Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was not among the many players who reported to training camp on Monday night, according to Cameron DaSilva of The Rams Wire. While we don't have an official word on Stafford's absence, it's likely related to his ongoing contract impasse with the Rams. Stafford, who still has three years left on his existing deal, reportedly wants to restructure his contract so that he gets more guaranteed money and possibly a pay raise, too. Oftentimes, these impasses get resolved during the summer months (or the player gives in and tables discussions until the following offseason). However, that's not always the case, and Stafford's veteran status could prompt him to take a firmer stance on the whole ordeal. His presence (or lack thereof) will be a storyline that fantasy managers should continue to monitor as the 2024 season inches closer. For now, Stafford has an ADP of 121 in redraft leagues, making him the 19th quarterback off the board in drafts. He was the overall QB15 last year after tossing for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Working in Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long's favor is the fact that Tyler Higbee (knee) probably isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. That lone could land Long a spot on the 53-man roster to open the year if Higbee starts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, the Rams added Colby Parkinson in the offseason and love the potential of Davis Allen. If one of Nikola Kalinic or Neal Johnson emerges in training camp and the preseason, Long could be out of a roster spot. The 25-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his MCL but he was taking part in organized team activities this offseason and should be ready to go this fall. In just four games played in 2023, Long wasn't targeted at all while playing 54 offensive snaps for the Rams.

ESPN's Sarah Barshop lists Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp as one of the team's most surprising offseason standouts, which even she admits is odd. Kupp, who was the 2021 receiving triple-crown winner, has played through significant injuries in each of the past two seasons. He finished 2023 with 59 catches for 737 yards and five touchdowns, his fewest receiving yards since 2018, when he played in only eight games. However, Kupp is healthy this offseason, and it showed on the practice field. Head coach Sean McVay said during organized team activities that he doesn't think "anyone really understands the amount of things [Kupp was] working through last season" with his injury and that the receiver has been able to build his body "from the ground up." Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting the 2021 version of Kupp anymore, especially with Puka Nacua in the fold, but if he's healthy, he can still deliver value as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 in 2024.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua came out of nowhere and delivered arguably the greatest season for a rookie pass-catcher ever. The BYU product caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season and posted 181 yards in his first playoff game. However, the Rams believe he's in better shape and could make strides in Year 2. "His body is totally different," wide receiver coach Eric Yarber said. "He looks just like Cooper. He's lost so much body fat and gained so much lean muscle, which enabled him to move more efficiently now. And he has better body control. But he did exactly what I said. And you're seeing some of the results right now." The 23-year-old was a top-four wideout in PPR leagues last season, and it sounds like he's doing the right things to remain a fantasy football WR1. Although he might see some regression with a fully healthy Cooper Kupp, he should maintain his spike-week upside.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford wants more guaranteed money in his deal and wouldn't mind a raise, either, as he looks to tweak his contract. Stafford will make $31 million, $32 million and $31 million in the final three years of his current deal, but nothing is guaranteed after the 2024 season. He received his deal several years ago, and the QB market just took a major leap with Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence's big extension. Stafford was a participant during mandatory minicamp, though, so no holdout is expected at training camp next month. The 36-year-old signal-caller bounced back from an injury-plagued year in 2022 to post 3,965 passing yards, 24 TDs and 11 interceptions in 15 regular-season starts last year in his third year in LA. Still, he was only the QB15 in fantasy last year and is an injury risk as he moves toward the end of his career.