Rams roll the dice with surprising moves as roster deadline chaos hits

The Los Angeles Rams have arguably one of the fastest-developing pass-rushing units in the NFL. Despite modest production throughout the 2024 NFL season, the unit decimated two formidable offensive lines to record 16 quarterback sacks in two playoff games. And that's nothing to sneeze at.

The front office was not satisfied, it seems. Despite the addition of Michigan rookie outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart, the team continued to sign players to apply pressure on opposing QBs. One such edge rusher, Jamil Muhammad, performed well enough to have an outside chance of making the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, that appears to no longer be the case.

After all the dust has settled, the team enters the 2025 NFL season with four edge rushers. They are:

• Byron Young | Josaiah Stewart
• Jared Verse | Nick Hampton

It knows that both Byron Young and Jared Verse can handle the lion's share of the defense snaps. But the defense ran a tight rotation last season, basically rotating Young, Verse, and Michael Hoecht. The team is counting on Hampton and Stewart to handle whatever remains behind the two starters. Complicating matters further, the 22-year-old is in the NFL concussion protocol.

Rams pass rush appears razor-thin as team readies for Week 1

With the team putting veteran Keir Thomas on IR, essentially shutting his season down before it begins, the team is cutting the margins razor-thin at the position. The team released Brennan Jackson, as well as both undrafted rookies Josh Pearcy and Muhammad.

As long as everyone stays healthy, it won't affect the rotations much. Based on how the team has constructed the initial roster, that may not be an option. They appear to be very much in demand to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks right out of the gate.

While Hampton is returning for his third NFL season, he has had little action. He has yet to record a sack or QB pressure. He has played a total of 76 defensive snaps and has seven tackles. He will need to ramp up significantly to carry his share of the work this season.

Stewart flashed significant speed and flexibility coming off the edge in preseason. While he arrives new to the NFL, that typically results in early challenges, but superb and consistent production when the team needs it most, during the push for the playoffs. Of course, he has to clear concussion protocol, but he will have ample time to do so.

The team could re-sign at least two of the released outside linebackers to the practice squad. They’ll need the extra depth, and those players also add value on special teams coverage units. That decision will come in the next 48 hours. For now, fans know who will be hunting quarterbacks this season. As always, thanks for reading.

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