro Football Focus' Ben Cooper believes Shelton has the most upside for his contract.

"Shelton returns to the Rams, with whom he latched on in 2019 and played four seasons, after a career year with the Bears in 2024," Cooper wrote. "Los Angeles leaned on rookie Beaux Limmer at center in place of Shelton in 2024, but he endured typical first-year growing pains and ranked 38th out of 43 qualifying centers in PFF overall grade (55.5). Shelton, meanwhile, has improved each year as a starter, going from a 58.0 PFF overall grade in 2022 to a career-high 66.4 mark last season."

The implications made here are twofold: 1) Shelton has grown as a center and 2) he could replace Limmer at the position, either before or during the season. Those are big assumptions to make, but it makes a little more sense given Shelton's two-year, $12 million deal. Limmer is a young player on a rookie deal who is easily replaceable if he struggles in Year 2, while Shelton is a veteran who could step in when or if necessary.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: PFF names the Rams' biggest upside free-agent signing

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