Rams Agree to Deal With Former Falcons Starter Before Buccaneers Game

The Los Angeles Rams have quickly seen their decision to sign veteran former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Nate Landman in free agency this past offseason pay off. And now, so has the former undrafted free agent.

Landman has made his presence felt frequently, including helping seal victories for the Rams this season.

His efforts have brought clarity to his situation.

Nate Landman Agrees to Contract Extension With Rams

GettyNate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field before facing the New Orleans Saints.

“Locked in!” Landman’s agency, SportsTrust Advisors, posted on X on November 22. “Congratulations @_Nate_Landman on your extension with the @RamsNFL! Let’s run it back [fire and football emojis].”

The Rams announced the news with a post on X, saying “LANDMAN ACQUIRES ̷M̷O̷R̷E̷ ̷L̷A̷N̷D̷ EXTENSION.”

They also shared an image of popular anime character “One-Punch Man.”

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it is a three-year, $22.5 million extension with $15.6 million guaranteed. Landman signed with the Rams on a one-year, $1.1 million contract this past spring, and he had earned $2.4 million in his career before this massive raise.

The deal ties him with Minnesota Vikings MLB Blake Cashman in the top-20 among their position in terms of total value, per Over The Cap.

Nate Landman Bests Vikings LB With New Deal

GettyNate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Houston Texans.

Landman received more guaranteed money than Cashman. Some of that is due to timing. Cashman signed with the Vikings in free agency during the 2024 offseason and is two years older than Landman.

Still, there is no denying that this is, as Rapoport framed it as “a big day for Landman” and the Rams.

“Nate Landman is a great example for any player whose free agency doesn’t work out as he hopes. He was coming off shoulder surgery after last season and wound up with the veteran minimum. But found a great team and great system and more than excelled,” Rapoport said in a follow-up post. “Now, he cashes in.”

The Athletic’s Nate Atkins posted on X after the deal that “Landman has fit like a glove in this Rams defense. They voted him a captain in his first year here and now lock one of their biggest leaders down.”

Landman, who turned 27 on November 19, leads the NFL with 4 forced fumbles, is tied for the sixth-most total tackles, and has 2 fumble recoveries and 1.5 sacks on the campaign.

His propensity for forcing the ball out led to the Rams calling him “One Punch Man.”

He has also earned the nickname “The Land Man” among the Rams, which he is okay with. The Rams have sent out advanced warnings over Landman. He forced fumbles in Weeks 9 and 10. And then, Landman did it again in Week 11.

Sean McVay Raves About Nate Landman

GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the New Orleans Saints.

Landman’s extension with the Rams bucks a trend, which included him before the deal. They previously prioritized other positions over off-ball LB (and even safety). It also comes on the heels of high praise from Rams head coach Sean McVay.

McVay discussed the value of having a player like Landman, particularly in light of losing another valued contributor and team captain in safety Quentin Lake.

The Rams will miss Lake, who is on injured reserve with an elbow issue. They love Landman.

“I think the thing that’s special about Nate is, you come into a place your first year, you get voted a captain. That takes an incredible respect that you earn from your work. And then, he’s got a great awareness of being able to pick and choose his spots. I think, naturally, you’re thrust into a leadership role when you wear the green dot,” McVay told reporters on November 21.

“Great emotional intelligence. He’s a great competitor. I think our guys immediately earn the respect, and just the way that he moves. Certain people just have a great feel for when to be able to kind of push and pull, or what to say at the right moment, or what not to say, and how to be able to kind of lead, whether it’s in a one-on-one setting or say something in a group setting. And he just kind of has a great feel.”

That sort of leadership can be a rarity among players in a setting where everyone was the best at some level in their careers, and they are all being paid handsomely. Not for the Rams, though, and not with Landman.

Nate Landman is Authentic

GettyNate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after facing the Houston Texans.

McVay said there are “certain guys that just have some natural leadership traits and characteristics that endears them to their teammates.” Landman and Lake fit that mold.

McVay also appreciates Landman’s authenticity.

“I think the best part about it is Nate’s not being anybody other than himself, and I’ve really enjoyed continuing to get to know him and everything that he’s about, and it epitomizes what we want to be about.”

All of that turned into a big payday for one of the best subplots on a Rams team that ranks among the league’s top storylines at 8-2 entering Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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