The Los Angeles Rams announced on Saturday that they have agreed to a 3-year $22.5 million extension with linebacker Nate Landman. Landman has been outstanding so far this year for the Rams, winning Defensive Player of the Week in a Week 1 victory over the Houston Texans, as well as forcing a career high 4 fumbles already this season, and well on his way to a career high in tackles and sacks. This extension was well deserved for a player who has had a tough road to find a stable home in the NFL.
Nate Landman’s Tough Journey
Landman was a standout star at the University of Colorado Boulder, becoming a three-time defensive team captain and a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 linebacker in his four years in Boulder. Landman looked well on his way to becoming a high 2nd round or even a 1st round pick in the 2020 draft. However, on a snowy senior day at Folsom Field, Landman tore his Achilles tendon against the Utah Utes. This injury caused his draft stock to plummet, and he would wind up going undrafted. The Atlanta Falcons decided to sign him as an undrafted free agent, and he became a productive player for their defense.
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In 2023, Landman started 14 of 16 games for the Falcons, posting 110 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. However, in 2024, he did not enjoy the same success, suffering several injuries that resulted in his placement on injured reserve.
Journey Continues With The Rams
The Falcons decided not to offer Landman an extension, and he became a free agent in 2025. Landman was unsure what would be next for his NFL career. The talented player just needed to stay healthy and find the right team to showcase his abilities.
He caught a huge break this summer as the Rams had a glaring need at linebacker that they needed to address. General manager Les Snead always has a great eye for defensive talent and signed him to a one-year deal in an effort to fill that need.
Snead has been proven right once again, finding a gem of a starter. Landman has had the best season of his career, and through all the struggles in his young career, this man has earned every penny of this contract extension and will be a major contributor to the Rams’ defense for years to come.
Congratulations to the Rams and Landman for finding a home here in Los Angeles, as Rams Nation should be excited to have this young man leading their defense for the next several years.
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