3 reasons why LA Rams should re-sign FA ILB Bryce Hager

Reason II – He makes the most of his opportunities

The LA Rams have a rather liberal merit system. Despite the team’s focus upon winning the Super Bowl, there are many avenues for unheralded players to make a positive impression and earn playing time.

Before his neck/shoulder injury, Hager was on an impressive upward trend.  2019 was lining up as “his year”, a season where he was inserted as a starting linebacker and given his chance to earn a starting role on a more permanent basis.  In 2019, he started four of the first five games to start the season.  He was a run stopping specialist, and delivered on a defense which hadn’t had much of a reputation in stopping the run.

While limited on passing defense, Hager quickly caught the eye of head coach Sean McVay on his defensive play

"“Bryce has done a really nice job in our base defense and in some of our heavier-situational packages,” Sean McVay said when asked to evaluate Hager’s performance so far this season. “He’s played really consistent. He’s done exactly what we’ve asked of him. That’s kind of what Bryce has done any time he’s gotten his opportunities.” – per Steve Rebeiro of TheRamsWire.com"

Having earned a starting role in 2019 places Hager on the path to compete for a starting role in 2020.  As the Rams aim to improve on their run defense, Hager becomes a solid option .  His PFF rush defense was as high as 76.8, as compared to just 66.9 for Littleton.  The only barrier?  The Rams need to bring him back with a new contract.