The Rams officially waived OLB Nick Hampton, and while the move isn’t shocking based on production, it does raise legitimate concerns about depth at one of the thinnest spots on the roster.

Hampton logged 302 defensive snaps in 2025, working primarily as the second-string right outside linebacker behind Jared Verse. The raw numbers weren’t eye-catching — 10 total tackles, zero sacks, and three pressures — but context matters. Hampton was playing behind two workhorse edge defenders and was never given a consistent role to build rhythm.

What makes this move uncomfortable is the current reliance on Byron Young and Jared Verse. Young (938 snaps) and Verse (694 snaps) have carried a massive workload, combining for 18.5 sacks and over 100 pressures. That’s elite production — but also a lot of mileage. Behind them, the depth is now paper thin.

Josaiah Stewart flashed in a rotational role, but he’s still more projection than certainty. With Hampton gone, the Rams are one injury away from asking Stewart to play starter-level snaps, or from scrambling to plug the position with street free agents or practice squad promotions.

To be clear, Hampton didn’t force the issue with his play. Zero sacks and limited disruption will always put a depth edge rusher on the bubble. But edge rusher is a premium position, and the Rams are already betting big on health at a spot where attrition is constant.

This feels less like a reflection of Hampton alone and more like a roster management gamble: trusting two young starters to stay healthy for an entire season without proven insurance behind them.

If the Rams don’t follow this move with another addition — whether a veteran flier or a developmental pass rusher — this could come back to haunt them fast. Depth at outside linebacker isn’t a luxury. It’s survival in the NFL.