Welcome to Los Angeles, Nate Landman!
The Rams’ veteran linebacker was a key difference maker in the team’s opening win against the Houston Texans. He played at an “elite” level from start to finish, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), and forced a fumble that derailed the Texans’ comeback attempt.
Landman signed a one-year, $1.1M contract to join LA. After just one game and an impressive training camp, he’s brought stability to a linebacker room that has felt like a revolving door in the Sean McVay
era.
On one hand it is positive that the Rams were able to find a stellar bargain in free agency. On the other, it could prove difficult to retain Landman after the 2025 season. Now is the time for LA to consider extending their new “green dot guy”, or they could risk him playing elsewhere next year—restarting the cycle.
Is Landman this year’s Zack Baun?
Like the Rams, the Philadelphia Eagles have historically been intentional about a lack of investment in off-ball linebackers. Philly’s tune is changing, however.
Ahead of the 2024 season, the Eagles signed Zack Baun away from the New Orleans Saints on a one-year, $3.5M contract. He went on to start 16 games in Philadelphia where he:
- Made 151 total tackles
- Forced five fumbles
- Recognized as a Pro Bowler
- Named first-team All-Pro
- Finished fifth in the AP Defensive Player of the Year voting
Baun forced the Eagles’ hand ahead of 2025 free agency, and he was rewarded by the team with a three-year, $51M deal to keep him in Philadelphia. It was an out-of-character investment for Howie Roseman, who then doubled down on the position by drafting Jihaad Campbell in the first round.
Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors are lofty—and probably unfair—expectations for Landman. Still, if he continues to play at this level, he will be in line for a hefty payday at the conclusion of the season.
The Rams may soon be in the same shoes as the Eagles, staring down another rotation of the revolving door unless they pull out their checkbook. Of all the linebackers we’ve watched come and go in Los Angeles, it’s starting to feel different this time.
Should the Rams consider extending Nate Landman before his price tag keeps growing?
