THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams went all-in with daring trades and bold signings to ensure an appearance in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, owner Stan Kroenke's $5 billion masterpiece.

And it worked.

In their fifth season under Sean McVay, who at 36 years old remains the youngest head coach in the NFL, the Rams won a third division title, a second conference championship and captured the Lombardi Trophy with a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

Cooper Kupp was named the game's MVP, capping a historic season in which he became the fourth player since the 1970 merger to earn the "Triple Crown" as the league leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Kupp, defensive lineman Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey were named first-team All-Pro.

Moves that once seemed wild, if not a reach given the cost and draft capital given up, proved to be worth it -- at least for now.

That includes the blockbuster deal that took place in January 2021 that sent quarterback Jared Goff, two first-round picks and a third-round pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Another megadeal ahead of the November trade deadline sent a second- and third-round selection to the Denver Broncos to acquire All-Pro pass-rusher Von Miller. A week later, the Rams signed receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year free-agent contract following his release from the Cleveland Browns.

Beckham tore the ACL in his left knee in the Super Bowl after scoring the game's first touchdown while Miller and Donald led a pass rush that sacked Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow seven times, tying a Super Bowl record.

Projected salary-cap space: $8,006,535 over the projected cap

Top free agents: WR Beckham, Miller, CB Darious Williams, RG Austin Corbett, C Brian Allen, OT Joe Noteboom

Potential cut candidates: No, the Rams will not outright cut left tackle Andrew Whitworth, but the two sides might decide retirement would be best because of salary-cap constraints. Whitworth has one season remaining on a three-year, $30 million deal and an out in his contract could save the Rams $15.5 million against the cap. They also have a ready-made option to fill the void in Noteboom, who will be an unrestricted free agent after four seasons as Whitworth's backup.

The big question: Will McVay and Donald both return? Two days before McVay became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl, he openly pondered his future while talking about trying to find the ideal work/life balance as he prepares to get married and start a family. Those comments came on the heels of sources reiterating to ESPN that McVay has considered a move to the broadcast booth. Donald's future suddenly became uncertain with a pre-Super Bowl report that he might retire if the Rams win, a possibility he didn't refute afterward.

What you need to know: The Rams will have work to do in order to make their roster work against the salary cap. Stafford is entering the final season of a five-year, $135 million contract and is due an extension. While that will be costly for the Rams, given the 13-year pro has now proved he's not only capable of winning in the playoffs but leading a team to a Super Bowl title, it could also provide some cap relief to spread Stafford's numbers out over several seasons.

Best-case scenario for the team's offseason: McVay and Donald both return and the Rams continue to work their magic in finding creative ways to make room for all their stars under the salary cap. That really comes down to finding a way to re-sign Miller and Beckham, who both have expressed interest in sticking around in Los Angeles.

Worst-case scenario for the team's offseason: Unable to find creative solutions to their salary-cap issues, the Rams lose free agents Miller, Beckham, Williams and two starters from their offensive line -- Allen and Corbett, who have the ability to earn more elsewhere. While the departure of Beckham wouldn't be devastating with Robert Woods set to return from his November knee injury, it will be difficult to find replacements for Miller, Williams and Allen, at minimum. Losing either one or both McVay or Donald would be disastrous, too, especially with offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell -- who was once a logical candidate to replace McVay -- taking the Minnesota Vikings' coaching job.

Early look at the NFL draft, from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid: After winning the Super Bowl, there could be a lot of moving parts with the Rams' personnel. Replacing Andrew Whitworth, Brian Allen and Austin Corbett along the offensive line might be options, but general manager Les Snead could also replenish with young talent to create depth along the defensive line.

Top needs: OL, DL, DB

Top pick: Round 3 compensatory (TBD pick)

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BeachBoy