Rams answer fans' prayers with groundbreaking Nate Landman extension

The Los Angeles Rams defense has been a huge mystery and dichotomy of the roster as compared to the NFL. This is one of the league's best defenses, but it is also one of the least expensive. That seems to run counter to common sense, as NFL fans have example after example of upgrading by paying more.

And yet, defense coordinator Chris Shula has stitched together a smothering defense made up of young players and veteran castaways. But the price is not going to be cheap for long. You see, veteran inside linebacker Nate Landman just got a pay raise from his $1.1 million league minimum.

And fans could not be happier.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles has agreed to extend Landman for three more years, at a guaranteed contract worth $15.6 million and a total contract valued at $22.5 million. While certainly warranted, the move comes as a bit of a surprise. Los Angeles has seldom shown interest in committing to an inside linebacker since hiring head coach Sean McVay.

But Nate Landman is distinctively different. He is a passionate player who exhibits the stuff of a leader. A selfless combination of on-field production, an unbreakable football fierceness, and yet he invokes passionate pleas to his teammates that strike an emotional chord. He landed on a team that rewards not just production, but true locker room fits.

One down, many more to go.

Why are Rams extending Nate Landman, and why now?

The team did the right thing, but was this the right time? After all, heading into Week 12 is not exactly a date many veterans circle as their date for financial rewards. Ah, but general manager Les Snead is crazy, crazy like a fox. He has layer upon layer for the timing. Let's dive in:

1. Landman is the true leader of this defense

Without casting any shade at other players, Nate Landman is the leader of this defense that LA didn't know it needed. In just 10 games, he has beaten or is at the cusp of beating every statistical category of his career. He is durable, but does more than punch a time card. He does all the little things the right way, making himself a living standard for others to follow.

2. Injury to Quentin Lake places more on Landaman

The defense has several key contributors. Defensive back Quentin Lake has been the guy placed all over the field to optimize coverage assignments. Now that he is injured, the defense will need Nate Landman's leadership to carry it through the confusion and mental lapses that are bound to happen in Week 12.

3. Rams timed to coincide just after facing former ILB Ernest Jones

When the Rams parted ways with former starting inside linebacker Ernest Jones, the separate paths stunned fans. Months earlier, the two sides were actively negotiating an extension. And there is evidence that the trade shipping Jones to the Tennessee Titans was about new beginnings, and not about getting fair value. Jones was unwilling to play without an extension. Landman was.

A subtle message to the former starter? Hmm.

4, NFL rumors over DC Chis Shula left roster vulnerable

NFL rumors surrounding the inevitable hiring of DC Chris Shula as a new NFL head coach are undeniable. The presumption that it's only a matter of time is the consensus. But LA faces a difficult offseason, trying to extend a host of key contributors to the defense. If Shula leaves for a head coaching job elsewhere, those negotiations become more difficult and expensive.

Shula's first priority would be Landman, the defensive equivalent to a quarterback. Now that Landman is locked up for three more NFL seasons, the pressure is off. Yes, other players may defect. But few hold a similar impact at running the show.

This is a perfect extension. Not just to reward a player who has outplayed his contract all season. This extension sets the stage for paying defensive stars and subsequently finding savings on the offensive side of the football. Stay tuned.

And as always, thanks for reading.