Why Rams acted quickly to ink 13 players to Reserve Future contracts for 2025

(3) - ILB Tony Fields II

The Rams signed former Cleveland Brown ILB Tony Fields II at the end of October 2024. He was drafted by the Browns in Round 5 of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 153rd overall pick. He was released from the Browns in October 2024 with an injury settlement, and signed on to the Rams practice squad days later. Fields played 45 games in the Browns defense over four seasons, and started in 10 games.

His draft profiles consistently cited a highly productive but undersized and underpowered linebacker. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 222 pounds, Fields is a bit on the smallish size in terms of NFL linebackers. But as with other positions, the Rams are facing expired contracts with veteran ILBs Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder. Having Fields on the roster in 2025, and with his NFL starting experience, gives the front office enough leeway to navigate the 2025 NFL Draft and not be forced to reach for an inside linebacker.

For comparison purposes, ILB Omar Speights stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 228 pounds.

Fields may be nothing more on the Rams roster than a - In case of emergency, break glass - type of option, but that is vital for a team that has not invested into the inside linebacker position. And Fields could fit that 'tweener' role of ILB/DB that former DC Raheem Morris favored as a versatile nickel-package option.

The defense began to perform quite well at the end of the 2024 NFL season. With the team ensuring the return of Fields for 2025, that is a very good sign that he will have an opportunity for a role next year.

(4) - CB A.J. Green

Cornerback A.J. Green was a four-year veteran defensive back for the Cleveland Browns before signing on with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He failed to make the Vikings roster, and was a free agent until signing with the Rams in mid-November 2024. Like many players who appear on this list, Green never appeared in a game for the Rams. But he does add the potential to be a contributor in 2025.

Green appeared in 34 games for the Browns over four seasons, and started in two games. He has an impressive pass coverage record in the Browns secondary, allowing just 54.3 percent of passes targeting his receiver to find their mark. In 318 defensive snaps, he recorded 40 tackles, two interceptions, broke up seven passes, and recovered two fumbles.

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 198 pounds, this 26-year-old defensive back is very intriguing. He has played well enough to earn an NFL roster spot in four seasons. While he did not hear his name called out in the 2020 NFL Draft, Green was projected to be selected in Round 4. His draft profield strengths included his size, physicality, and ability to win contested catches.

He may be an unknown, but he adds optimal size to a Rams secondary that has some undersized defensive backs in key roles. And the team faces expiring contracts on DBs Ahkello Witherspoon and John Johnson III. Green is a solid insurance policy.