What should fans know about the latest Rams addition to the roster?

The LA Rams have made a subtle if not telling move by adding a veteran inside linebacker to the practice squad. Just days after the team sent starting ILB Troy Reeder, the front office machinery has sprung to life once more. Curiously, the team acted just one day after undrafted rookie Omar Speights debuted for the team in his first NFL game.

So who did the team sign?

The team signed former Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Tony Fields. Field was released after suffering an ankle injury on September 11, 2024. Ironically, his release did not occur until October 22, 2024. By October 25, 2024, he was trying out for the Baltimore Ravens. Three days later, he signed with the LA Rams.

Tony Fields is a 6-foot-0 222-pound inside linebacker who brings a bit of everything and a mastery of few things. He had played 526 defensive snaps with the Browns, appearing in 45 games, and starting in just 10 contests. He has one interception, one tackle for a loss, 88 tackles, and he broke up one pass, forced one fumble, and recovered two fumbles. He is a sure-handed tackler, and he did turn one fumble recovery and his lone interception into defensive touchdowns.

While a minor move to place a veteran on the practice squad is hardly an indication of a change of philosophy or strategy, the Rams are far too savvy and seasoned of an organization to blindly throw darts at a dartboard in the hopes that some might stick. In truth, the team measures twice and cuts once when it comes to custom-fitting players to the roster. While it does not always yield positive results, when the team does find a diamond in the rough, the results can be quite promising.

So what does the addition of Fields say about the state of the Rams defense?