Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young is making a compelling case for a massive long-term extension. Fresh off a 12-sack Pro Bowl campaign in 2025, Young has maintained his dominant trajectory four games into the 2026 season.
Following a standout performance featuring six total tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks in the Rams' Week 4 comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles, Young reached major milestones in franchise history. He surpassed Leonard Floyd (29) and James Hall (30) while tying Reggie Doss (31) for 19th on the Rams' all-time sacks list. Additionally, he moved past Ryan Pickett (34) and into a tie with London Fletcher (35) for the 12th-most tackles for loss in franchise history.
As an impending
free agent entering the final year of his rookie deal, Young's timing could not be better. With the market for edge rushers continuing to surge—where 18 players at the position currently average at least $20 million annually—analysts have taken notice. ESPN's Dan Graziano projected earlier this year that Young could command a four-year, $145 million deal with $72 million guaranteed.
While Young is on track for a big extension, the Rams will need to consider if and how they'll be able to pay to keep him. They just handed big extensions to Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Matthew Stafford, and still have to decide on what they're going to do with Puka Nacua, Kevin Dotson, Kobie Turner and Steve Avila.
Young is one of the great young talents at his position, but he may end up being too expensive to stay with the Rams and keep moving up the franchise's record books.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Byron Young rising up Rams history books during contract year
