Key takeaways from Les Snead and Sean McVay's pre-free agency com… — and more

Les Snead and Sean McVay both addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of free agency starting next week, discussing all the latest topics surrounding the Los Angeles Rams. They talked about Matthew Stafford's contract, coaching changes, pending free agents, extension candidates and more, providing a lot of insight into the team's plans this offseason.

Here are the most important subjects they talked about with media members this week.

Rams and Matthew Stafford have had contract talks

Both Snead and McVay said the Rams have had conversations with Stafford about a contract revision, and neither sounds concerned about that getting done in a timely manner. Stafford is still under contract for another year so this is likely just about giving the reigning MVP some extra money for his outstanding play.

McVay said they have had “great dialogue” on that front, and Snead said it’s in a “very stable situation.” This is nothing like the last two negotiations between the team and quarterback.

Davante Adams restructure not on Rams’ radar

While the Rams are working on a revised deal for Stafford, the Rams haven’t talked to Adams or his reps about restructuring his contract. Doing so would save Los Angeles about $11.35 million in cap space this year, though it would increase his dead money in 2027 after his contract expires.

“On that one, we really haven’t chatted with his (reps), because he is under contract,” Snead said.

The Rams can still restructure Adams’ contract and it’ll have no negative impact on the veteran receiver, but it appears they haven’t talked about extending his deal.

Rams want to bring Jimmy Garoppolo back

McVay said the Rams would “absolutely love” to have Garoppolo on the team again in 2026, but he acknowledged that Jimmy’s market is likely to be strong – particularly with teams searching for a potential bridge quarterback.

The Cardinals would be a logical fit for Garoppolo with Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, given his ties to the Rams. McVay said he’ll understand if Garoppolo wants to take an opportunity elsewhere that might allow him to start.

Tyler Higbee is still deciding on his future

Higbee is a pending free agent but it’s not yet clear if he’s even going to keep playing in 2026. McVay said the veteran tight end is still deciding whether he’ll play an 11th NFL season.

If he does want to continue playing, the Rams will be open to re-signing Higbee as a free agent and keeping him in L.A. for another season.

Parting ways with Aubrey Pleasant was “not easy”

McVay surprisingly decided to part ways with Pleasant this offseason, opting not to bring him back for another year. He’s been a long-time coach on McVay’s staff, having two different stints in Los Angeles.

Most recently, he was the assistant head coach and pass game coordinator on defense, working closely with the DBs. McVay has a lot of appreciation for what Pleasant has done but felt it was in the “best interest of both parties” to move on.

Rams are open to trading a first-round pick

The Rams have two first-rounders this year, giving them plenty of options leading up to the draft. Snead said the team is open to trading a first-rounder for a proven player, as they have so many times before (Brandin Cooks, Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford).

He didn’t name names, of course, but it’s a very real possibility that the Rams will part with one of their first-round picks in order to acquire an instant-impact player.

Snead said the Rams will consider both avenues: using their first-round picks to draft players and trading them. So all options are on the table.

LA is undecided on Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s option

The Rams must decide whether to exercise Forbes’ fifth-year option for 2027 by May 1. It’ll cost them $12.63 million if they choose to pick up that option, but given the cost, that seems unlikely to happen.

Snead said the Rams have discussed that subject already but since a decision doesn’t have to be made until May 1, it’s not a primary concern at the moment.

Rams will let free agents test the market

The Rams have already tendered three exclusive rights free agents and re-signed David Quessenberry, but it doesn’t sound like they will be extending any other pending free agents before the market opens next week.

“I do not anticipate that,” Snead said.

The Rams will let their free agents test the market and explore other options before potentially re-signing with Los Angeles. Specifically with the cornerbacks (Cobie Durant, Roger McCreary and Ahkello Witherspoon), the Rams will let them talk to other teams before possibly returning to Los Angeles.

“We’re working through those scenarios,” he said.

Quentin Lake’s contract won’t preclude Rams from signing Kam Curl

Curl is the Rams’ top free agent this year and could command a sizable contract on the open market. The Rams already re-signed Lake during the season so he’s not going anywhere, but will they pay two safeties?

Snead isn’t shutting down that possibility, saying the two of them play different positions despite both being safeties. So extending Lake won’t preclude the Rams from also signing Curl.

“The answer would be no because they play the same position but two different positions in terms of Lake’s ability to play star,” Snead said.

Free agency will be used to fill positional needs before the draft

Most good teams use free agency to round out the roster and fill needs, not always in the splashiest ways. Snead said the Rams want to have a starting lineup penciled in before the draft, and free agency will help them do that.

He wants to use free agency to free themselves up in the draft to “not be desperate” to address a specific position.

"Our macro philosophy is, if we can use free agency to not be desperate in the draft, we more than likely will be better drafters because we're not reaching, we're not desperate. We're not going in there with a major void, major hole that has to be filled,” Snead said.

That suggests the Rams could add a cornerback, safety or wide receiver in free agency before the draft, addressing some of their primary needs ahead of time.

Contracts for 2023 draftees are on the back burner until after the draft

Puka Nacua, Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Steve Avila are all eligible for extensions for the first time this year. Extending them now would be smart and could save the Rams money down the line, but it’s not a top-of-mind topic.

Snead said the team will work through free agency first, then the draft, and then turn their attention to extension-eligible players – like their 2023 draftees.

So don’t expect Nacua, Turner or any other players to sign extensions with the Rams until after the draft.

Rams are “not desperate” to find Stafford’s successor

The Rams are aware of Stafford’s year-to-year plans, which is perfectly fine with them. And even knowing Stafford could retire at any time, they’re not rushing to find a successor.

“Let’s call it like it is,” he said about Stafford’s likely retirement at some point soon. “We’ve all been honest on that, but we’re not desperate to, but that’s always a possibility. But it’s not a desperate matter.”

This is a weak quarterback class in the draft so the Rams could choose to wait another year to take a young successor, but don’t rule anything out in 2026.

Sean McVay will keep calling the plays, but isn’t “married” to always doing it

McVay confirmed he’ll keep calling the offensive plays in 2026 after promoting Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator. Interestingly, he’s not fully committed to always doing it, though.

He said he’s “not necessarily married” to calling the plays, leaving the door open for someone else to take on that role at some point. But for now, he’ll remain the play caller.

“I’ve always loved calling plays. I’m not necessarily married to always doing it, but that is the plan to continue doing that – until you guys say I should pass it off to somebody else,” McVay joked.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' Les Snead, Sean McVay give key updates before free agency

Barça: Adidas pays tribute to Lamine Yamal

FC Barcelona: Adidas launches boots for Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal's popularity keeps reaching new heights. At just 18 years old, the FC Barcelona winger is already inspiring major brands, starting with Adidas, which has just unveiled a brand new pair of boots specially designed for the Catalan prodigy. Presented on the German company's social media, the creation, named F50 “Heartbreaker”, pays homage to the spectacular style of the young Blaugrana star.

The model stands out with an elegant design blending white, black, and red. The pristine upper is adorned with a red rose motif, a nod to the famous Catalan holiday Dia de Sant Jordi, when Barcelona's streets traditionally fill with roses and books. On the heel, a specific marking grabs attention: “FOOTBALL'S HEARTBREAKER,” a direct reference to Yamal's ability to unsettle opposing defenses.

The young Spanish international himself took part in the launch campaign, posing with the boots surrounded by bouquets of flowers. The new pair will be available at various price points, from about $95 for kids' versions up to nearly $270 for the professional models aimed at elite players.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest as Haaland Fitness Monitored

Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium tonight with momentum building in the Premier League title race. Closing the gap on league leaders Arsenal remains the objective, although the Man City predicted lineup could depend heavily on the fitness of their leading striker.

Pep Guardiola faces a familiar balancing act between caution and ambition as his side prepare to face Nottingham Forest. The potential involvement of Erling Haaland remains the major talking point surrounding the selection.

Haaland Fitness Update Ahead of Man City Match

Erling Haaland was a surprise absentee from Manchester City’s squad during the recent trip to Leeds United. Guardiola confirmed before that fixture that the striker had sustained a minor injury during training.

Photo: IMAGO

“Two days ago, in the last moments of training, there were some problems,” Guardiola said. “A little injury.

“It’s not a big issue, but not ready for today.”

City still secured victory at Elland Road, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the decisive goal to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League.

Guardiola offered a more optimistic update ahead of tonight’s match.

“He feels much better, but yesterday we didn’t train and now we have training. We’ll decide today,” the City boss said.

Photo IMAGO

That decision will shape the Man City predicted lineup.

Injury Situation Affecting Man City Selection

Manchester City remain without two long term absentees. Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are both unavailable for the Nottingham Forest match.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Nico O’Reilly after he left the Leeds game with an ankle problem.

Photo IMAGO

Guardiola suggested his situation mirrors that of Haaland.

The City manager explained that the midfielder is in “the same” position, having improved following the knock.

Encouragingly for City supporters, attacking depth has been strengthened by the return of Jeremy Doku and Savinho following recent injury spells.

Photo IMAGO

Defensive Stability Key for Man City Predicted Lineup

At the back, Guardiola appears likely to maintain the central defensive partnership that has recently delivered consistency.

Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi are expected to continue together, while Rayan Ait-Nouri impressed with his display at Leeds.

Photo IMAGO

In midfield, Rodri and Bernardo Silva offer Guardiola control and composure, a familiar foundation for City’s possession based approach.

Further forward, Rayan Cherki impressed in Haaland’s absence.

Photo IMAGO

The creative midfielder produced an influential performance operating behind the attack, supporting Semenyo and Omar Marmoush.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest

City are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system for the Nottingham Forest clash.

Man City predicted lineup: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Marmoush, Haaland.

Kick off at the Etihad Stadium is scheduled for 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

For Manchester City, the predicted lineup carries wider significance. Another victory would sustain pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and reinforce the sense that Guardiola’s side remain firmly in the title race.

Harry Maguire has been found guilty of non-serious assault and handed a suspended 15-month sentence after a retrial in Greece.

Manchester United Chief Goalkeeper Scout Tony Coton is a wanted man, with many suitors reportedly trying to prise him away from Carrington.

The 64-year-old was a renowned custodian during his playing days, representing the likes of Birmingham City, Watford, and Manchester City. He even had a brief spell at Man Utd in 1996, before hanging up his gloves in 1997 after one last stint at Sunderland.

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Coton then launched a coaching career, joining Sir Alex Ferguson’s staff in the 1997/98 campaign, acting as a goalkeeper coach. He remained in this role until 2008.

The Tamworth native then turned into a scout, and following experiences at the likes of Bolton, Aston Villa and Sunderland, he rejoined the Red Devils in 2020.

Tony Coton Played instrumental role in Senne Lammen’s arrival at United

While he isn’t the most recognisable name at Carrington, Coton’s work has been recently highlighted. He was identified as the man behind the Senne Lammens coup.

In 2023, the Englishman was reportedly against Andre Onana’s signing, but eventually stood aside and watched the club spend £47 million on the Cameroonian, much to Erik ten Hag’s delight.

Tony Coton, when he was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s crew (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Therefore, Coton was hellbent on avoiding the same scenario last summer, so he vigorously pushed for Lammens’ arrival, while Ruben Amorim had requested the arrival of the more experienced Emiliano Martinez.

Eventually, Coton was proven right, as the 23-year-old has been hailed as Man Utd’s ‘best signing in recent years’ by Forbes, taking into consideration his relatively modest transfer fee (£18 million) and the overwhelmingly positive impact he has had since his arrival.

Coton has several European admirers looking to remove him from Man Utd

According to British journalist Peter O’Rourke, several clubs across Europe are trying to acquire Coton’s services.

This includes the Bundesliga duo of Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, and the fastest-rising powerhouse in Serie A, Como, who have one of the richest owners in Europe.

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Man Utd will be able to ward off the competition and keep the Tamworth native, whose competence and experience have been noticeably valuable to the club.

Thanks to Coton, United may have secured a long-term first-choice goalkeeper. Nevertheless his services will be needed once more in the summer, as Altay Bayindir is widely expected to be sold, which would prompt the signing of a replacement.