{
  "id": 3344314,
  "title": "Rams should prioritize Coleman Shelton's contract with center market inflating",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/rams-should-prioritize-coleman-sheltons-contract-with-center-market",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T20:33:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rams-prioritize-coleman-sheltons-contract-203317905.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Rams face significant contract decisions regarding several key players, but the priority should be on center Coleman Shelton. Shelton, an underrated force in the league-leading Rams offense, plays the role of the team's second-string quarterback. He is vital to the complex offensive system that the Rams employ.\n\nThe Rams have already faced a preview of the challenges ahead by witnessing the offense struggle without Shelton during the 2024 season. The current center market is extremely competitive, and the price tag has only increased after Tyler Linderbaum's massive deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Linderbaum signed a contract worth $81 million over three years, with an average annual value of $27 million, which has fueled the rising market value.\n\nThe Cardinals recently extended Hjalte Froholdt's contract, increasing his average annual value to $10 million per year. Shelton, who is currently earning $6 million per year, has been a consistent performer and a key anchor for the offensive line. In fact, his performance has been so valuable that Shelton is envied by many in the league, playing some of his best football at age 31.\n\nWith several key players about to hit the market, including Puka Nacua, Byron Young, and Matthew Stafford, the Rams must prioritize Shelton before he becomes a free agent. Shelton's presence has been instrumental in the Rams' success, and they can't afford to risk his talents leaving the team. As long as veterans like Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, and Warren McClendon are on expiring contracts, Shelton's extension should be a top priority for the franchise.\n\nThe team's decision to sign Stafford to an extension demonstrates their commitment to keeping their most trusted players. It is only logical that Shelton, another crucial component of the offense, should follow suit. Shelton's value in crucial playoff situations, such as blocking Jalen Carter, highlights his importance to the team's success. The Rams must ensure they retain him to avoid the risk of falling short in another championship game, as they have done in the past two seasons.",
  "summary": "Coleman Shelton is in the final year of his contract, but the Rams should prioritize an extension soon.",
  "key_points": [
    "The Los Angeles Rams prioritize Coleman Shelton's contract.",
    "Shelton is the team's second-string quarterback and key offensive anchor.",
    "Shelton's extension is crucial to avoid falling short in another championship game."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}