Courtney Cronin reports that the Los Angeles Rams are close to finalizing a deal to bring back center Coleman Shelton, who began his NFL career with the team and spent his first five years in Los Angeles.
The Rams’ situation at center was far from ideal in 2024. For much of training camp they had sophomore offensive lineman Steve Avila play the position after playing his rookie year at left guard. Shortly before the season, they moved Jonah Jackson to center. When he was healthy Jackson struggled to adapt to the role, which caused the team to start rookie sixth-rounder, Beaux Limmer. Limmer played admirably but struggled to match the high level of the NFL — most distinctively in the Divisional Playoff round, when he gave up a game-clinching sack to the Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Carter.
Los Angeles Rams Nearing Coleman Shelton Reunion
Shelton, 29, initially entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from the University of Washington, signing with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018. After being released during the preseason, he joined the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad. He subsequently signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in October 2018 and later secured a futures contract with the team.
The Rams acquired Shelton off the Cardinals’ practice squad in September 2019. He then re-signed with them on an exclusive rights deal in 2021 and again as a restricted free agent in 2022. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2023, but instead, he signed a two-year, $4.8 million contract with LA which included a player option for 2024. He then signed with the Bears in 2024.
During the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, Shelton appeared in all 17 games, starting each one at center. This experience and proven durability make him a valuable potential addition to the offensive line.
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