Rams Lock in Nate Landman with $22.5M Extension Through 2028
The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just re-sign a player — they cemented a defensive heartbeat. On November 22, 2025, Nate Landman, the undrafted inside linebacker who rose from obscurity to become a team captain, signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension that keeps him in Inglewood through the 2028 season. With $15.67 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $7.5 million, this isn’t just a reward — it’s a statement. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and confirmed by Bleacher Report’s Paul Kasabian, comes after Landman’s breakout 2025 campaign: 91 tackles (44 solo), four forced fumbles — the most in the NFL — three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and four pass breakups in just 10 games. And that was before he dropped a 2-yard tackle for loss on Rachaad White in the Rams’ 17-3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 23.
From Undrafted to Defensive Leader
Landman’s journey is the kind of underdog story the NFL doesn’t tell often enough. After going undrafted out of the University of Colorado, he spent three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, never cracking the starting lineup. Then came the 2024 offseason. A one-year, veteran-minimum deal with the Rams. No fanfare. No headlines. Just hustle. And then, something clicked. He became the defensive signal-caller. The guy who barked orders in the huddle, who led by example, who made everyone around him better. Coach Sean McVay noticed. "He has great emotional intelligence," McVay told ESPN’s Sarah Barshop on November 22. "I’ve really enjoyed continuing to get to know him and everything that he’s about. It epitomizes what we want to be about."
Landman’s own words cut deeper. "Coming to the league undrafted, you never know where your opportunity is going to come," he said in a team-released video. "Once the Rams came into conversation, it was like, ‘All right, this is the place I need to be.’" He didn’t just adapt — he owned it. And now, the organization has made it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
Why This Extension Matters Beyond the Numbers
Yes, the $7.5 million AAV is a massive jump from the $1.1 million he made in 2024. But the real story? The Rams’ front office, led by general manager Les Snead, refused to let the market dictate their move. As Sports Illustrated’s Onsi Chibani noted from the team’s Woodland Hills headquarters, "Landman loves the organization and the organization loves Landman." That mutual respect is rare. And it’s strategic. The Rams aren’t just paying for production — they’re paying for culture. Landman’s presence has transformed their defense from reactive to relentless.
There’s also regret here. The article points to the departure of Ernest Jones, a former starter whose tenure ended abruptly. Landman, in many ways, is the answer to what went wrong with Jones. He’s the leader Jones never was — vocal, consistent, emotionally intelligent. And now, the Rams have locked him in before he can even hit free agency.
A Domino Effect on the Defense
This isn’t an isolated move. It’s the first domino. According to Sports Illustrated, extensions for safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl, plus defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young, are "going to get extensions done in the next six months." That’s not speculation — it’s strategy. The Rams now have $79 million in projected 2026 cap space and $193.5 million for 2027, per Over the Cap. That kind of flexibility doesn’t happen by accident. It’s enabled by owner Stan Kroenke, whose ability to move liquid cash quickly lets the Rams act before other teams even blink.
It’s a pattern: after extending running back Kyren Williams and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson, the Rams turned to their defense. And Landman? He’s the first off-ball linebacker to get a multi-year extension of this size in years. That’s significant. It signals that the Rams aren’t just building around Matthew Stafford anymore — they’re building a complete, championship-caliber unit.
What’s Next? The Bucs, the Playoffs, and the Legacy
Landman’s first game under this new deal? A Sunday Night Football showdown against the 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on November 23, 2025, at 8:20 p.m. ET. He’s already made his mark — a 17-tackle masterpiece against the Baltimore Ravens earlier this season. Now, he’s got the contract, the trust, and the stage.
The Rams are 8-2. They lead the NFC West. And with Landman anchoring the middle, their defense is no longer a weakness — it’s a weapon. This isn’t just about keeping a good player. It’s about keeping the soul of the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Nate Landman’s extension affect the Rams’ salary cap in future years?
The Rams now have $79 million in projected cap space for 2026 and $193.5 million for 2027, according to Over the Cap. Landman’s $7.5 million AAV is manageable because his guaranteed money is front-loaded, and the deal includes escalators tied to performance and Pro Bowl selections. This gives the Rams flexibility to extend other key defenders like Quentin Lake and Kobie Turner without hitting the cap wall.
Why did the Rams choose Landman over other linebackers in free agency?
Landman wasn’t even on the market — he was already on the roster. The Rams didn’t need to bid against other teams because he proved himself in their system. His leadership, emotional intelligence, and elite forced-fumble rate (four in 10 games) made him irreplaceable. Other linebackers might have higher tackle totals, but none match his combination of instinct, communication, and intangibles.
What’s the significance of Landman being the first off-ball LB to get a big extension in years?
The NFL has shifted toward pass-rushers and coverage safeties, leaving middle linebackers undervalued. Landman’s extension breaks that trend, signaling the Rams believe in a traditional, physical 4-3 defense. It’s a vote of confidence in Sean McVay’s defensive philosophy — and a warning to other teams that leadership and production can command top dollar, even without a first-round pedigree.
How does this impact the Rams’ Super Bowl chances?
With Landman anchoring the middle, the Rams’ defense has gone from average to elite. His four forced fumbles have directly led to 28 points this season. Add that to a top-10 scoring defense and a still-dangerous offense, and the Rams aren’t just playoff-bound — they’re a legitimate contender. The last time they had a linebacker this impactful? That was Alec Ogletree in 2017. And we all remember how that ended.