The Los Angeles Rams bolstered their linebacker corps by signing inside linebacker Nate Landman to a one-year contract. The announcement marks a strategic move for the Rams as they look to reinforce their defense following the departure of key players in free agency. Landman, who spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, brings experience, tenacity, and familiarity with the Rams’ defensive scheme under his former coordinator, Raheem Morris. This signing signals the team’s intent to maintain a viable run defense while addressing immediate needs at the linebacker position.
A Proven Performer from Humble Beginnings
Nate Landman’s journey to the NFL is a testament to perseverance. The 26-year-old linebacker entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Colorado in 2022. During his collegiate career with the Buffaloes, Landman earned two All-Pac-12 selections, showcasing his ability to dominate at the second level. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, he possesses the physical tools to compete in the NFL, a fact he proved after signing with the Atlanta Falcons.
Landman quickly made a name for himself in Atlanta, carving out a significant role despite his undrafted status. Over the past two seasons, he started 23 games, amassing an impressive 191 total tackles, including 105 solo stops. In 2023, he recorded a career-high 110 tackles, followed by 81 tackles in 13 games during the 2024 season. His consistency against the run has been a standout feature of his game—according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), among linebackers with at least 200 snaps, Landman ranked 18th against the run in 2024 and an even more impressive 8th in 2023. Additionally, he forced three fumbles in each of the last two seasons, underscoring his playmaking ability.
Familiarity with Raheem Morris’ System
One of the key factors making Landman an attractive signing for the Rams is his prior experience under Raheem Morris, who served as the Falcons’ head coach in 2024. Morris, now in his second stint with the Rams as their defensive coordinator, implemented a defensive scheme that the team still employs—a variation of the system that helped Los Angeles win the Super Bowl three years ago. Landman’s familiarity with this scheme gives him a head start in adapting to the Rams’ playbook, a critical advantage as the team looks to integrate new talent quickly.
Morris’ defense emphasizes discipline, physicality, and versatility, qualities Landman has demonstrated in spades. His time in Atlanta saw him thrive in a situation-dependent rotation, often splitting duties with other linebackers like Troy Andersen. Despite battling injuries in 2024—including a quad issue and a calf injury sustained in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers—Landman remained a reliable contributor, starting nine games and playing a key role in the Falcons’ run defense.
Filling a Void Left by Christian Rozeboom
The Rams’ decision to sign Landman comes on the heels of losing Christian Rozeboom, their leading tackler from the 2024 season, to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Rozeboom, who played nearly 75% of the Rams’ defensive snaps last year and recorded 135 tackles, was a cornerstone of the linebacker group. His departure left a significant gap, particularly in terms of tackling production and on-field consistency.
Landman steps into a situation where he has a clear opportunity to compete for a starting role alongside rookie Omar Speights, who emerged as a starter in 2024 after joining the Rams as an undrafted free agent. While Troy Reeder, another linebacker option, remains a free agent, Landman’s signing provides immediate depth and a proven veteran presence. His 10.4% missed tackle rate in 2024 (per PFF) and 21 stops in the run game suggest he can help stabilize a unit in transition.
However, Landman’s limitations in pass coverage—where he allowed a 92.6% reception rate and a 144.0 QB rating when targeted in 2024—mean the Rams may still look to complement him with a more coverage-oriented linebacker, either through the draft or additional free-agent signings. For now, his primary value lies in bolstering the team’s run defense, an area of focus as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Strategic Flexibility for the Rams
The one-year deal for Landman is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Rams. Financially, it keeps the team flexible, allowing them to allocate resources elsewhere—whether to re-sign pending free agents like Troy Reeder or to pursue additional offensive weapons to pair with stars like Puka Nacua and newly signed wide receiver Davante Adams. From a roster-building perspective, the signing doesn’t preclude the Rams from drafting a linebacker in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, an option that remains on the table given the team’s long-term needs at the position.
Landman’s addition also aligns with the Rams’ recent trend of finding value in undrafted talent. Like Speights and even left tackle Alaric Jackson—who has become a cornerstone of the offensive line—Landman represents another success story of a player who defied the odds to earn a significant role. This approach has allowed the Rams to maintain competitiveness despite operating with limited cap space in recent years.
What Lies Ahead
As the Rams prepare for the 2025 season, Nate Landman’s signing offers a blend of immediate impact and potential upside. His familiarity with Raheem Morris’ system, coupled with his proven production against the run, makes him a natural fit for a team looking to rebound from a postseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. While he may not be a complete solution to the linebacker position—particularly in pass-heavy situations—his physicality and tackling prowess provide a solid foundation.
For Landman, this move represents a fresh start with a contending team. After establishing himself as a starter in Atlanta, he now has the chance to take on an even larger role with the Rams, potentially cementing his status as one of the league’s underrated defensive talents. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how he integrates into the Rams’ defense and whether he can help propel the team back to Super Bowl contention.
In a league where adaptability and depth are paramount, the Rams’ signing of Nate Landman is a calculated step toward maintaining their defensive identity while navigating the challenges of free agency. The Rams took a meaningful stride forward—and Landman is poised to be a key part of their journey.
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