Kam Curl is coming into his own as the leader Rams secondary needs

Los Angeles Rams fans face a paradox. Did Kam Curl's play impress the coaching staff and personnel execs enough to compel the team to extend him? Or did the Rams shift from a long-standing belief that safeties are a dime a dozen, extending Curl as a result of philosophical change?

However you slice it, Los Angeles has changed its tactics, and starting safeties Curl and Quentin Lake are the surprising beneficiaries. Lake is the versatile play-him-anywhere blue-chipper who elevates the entire defense.

Curl is the hard-hitting enforcer the Horns have long sought. He thumps ball carriers, sticks in coverage, and plays heady football. And now, he is embracing a leadership role in the secondary.

"I'm turning into more of a vocal leader," Curl told reporters last week. "You know, I'm the guy with the most experience on the back end. ... It's showing me that if you do the right thing, guys will follow, and then you bring them up with you. Don't just try to do it by yourself."

Even after adding Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Rams made it a point to retain experienced veterans who know the defense. Joined by new teammates, Curl is the foundation for communication and coordination in the secondary. By all appearances, he is learning to relish that new role.

Kam Curl is part of Rams' defensive foundation

The defense has transformed quite a bit over the years, and it has seen rapid further changes in two seasons under coordinator Chris Shula. In 2024, his group swarmed to the football. In 2025, it learned to stuff the run. This year, the Rams are focused on bringing a stronger pass defense.

Curl is part of that equation. Shula loves versatile weapons. Even as a more traditional safety, Curl has mastered the art of filling multiple roles in Shula's aggressive schemes.

He is a strong tackler, finishing second on the team in total tackles last season and missing on just 5.4 percent of his chances. He has also become a key blitzer and an effective ball hawk. As the defense undergoes significant change yet again, Curl is a familiar face and dependable contributor.

This season, his leadership will be more vital than ever. The Rams no hope to improve as much in pass defense as they did against the run a year ago. To do that, they must ensure a degree of continuity. LA couldn't ask for a better gatekeeper than Curl.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow