Safety Quentin Lake and running back Kyren Williams are key players for a Rams team with legitimate designs on a Super Bowl title.
Both are in the final years of their rookie contracts.
But while the Rams have been in negotiations with Williams’ agent about a possible extension, Lake will most likely have to play out the season before his future with the Rams is determined.
And history is not on his side.
Consider: Since the Rams returned to Los Angeles from St. Louis in 2016, they have not signed a safety they drafted to an extension.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Lake said Tuesday when asked about the situation, “as long as I take care of myself between these white lines everything will take care of itself.”
Lake, a team captain, is scheduled to earn $3.4 million this season, according to Overthecap.com. The 2022 sixth-round draft pick from UCLA has been a versatile and dependable piece of the defense under second-year coordinator Chris Shula.
Last season, Lake played every defensive snap as a safety, nickel/corner and hybrid linebacker.
The only element missing from Lake’s statistical resume are interceptions: He is still looking for his first.
On Tuesday, Lake picked off a ball that tipped off Williams’ hands.
“If you’re hustling to the ball, or if you’re in the right place at the right time, something good will happen eventually,” Lake said, “and that’s exactly what happened there.”
Lake has been “invaluable” to the Rams, coach Sean McVay said.
“I’ve loved everything that he’s about,” McVay said. “And all you see from Quentin Lake is him just continuing to get better, bringing people with him. He is a Ram and I love Q.”
Lake knows that making plays on the ball will help his case. But he is not stressing about it.
“I’m not worried about stats because value — my value — I think comes in other ways,” he said. “Versatility, being in the right position, being able to communicate, having the ability to be the [defensive signal-caller] if need be.
“So I’m not too worried about stats. But I think at this time, it’s now, how can I take calculated risks? How can I find an uncommon ability to make plays on the ball?”
Etc.
McVay started his post-practice news conference with comments about the shooting on Monday at the New York building that houses NFL headquarters. “Thoughts and prayers are with the people that have been affected by the shooting at NFL headquarters,” McVay said. “It’s just such a terrible thing. And again you just hope for the best for any of the people that are injured, and then the people that did lose loved ones, we’re just thinking about them.”…. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who remains sidelined because of what McVay has described as a back issue, observed practice. McVay reiterated that “there is a plan in place” for when Stafford might practice, but he said he did not want to set a definitive timetable publicly. “This is the smartest plan for him and we’re confident he’ll be ready,” for the Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans, McVay said…. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (hamstring) and safety Kam Curl (ankle) did not finish practice…. After a veteran rest day on Monday, receiver Davante Adams participated in the second practice in pads and he made several impressive catches…. Quarterback Stetson Bennett connected with tight end Davis Allen for a touchdown pass…. Inside linebacker Nathan Landman and nose tackle Poona Ford continue to stand out.
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