The perfect veteran stop-gap inside linebacker just fell into the LA Rams laps

The Los Angeles Rams have starting ILB Omar Speights on the roster. The team also has untested ILBs Tony Fields and Elias Neal on the roster as well. But who will start next to Speights? For that matter, have the Rams coaches already decided that former undrafted rookie inside linebacker Omar Speights is the starter?

At the inside linebacker position, the Carolina Panthers have signed Christian Rozeboom. Soon thereafter, the Baltimore Ravens signed Jake Hummel. If the Rams front office wants to extend a veteran inside linebacker, the last option is Troy Reeder. But I'm not convinced that will excite many fans.

The Rams had signed Bobby Wagner in 2022 to pair up with then young ILB Ernest Jones III. At the time, if felt like a bit of an experiment, as Wagner and Jones had similar styles. But the Rams resolved that by taking Jones out on obvious passing downs, and adding a third safety to the defensive formation.

If only there was a veteran inside linebacker who was available to join the Rams defense and mentor Omar Speights in a similar fashion as Bobby Wagner mentored Ernest Jones. But Wagner is happy to compete with the Washington Commanders. And Ernest Jones is content to compete for the Seattle Seahawks.

If only a solid veteran inside lineback, like C.J. Mosley would be available. Well, what do you know? He is available:

No, I'm not going to tell you how he is perfect, an ideal fit, and a guy who is poised for an All-Pro season. But he is a 6-foot-2 231-pound veteran NFL inside linebacker who has 10 years of NFL experience, is a five-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, and is coming off a set of injuries that may limit him in terms of his ability to start and suit up for every snap of every game.

When he is healthy, he is incredible. When he's not, he is not helping the team. But he could.

The Rams feel like a great situation for him to consider. He has played five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and five seasons with the New York Jets. During those time spans, those defenses were stingy and physical. He may not be the same player on the football field, but he is the guy who helped to lead those defenses to greatness.

Since he suffered serious injuries in 2024, the Rams cannot expect him to show up and suit up instantly in 2025. And with Omar Speights on the roster, he doesn't have to do so. This defense is very young, and while that has its advantages, there is something to be said about veteran leadership as well. Mosley bring all of that on Day 1, whether in street clothes or full pads.

And once he is surrounded by pure football passion and energy again, Mosley could find himself swept up and rediscovering his own youthful passion for the game once more. Mosley comes with some baggage. His neck injury from 2024 could flair up again. He will be 33 years old this season, a ripe age for a very physical position on the defense.

But the Rams roster is set up to manage his work load. And if he reclaims prime-time Mosley, he will be that piece to carry this defense over the hump. Yes there are risks. But there are rewards too. A team-friendly incentivized contract can ensure both sides are protected and happy to align for 2025.

Hopefully, the Rams front office finds value in signing Mosley as well.

More Rams offseason news that you may enjoy: