Los Angeles Rams Won A Super Bowl By Buying Now, Paying Later And Now Some Bills Could Come Due

The Los Angeles Rams are Super Bowl 56 champions and now the financial crunch begins. Their attention turns to which pending free agents to retain, a deep group which includes wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and linebacker Von Miller.

OK, we’ll the Rams chill a bit after beating the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20, in a Hollywood thriller at Sofi Stadium.

Not only did the Rams star in Sunday’s extravaganza but the NFL sparkled, too, in its return to Southern California. It’s been six years since the Rams returned to L.A., later to be joined by the Chargers.

But it seemed the NFL overall and the Rams in particular planted their flags in a big way with the big game confidently embracing the spotlight. It was a magical football game in L.A. after it went more than two decades without one.

From the weather to the locals’ warm welcome, L.A. showed again why it is so important on the sports and entertainment landscape, showing off it spectacular $5 billion venue.

Super Bowl 56 revealed what a jewel L.A. is for the NFL to have back in its crown.

Now the attention turns to earning next season’s Vince Lombardi Trophy. If the Rams are going to advance to their third Super Bowl in six seasons, they’ll need to get creative.

The Rams, after years of being in a win-now mode, are already about $9 million over next year’s salary cap, according to spotrac. General manager Les Snead will be busy deciding what pieces to retain.

Beckham was en route to a sensation Super Bowl 56 with an early touchdown reception and 52 yards on two catches. But his knee buckle when attempting a second-quarter catch and he was assisted off the field.

The injury could cloud Beckham’s future, and possible to the tune of millions of dollars. Before going down Beckham had revived his career by being a solid contributor for the Rams and a mindful teammate as well.

Miller’s time in L.A. hasn’t been long, but a connection was formed. He had seven sacks once he was acquired from the Denver Broncos and seemed to be a guiding light for Aaron Donald in becoming a more emotional leader.

Maybe Miller, a three-time All-Pro who had a sack on Sunday, returns on a team-friendly deal at this stage of his career for another Super Bowl run.

The offensive line could be seeking two starters, and if left tackle Andrew Whitworth, 40, retires, three fresh faces.

Center Brian Allen, who made considerable strides this season, and right guard Austin Corbett, will quickly become free agents.

The same holds true for left tackle Joe Noteboom, Whitworth’s backup. There’s speculation Whitworth is exiting and if Noteboom follows suit, that’s a significant and usually expensive position to fill.

If Whitworth taps out, he’ll free up some $9 million for the Rams.

Cornerback Darious Williams is likely exiting, eager to get paid after two solid seasons. Running back Sony Michel, such a key player during the Rams’ undefeated December, could also exit.

The Rams enter an interesting post-Super Bowl period.

They’ll aim to maintain their level of success while juggling the financial realities of them paying stars the market rate, while often relinquishing draft capital to obtain them.

The coaching staff will have a different look next year, too. Offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell is primed to become the Minnesota Vikings head coach and he’ll likely take some other Rams assistants with him.