The Los Angeles Rams have extended the contract of veteran linebacker Nate Landman. The new contract is three years and worth $22.5M with $15.6M guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Landman has brought stability to the linebacker position for the Rams. The team has strategically not invested in this area of their defense and instead prioritized pass rushing and coverage players. Landman has forced four fumbles already this season (career high & leads NFL) and is the defensive signal caller. He’s made 91 tackles through 10 games.
This deal seems like a relative bargain for LA. Landman originally signed with the team on a $1.1M veteran minimum deal after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons.
For comparison, Zack Baun signed a slightly more expensive deal with the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 2024 season. This past offseason he re-signed with Philly with an extension worth $51M over the same length as Landman’s new deal (three years).
Landman is currently Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) eight graded off-ball linebacker with a defensive grade of 74.1. His 80.5 run grade is impressive and his presence is a key driver of the Rams’ defensive turnaround against opposing running backs.
While there remains a chance Landman is a potential one-year wonder, there is value is finding cultural and scheme fits through free agency. Should Landman continue to perform at this level, the Rams will be glad to have him around for the next three seasons.
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