Former Rams UDFA bust suddenly showing signs of life in Patriots training camp

He has a clean slate to earn a roster spot on a new team.
Los Angeles Rams OTA Offseason Workout, DT David Olajiga
Los Angeles Rams OTA Offseason Workout, DT David Olajiga | Ric Tapia/GettyImages

In the Los Angeles Rams ongoing efforts of roster tweaking this season, you may not recall that the Rams released defensive tackle David Olajiga in May 2025. Olajiga was signed by the Rams after the 2024 NFL Draft, and spent his time on the Rams practice squad last season. Despite a full season on the Rams practice squad, Olajiga was never elevated to the sidelines on game day. And it's that reason that mede him one of the players who was easily forgotten by fans.

Did you notice when he was released in May 2025?

While the Rams have a solid track record of giving undrafted players real opportunities to earn playing time and a roster spot, not every undrafted rookie manages to earn an ongoing role with the team. Unfortunately, he failed to secure a role with the team this season, a year in which the team was busily seeking run stuffing defensive linemen. Olajiga is a 6-foot-3 315-pound defensive lineman who was one of the largest defenders on the team at one point. But the Rams felt the need to go in a different direction.

Ironically, Olajiga's release may be just what the doctored ordered to bring his NFL career back to life. The New England Patriots are now reportedly signing the former Rams defensive tackle, David Olajiga, in time for training camp.

Per Ourlads.com, the Patriots depth chart appears to be a bit thin for a 90-man training camp roster. So even if Olajiga is merely a camp presence, he give the Pats a veteran who knows the drills and can compete with younger players. And the Patriots may view their defensive line as a work in process, which could afford Olajiga the opportunity to make their roster.

The Rams were encouraged enough by Olajiga's upside to keep him on the practice squad and carry him over to the 2025 offseason. So he does offer upside potential. The Patriots have just nine defensive linemen on the roster without Olajiga. The Rams boast 11 defensive linemen on their roster without him.

Olajiga had no chance of making the Rams roster. Now, he has a clean slate to impress the New England Patriots. As always, thanks so much for reading.

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