Los Angeles Rams sign 9 players to reserve/futures contracts in 2023

Although the Sean McVay “will he/will he” drama continues to take up all the air surrounding the Los Angeles Rams, the front office is still on schedule. On Monday, they announced the signing of nine players on 2023/24 reserve/future contracts.

Reserve/future contracts do not count against the salary cap for the current season and take effect on the first day of the NFL New Year, March 15, 2023, the first day teams can stretch their rosters up to the cap. 90 players. Players who sign these contracts cannot be on an active NFL roster and are tied to the Rams until released. They cannot be chased by opposing teams until they are released. Contracts are normally at the league minimum ($750K in 2023), not guaranteed, and receiving a signing bonus is rare.

While the moves won’t move the needle much on improving the roster, building the bottom of the training camp roster is necessary work. These contracts are not meant to sign true veteran players, but rather to fill the shelves with young guys who have shown some developmental traits and talent. The Rams, under McVay, have targeted players on their practice squad rather than risk losing them to opposing teams. LA signed 14 players off their practice squad last year and 18 in 2021.

Keeping those numbers in mind, it looks like the Rams will sign a few more players, but with the injury situation this season and having to keep the active roster fully stocked, there just aren’t many practice squad additions left to choose from. from. Only Case Cookus (QB), Khalil Davis (DT), Jeremiah Kolone (OL), Lance Lenoir (WR) and Brock Miller (P) remain.

Here are the Rams’ first reserve/future contract signees

Roger Carter- tight end

Signed as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) in 2022. Carter does not have typical size at 6′ 2″ 250 lbs. Was a three-time All-Sunbelt Conference player at Georgia State. He was activated for one game and played offense and 11 special teams tackles.

Richard LeCounte- security

Joined the Rams practice squad in December. LeCounte measures in at 5′ 10 1/2” and 196 lbs. Played college ball at Georgia and is similar to Rams draft pick Derion Kendrick, a good tight end who struggles to stick with speedy players.

Richard LeCounte signs contract with LA Rams Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Max Pircher- treated

Entering his third season in LA, Pircher began his NFL career as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He stands 6′ 7” 300 lbs. and has seen playing time in preseason games but has yet to see action in the regular season.

TJ Carter- defensive tackle

Before signing with the Rams, Carter bounced between the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints (two stints), Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan Panthers of the USFL. Went to school in Kentucky and is 6′ 4” 289 lbs. He was active in two games and had 10 tackles, five on offense and five on special teams.

Jaquarli Roberson- wide receiver

Roberson came out of Wake Forest with good speed, a 4.43 in the forty and adequate size at 6′ 1″ 186 lbs. He went undrafted and spent stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills before landing in LA last November.

Jerreth Sterns- wide receiver

Small wideout at 5′ 7” 183 lbs. out of Western Kentucky. Was college football’s season leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns in 2021. Joined the Rams’ practice squad in December and was not active in any games.

Jerreth Sterns takes one in Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Brayden Thomas-edge

Powerful guy off the edge and built like an old-school defensive end ends at 6’3” 280 lbs. Played for three different college programs before signing with LA as a UDFA after the 2022 draft. He was active in one game and played four offensive snaps and 14 special teams.

Zach VanValkenberg- edge

6′ 4″ 267 lbs. During his college career, he moved up from D2 to the Iowa Hawkeyes. Originally signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as a UDFA after the 2022 draft. The Rams signed him to the practice squad last September.

TJ Carter- safety

Sophomore TJ Carter came to LA as a UDFA in 2022. He played college ball at Memphis and TCU and was 5′ 11” 193 lbs. He was active in one game with four defensive tackles, another 14 on special teams and recorded one tackle.