The Los Angeles Rams enter 2025 with a clear top priority: fixing the inside linebacker position. After parting ways with Ernest Jones just before the 2024 season, the Rams watched their defensive production nosedive. Veterans Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom struggled early, contributing to a 1-4 start and forcing them to turn to undrafted rookie Omar Speights.
Speights’ aggressive play injected life into the defense, and even Rozeboom followed suit with a more physical approach. But with Rozeboom and key backup Jake Hummel now gone, and Reeder returning to mixed reviews, the Rams are once again staring at a void in the heart of their defense.
Los Angeles Rams Eye Malcolm Rodriguez to Fill Linebacker Void—But NFC Rivalry Looms Large
Enter Malcolm Rodriguez—at least, in theory.
The 25-year-old Lions linebacker would be a near-perfect fit for Los Angeles. In 2024, he started six games, logged 43 tackles, two sacks, and 19 defensive stops. His 87.1 run-defense grade and only two missed tackles underscore his consistency and physicality—traits the Rams badly need. But Rodriguez is also recovering from a torn ACL suffered on Thanksgiving and is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Still, the upside is clear. Rodriguez brings toughness, proven production, and could start from Day 1 when healthy. The challenge? He plays for the Detroit Lions—an NFC rival with serious playoff aspirations of their own.
While Detroit is deep at linebacker with Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Grant Stuard, parting with Rodriguez would weaken their depth. Trading him within the conference, especially to a team like the LA, could be viewed as strengthening a potential postseason opponent.
For the LA, Rodriguez may be worth the gamble. For the Lions, though, making this deal would come at a steep competitive cost.
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