The Los Angeles Rams made a noteworthy roster decision on Thursday, specifically regarding veteran safety Quentin Lake.
Lake is in his fourth season with the Rams.
He has gone from an intriguing depth option to a pivotal part of what made the Rams’ defense so successful earlier during this season. Moreover, the Rams have felt the sting of his absence in recent weeks.
Rams Make Proactive Decision on Quentin Lake
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Rams announced in a post on X on January 1 that “Captain Q is stayin’ in LA!” following his extension.
“I just signed my extension,” Lake said in a video that the Rams posted on X on January 1. “I’m so grateful to be part of such an amazing organization. Can’t wait to see you guys in the playoffs and for many more years to come.”
The Rams did not disclose the details of Lake’s deal, but they have emerged.
The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on January 1 that the deal is “worth up to $42 million with $25.7 million guaranteed.”
“Quentin Lake has been sidelined with a dislocated elbow suffered in Week 11 but is working his way back and expected to practice today,” Garafolo said in a follow-up post on X. “A big development for the #Rams and a big contract extension for Lake.”
Rams Activate ‘Versatile Chess Piece’
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Lake’s comments were not just lip service, either, with the Rams officially activating the veteran off injured reserve on Thursday.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said that would be the case, and there were no apparent setbacks.
The Rams have certainly missed Lake on the field.
“Lake put together a career year in 2024 as a versatile chess piece who played primarily in the slot,” TheRams.com’s Wyatt Miller wrote in the official release. “He was in the midst of another stellar season during the first 10 games of 2025 before an elbow injury landed him on Injured Reserve.
“A sixth-round pick four years ago, Lake has emerged as a star and team captain for the Rams during the course of his rookie contract.”
McVay said it was unlikely that Lake would play in the regular-season finale. As Lake’s comments suggest, though, the postseason remains the target for his return.
Rams Continue Encouraging Trend
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after beating the Seattle Seahawks.
Lake’s deal stands out for the Rams for various reasons, including the long-standing drought that began more than a decade ago.
“Quentin Lake is the first Rams draft selection on defense to be given a contract extension to his rookie deal since Aaron Donald, who was picked in 2014,” The Associated Press’ Greg Beachum posted on X after the deal.
Lake’s deal also continued a recent trend for the Rams.
“The Rams have now wrapped up two defensive captains — Lake and Nate Landman — before they can hit free agency,” LA Daily News’ Adam Grosbard posted on X.
The Rams will be no worse than the 5-seed regardless of whether they win or lose against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18. So, the Rams’ prudent approach with Lake makes sense, especially if the young playmaking veteran can get back to full strength in time for the playoffs.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Rams Agree to Multi-Year Deal With ‘Versatile Chess Piece’ in Roster Update appeared first on Heavy Sports.