Byron Young Likely Set To Leave Rams After 2026

Why Young Is on Thin Ice

The Athletic’s Nate Atkins calls it “very unlikely” the Rams will keep Young past the 2026 season, despite the edge rusher’s reputation as one of the best young pass rushers in football. Young’s recent haul of 12.5 sacks, 29 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss has put him on the radar of any franchise looking for a premier defensive end. Yet the Rams’ willingness to bet big on other players is stacking up against a top‑of‑market contract for Young.

In the 2025 season, Young posted career highs across every major defensive metric for the Rams. He led the team in sacks (12.5) and quarterback hits (29), added 12 tackles for loss and finished fifth in overall tackles. Those numbers far exceed what one would expect from a third‑round pick in 2023, turning him into a premium commodity on the market.

Rams’ Cap Crunch

Los Angeles already earmarked roughly $145 million for a new deal, according to insider projections, but the trade for Myles Garrett and the subsequent contract rework have strained the salary‑cap picture. The front office’s decision to prioritize investment at the edge rusher spot elsewhere leaves little room for Young’s market rate. Add in the pending extensions for Puka Nacua and Kobie Turner, and the 2023 draft class could be split up.

The Rams also face a crowded defensive front that includes Garrett, Young and other rising talent. Even if they wanted to retain every 2023 draftee, the cap flexibility simply isn’t there. Franchising Young for one more season would only postpone the inevitable, given his age and the growing list of high‑priced stars under contract.

Franchising as a Temporary Fix

Optioning the franchise tag is a short‑term safety net that would buy the Rams an extra year before Young hits free agency. However, the tag would not solve the underlying financial strain caused by other high‑profile contracts. It would merely delay the eventual roster shake‑up rather than secure Young’s long‑term future in Los Angeles.

The tag also carries a steep financial hit that could force the team to make additional cuts elsewhere. In short, it’s a band‑aid solution that doesn’t address the broader cap challenges the Rams are already facing.

What It Means for the Rams’ Future

If the Rams let Young walk after 2026, they free up significant cap space for other defensive upgrades or retain core pieces like Nacua and Turner. It also signals a strategic shift toward building around a new wave of talent rather than holding onto a single high‑priced edge rusher. The move would complete a broader re‑tooling effort that began with the Garrett acquisition.

Young’s departure would not erase his impact; his 2025 numbers will be remembered as a breakout season for a promising draft pick. Fans and analysts will watch whether the Rams can replace his production with a mix of internal development and strategic free‑agent signings. The next few seasons will test if the cap‑conscious approach proves worth the sacrifice.