The Rams and linebacker Nate Landman have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, his agency SportsTrust Advisors announced. With the move, the Rams lock in a new addition who has become an immediate leader for the future.
Landman spent the first three years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, struggling to get much of a role as an undrafted free agent. He signed with the Rams this offseason on a one-year, $1.1 million contract to help in run defense at the urging of senior defensive analyst Jimmy Lake, who spent the 2024 season with Landman in Atlanta.
The minimum addition quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the Rams’ defense. Teammates and coaches quickly marveled during training camp as Landman filled run gaps with a thud and punched out fumbles with a regularity. And he quickly established himself as a purposefully vocal leader and became voted team captain.
Those results carried over to the regular season. Landman ranks third in the NFL with 37 tackles causing stops – unsuccessful offensive plays – according to TruMedia and has forced three fumbles.
With the extension – reportedly for three years and $22.5 million – the Rams made sure Landman did not reach free agency again, keeping his imprint on their defense and culture for the long term.
“I think the thing that’s special about Nate is you come into a place your first year and you get voted a captain. That takes an incredible respect that you earn from your work,” head coach Sean McVay said Friday. “Certain people just have a great feel for when to be able to push and pull or what to say at the right moment or what not to say and how to be able to lead, whether it’s in a one-on-one setting or saying something in a group setting. He has a great feel. There are certain guys that just have some natural leadership traits and characteristics that endears them to their teammates.”