(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Nose tackle Kobie Turner and edge rusher Byron Young, both third-round picks, enjoyed outstanding rookie seasons in 2023.
Turner recorded a team-best nine sacks and was a finalist for NFL defensive rookie of the year. Young had eight sacks.
Both will be bargains this season, Turner earning $995,000 and Young $1 million.
The Rams put a right-of-first-refusal tender on restricted free agent Michael Hoecht, so the veteran would earn about $3 million if he returns.
Former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris moved Hoecht from the line to outside linebacker in the second half of the 2022 season and Hoecht showed flashes, recording 4½ sacks. He had six sacks last season, so it remains to be seen if Shula returns Hoecht inside.
Nose tackle Bobby Brown III, a fourth-round pick in 2021, enters the final year of his rookie contract.
Veteran Keir Thomas and second-year pros Nick Hampton and Ochaun Mathis are edge rushers. Second-year pro Desjuan Johnson plays end.