As good as the Rams were in 2017, nothing is guaranteed from year to year in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys won 13 games last season and finished with just nine this year, missing the postseason with a seemingly improved roster.

That’s not to say the Rams’ “reign” as NFC West champions will end in a year, but it’s far from a lock that they’ll win it again in 2018. That’s especially evident when you take a look at their list of pending free agents, which might be longer than a receipt from CVS.

The group of potential departures is headlined by six starters, none of whom are guaranteed to return next season.

S Cody Davis DT Tyrunn Walker DL Dominique Easley RB Lance Dunbar TE Derek Carrier LS Jake McQuaid S Isaiah Johnson LT Cornelius Lucas OLB Matt Longacre (RFA) CB Troy Hill (RFA) RB Malcolm Brown (RFA) OLB Cameron Lynch (RFA) OT Darrell Williams (RFA)

Johnson and Watkins are the most notable of them all as both could fetch lucrative long-term deals on the open market.

The Rams would love to bring both back at a reasonable cost, but Johnson has been tagged in each of the past two years and will seek a long-term extension. Watkins, on the other hand, didn’t fit well in the Rams’ offense, which means L.A. probably won’t be willing to break the bank for him.

Then there’s the case of Joyner, who enjoyed a breakout season at safety. It was his first full season at the position since his days at Florida State, which could give some teams pause when it comes time to give him a contract. It shouldn’t, but it very well may.

He’s a guy the Rams must bring back, keeping him with rookie John Johnson for the foreseeable future. They simply don’t have a guy who can replace him, which makes him priority No. 1.

As for the rest, none are must-have. The Rams can find guys to fill in for them during free agency and the draft, though it would be nice to bring Robey-Coleman back to man the slot for another year.

On the restricted front, there are two names that stand out: Hill and Longacre. Both played well at different times during the season, particularly Hill late in the year. He’s not going to be your No. 1 cornerback, but if Johnson and Robey-Coleman were to leave, Hill could become a starter.

With about $46 million in cap space to work with, the Rams have the money to keep their core in place. Extending Aaron Donald will be a priority, as well, so that’s another situation to take into account.