Rams lock in linebacker on a one-year deal!

Rams lock in linebacker on a one-year deal!

The Rams have consistently avoided investing heavily in inside linebackers, opting instead for undrafted players with varying experience. Since selecting Ernest Jones IV in the third round of the 2021 draft, they have not used high or mid-round picks on the position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That trend continued with the recent signing of Nate Landman to a one-year deal. While his contract details were not disclosed, Landman earned $985,000 last season with the Falcons before they declined to tender him a restricted free-agent offer. The 26-year-old recorded 81 tackles and forced three fumbles in 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landman joins a linebacker group that includes Omar Speights, Tony Fields II, and Elias Neal, all of whom are on relatively low-cost contracts. Following the departures of Christian Rozeboom to the Panthers and Jake Hummel to the Ravens, the Rams remain thin at the position.

It is uncertain whether they will add more linebackers through free agency or the draft, but history suggests they will continue their cost-conscious approach under coach Sean McVay, defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and general manager Les Snead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jones, who started as a rookie on the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI-winning team and became a captain, was traded to the Titans before last season. Tennessee later sent him to Seattle, where he recently secured a three-year contract with $15 million guaranteed.

Despite relying on undrafted linebackers like Troy Reeder, Rozeboom, Speights, and Hummel last season, the Rams still reached the NFC divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Reeder currently a free agent after missing much of last season due to injury, the Rams’ strategy at inside linebacker remains unchanged—favoring budget-friendly options over high-profile investments.