The Los Angeles Rams announced several roster cuts ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, and it appears rookie linebacker Chris Paul Jr. avoided “The Turk.” However, Paul’s omission from the Rams’ list may have just been a formality.
“Hearing #Rams cut LB Pooh Paul,” Draft Diamonds posted on X on August 25.
The Rams selected Paul in the fifth round of the 2025 draft with the No. 172 overall pick of the class. They have raved about him. Now, they could be exposing him to the NFL’s waiver process.
“Will believe it when I see it, but there’s a report out there right now that Chris Paul Jr. didn’t make the Rams roster,” Turf Show Times’ Blaine Grisak posted on X. “Has been hurt, but that would be disappointing.”
The speculation over Paul’s future with the Rams created a buzz on social media. His getting cut could bring backlash towards a teammate.
Super Bowl Champion Could Face Backlash Over Rams’ Rumored Decision on LB Chris Paul Jr.
GettyTroy Reeder #51 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts as he walks on to the field before facing the Dallas Cowboys.
Paul was highly touted coming out of college, but he plays a position the Rams have historically devalued under the current regime of head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, so his addition seemed to be an official bucking of the trend.
“If this becomes official tomorrow, the hate for Troy Reeder is going to be through the roof,” Rams Bros. posted on X on August 26.
“Hopefully fake news.”
Paul finished the 2025 preseason fifth on the Rams in total tackles. He also earned the highest run-stopping grade among the team’s linebackers in the seventh-most snaps among the defense, per Pro Football Focus.
The Rams still have starter Omar Speights and signed Nate Landman in free agency. That could revert Reeder to a reserve role.
That could mean the potential backlash over Paul towards Reeder is beyond unnecessary.
“Considering there are about 75 ‘draft steals’ every year and the Rams just cut theirs, the term ‘draft steal’ is a term that I’m going to be phasing out,” Grisak said in another post. “We’ve gotten to the point where the term is overused and every other day three pick is a ‘steal.’”
The Rams could also have other plans in mind for Paul. That is true for the rest of their roster ahead of the regular season.
Rams UDFA LB on Watch Ahead of Cutdown Deadline
GettyJalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys is tackled by Cam Lampkin #3, Nate Valcarcel #43 and Shaun Dolac #56 of the Los Angeles Rams.
Paul’s potential exit from the Rams would be disappointing for him. It could be good news for rookie undrafted free agent Shaun Dolac, though.
“Shaun Dolac enters as a 23 year old undrafted rookie at the Inside Linebacker position. He seemed to have made an early impression as the Rams held him out of the final preseason game,” Rams On Film posted on X on August 26.
“Dolac seems to possess great instincts and ability to wrap up. Seems like a great find.”
Dolac was a five-year contributor at the University of Buffalo, and he finished his collegiate career highly accomplished and decorated.
Still, it would come as no surprise if the Rams did follow through and cut Paul. They could attempt to bring him back on their practice squad. That is a risky proposition, though, with teams likely primed to poach Paul from the Rams in that situation.
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