The national talk centered around the Los Angeles Rams right now is the pending release of former All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp. While the story absolutely deserves merit and is the end of an era for one of the greatest to ever wear Horns, many fans are more focused on who will play linebacker for the team next year.
It’s a legitimate question, considering the Rams have not signed a new LB, and both Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel have signed elsewhere, while Troy Reeder remains a free agent.
History tells us that the Rams really do not value the linebacker position, however, a run defense that ranked 22nd last year and was absolutely gashed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Saquon Barkley would say otherwise.
Most likely, the Los Angeles Rams will turn to the draft and hope they can develop someone quickly to play alongside Omar Speights, but if they do decide to sign someone still available in free agency, here are five names to watch.
5 Linebackers The Los Angeles Rams Should Target In Free Agency
Isaiah Simmons
After being drafted 8th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Isaiah Simmons has not been able to find his groove in the NFL. The Clemson product spent the beginning of his career with the Arizona Cardinals before being shipped to the New York Giants in 2023, where he spent the last two years.
His versatility as an LB/Safety tweener has perhaps been his greatest weakness in the NFL. Teams just haven’t been able to find a great fit for him. Last season, he finished with just 21 total tackles and 1 forced fumble. His best season came in 2021 when he finished with 105 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
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Simmons is still only 26 years old, so in the right system, he could certainly unlock the potential that teams saw when he was drafted so high out of Clemson.
Willie Gay Jr.
Willie Gay Jr. was an instrumental defensive piece for the Kansas City Chiefs throughout their dominant run over the past five seasons. As a free agent last off-season, he signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. He did not see the same success in The Big Easy, but who did with the Saints last year?
In 2024, he finished with 28 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.
With five seasons under his belt and multiple Super Bowl appearances, Gay Jr. would be a solid addition for the Rams.
Raekwon McMillan
After a fantastic rookie season with the Miami Dolphins, where he garnered 105 total tackles, Raekwon McMillan has bounced around the league. Last season, he appeared in 9 games for the New England Patriots and 1 game for the Tennessee Titans. He finished with 46 total tackles.
McMillian would be another very cheap option who has playing experience. A former 2nd round pick out of Ohio State, McMillan is only 28 years old.
Devin White
Similar to McMillan, Devin White’s career has been a true mystery up to this point. After being drafted 5th overall in 2019 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he burst onto the scene as a rookie and established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league.
He posted 120+ tackles in three straight seasons, including a 2020 campaign where he registered 140 tackles, 9 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions.
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In 2023, White saw his playing time reduced, and he and the team were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last off-season but was released in October after never playing a single snap. He signed with the Texans, where he finished the year with 19 total tackles.
Truly a strange dropoff, and there have been rumors about a lack of work ethic, but at just 27 years old, the Rams should absolutely take a flyer and see what they can get out of him.
Anthony Walker Jr.
Anthony Walker Jr. is the oldest player on this list at 29 years old, but he also had the most production last season. With the Miami Dolphins last year, he finished with 68 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
Still a cheap option, Walker has the production and skill set to be a solid backer in this Chris Shula system.
The Los Angeles Rams will need to add a linebacker to the roster, no matter what. The question is whether they do it in free agency or wait until the NFL Draft.