After acquiring Myles Garrett via a trade this offseason, the latest NFL trade rumors suggest the Los Angeles Rams could have difficulty paying former third-round pick, Byron Young. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 2025 Pro Bowler most likely won’t seek a cheap deal, and this could lead to a departure after the 2026 campaign. With Garrett’s deal in the books and needing to pay WR Puka Nacua and DL Kobie Turner, the Rams have a huge decision to make. According to a source, it’s predicted the Rams are “unlikely” to retain Young beyond this upcoming season.
Last season, the linebacker paired with Jared Verse as one of the most dangerous pass-rushing groups in the league. Young hauled in 12 sacks and 45 solo tackles on 37 assists while recording his first Pro Bowl nod. Unfortunately, he will probably demand the biggest contract of his career, and that’s something the Rams aren’t ready for. Turner and Nacua are already waiting for a new deal, as both players are unrestricted free agents after the 2026 season.
Knowing this, they can’t afford everyone. However, the Rams are in win-now mode, but how long is that going to last? Let’s analyze this further.
NFL Trade Rumors: Rams Unlikely to Retain $5.5M Pro Bowler, May Lead to Massive Trade
Is a Trade the Right Move?
Absolutely not. The Rams took QB Ty Simpson in the first round of this year’s draft, which means they’re heading towards a rebuild. Knowing that the offense won’t be the same once Matthew Stafford likely retires in a few years, the team retaining Young on a long-term deal would be much smarter. If the Rams offense struggles once Stafford is gone, they can lean more on their defense.
However, there’s an implication with that. Will the former 2023 draft pick be happy in LA come the next 2-3 years when they’re in rebuild mode? Probably not, so it’s fair to think that a trade might be best and perhaps to a playoff team. At the same time, they have Turner and Nacua to worry about, so what does their future lie here?
What is the Rams’ priority?
Right now, it’s winning a Super Bowl before Stafford and WR Davante Adams‘ retirements. However, they want to protect the team’s future and retain Young. What the Rams could do is find the best trade partner who can provide a high return during the 2026 season. This would probably make it easier for the team to extend Nacua to a hallmark contract extension while signing Turner to a new, friendly deal himself. In the end, the Rams would retain two players, and depending on what they get in return, an additional 2027 first-round pick makes sense here.
Here are two teams that could make a strong push for the Pro Bowl linebacker during the 2026 season.
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
If the Dallas Cowboys fail to acquire Maxx Crosby before this year’s trade deadline, they have another option here. The Cowboys have done exceptionally well, acquiring Dee Winters and Rashan Gary via a trade. However, it depends on how Gary performs this upcoming season, as his addition to the defensive unit was a bit of a head-scratcher.
Expect Jerry Jones to make another strong push for a pass-rusher if they struggle once again at 3-6. Last year, they were in that boat, and acquiring Quinnen Williams made somewhat of a difference. The Cowboys could do the same this upcoming season, and there’s no doubt that Young can transform this defense on day one.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, with the arrival of head coach Jesse Minter, the Baltimore Ravens will take every chance they can get to strengthen their defense. Last year, the Ravens traded for Dre’Mont Jones, acquired from the Tennessee Titans, and they’re likely to do the same with him gone to the New England Patriots. With Kyle Van Noy gone, between Trenton Simpson and Teddye Buchanan, there’s room for growth here.
While they’ve successfully acquired Trey Hendrickson in free agency, they’re one last superstar defensive playmaker away from having one of the best defenses, and they could be missing that from Young.
