Rams watch promising young talent ripped away in brutal waiver frenzy

The Los Angeles Rams roster was simply too loaded with talent to hope that no players would be claimed off waivers. Fans held out hope the interest would be limited to one or two players. After all, other NFL teams were shedding players as well. But this roster was bursting with talent, and other general managers knew it.

The Rams ended up losing four players on the waiver wire. And with the news that just-released ILB Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. is signing with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad, the hope for a strong practice squad has already taken five swift hits. There are still plenty of talented players remaining to add, but the team will need to move quickly.

The loss of five of the most game-ready players does create some consternation. Fans know all too well how quickly injuries or a lack of production can create unforeseen challenges in the middle of an NFL season. While the front office can pat itself on the back for developing that talent, the reality is that this attrition has already depleted a practice squad that hasn’t even been formed yet.

Waiver claims hit Rams hard as four players land with other teams

OLB Brennan Jackson to Raiders

From the moment Jackson was released, his future with the Rams was essentially over. He was simply too talented, with his 3.0 preseason sacks putting that on full display for the rest of the league. NFL teams love inexpensive edge rushers, and Jackson is locked into a rookie contract through 2027. Even if he never tops the sack charts, he’s still a valuable bargaining chip for any team trying to stay under the salary cap — and now he gets to serve as the padawan to Jedi Knight Maxx Crosby.

C Willie Lampkin to Eagles

It’s tough to lose a collegiate free agent who had already caught the eye of NFL insider Brian Baldinger, but it felt inevitable. None of this is on the player; he was simply claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles. And fans pulling for him have to admit, with Jeff Stoutland coaching him up, Lampkin is going to get every chance to hit his ceiling in Philadelphia.

DB Charles Woods to Patriots

The secondary was the last place fans expected to see talent slip away, but that’s what happens when there are too many veterans for too few roster spots. As injured and late-season additions returned to claim bigger roles, the guys who were promoted during the year slid back into support duty, and others were left without a spot altogether.

DB Derion Kendrick to Seahawks

Kendricks spent all of 2024 on injured reserve. When he finally returned to full health this season, he found himself buried on a depth chart that had gotten much tougher in his absence. Before the ACL injury, he was showing real progress and competing for a starting role. Now, he’s been released outright. He may not be back to 100 percent just yet, but the Seahawks will give him the time he needs to finish healing.

ILB Pooh Paul Jr. to Seattle Seahawks practice squad

The team just released Paul Jr., who immediately landed with the Seahawks' practice squad after clearing waivers. The Rams just don’t value the position as highly as they should, making young linebackers hesitant to tie their futures to a franchise that won't value them, while other teams might offer a clearer path to sticking long-term.

It may have been rewarding to witness five released players find immediate homes in other NFL teams. But fans will struggle to celebrate their fortunes in the framework of no possibility of re-signing very talented players to the roster. Hopefully, these players will not make the Rams regret losing them. As always, thanks for reading.

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