This Rams veteran is in serious danger of losing his roster spot

In an organization that prizes experience, defensive lineman Larrell Murchison is one of the Los Angeles Rams' few returning veterans from last season's 53-man roster in danger of missing the cut in 2026. 

It's not his fault; the depth chart is just that deep. Second-year DT Ty Hamilton has seemingly secured his spot after sitting out the second preseason game. Tim Keenan III, a rookie seventh-round pick out of Alabama, has the edge in upside. Keenan also has a clear role as Poona Ford's nose tackle backup.

Even if the Rams decide to carry seven defensive linemen, Murchison's seat isn't necessarily reserved. Aaron Donald's potential return would push the number to seven on the dot. Murchison will also have to fend off the mountainous Bill Norton as the last man in.

Rams can't guarantee Murchison a spot on the 53-man roster

Moreover, it's not a given that Los Angeles will carry a full seven d-linemen. Other positions have greater depth concerns, like the offensive line and the cornerback room. Cam Lampkin has made a strong case as a ninth defensive back.

By all appearances, the Rams plan to carry five tight ends. They face a difficult decision at running back and whether to keep Jarquez Hunter around. There are very limited spots up for grabs, and the defensive line is strong as is.

Keenan's arrival, and potentially Donald's, could be what squeeze Murchison out after he spent 2025 on the active roster. Unlike Hamilton, Murchison accompanied Keenan on the field Saturday against the Saints, indicating that he's still seeking a spot.

The former fifth-round Tennessee Titans pick has provided meaningful reps in each of his last two healthy seasons. In 2023, he saw over 250 defensive snaps and started three games.

After missing 2024 with an injury, he logged 170 snaps between defense and special teams last year, producing two sacks in 16 games. Murchison has remained in the organization since the Horns claimed him off waivers in 2022.

It would be surprising in principle to see the Rams de-prioritize a contributing veteran. At the same time, the 2026 roster is much different than the 2025 group. The offensive line is rife with uncertainty. The cornerback room has way more top-end talent, but lost depth.

LA drafted Keenan. Donald may return. Starters Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske already have clear backups in Tyler Davis and Hamilton. From a roster-math perspective, rostering Murchison at the expense of positional depth elsewhere feels suboptimal, despite his contributions in years past.

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