Los Angeles Rams Linebacker Free Agent Options

The Los Angeles Rams are entering the 2025 offseason with a need to bolster their linebacker corps, especially after losing Christian Rozeboom to free agency. With only Omar Speights and Elias Neal currently under contract at inside linebacker, the Rams have a clear gap to fill. General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have the salary-cap space to pursue veteran talent, and three intriguing free agents stand out: C.J. Mosley, Isaiah Simmons, and Kyzir White. Below, we break down each player’s profile, recent performance, and the pros and cons of signing them for the Rams.

C.J. Mosley – Veteran Leadership with Injury Concerns

Player Profile

• Age: 33 (as of the 2025 season)
• Experience: 10 years (Baltimore Ravens 2014-2018, New York Jets 2019-2024)
• 2024 Performance: Played 9 games, 54 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble (limited by injuries)
• Career Stats: 1,083 combined tackles, 12 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions
• Accolades: 5-time Pro Bowler, 2-time All-Pro

Recent Results

C.J. Mosley has been a consistent leader and tackler throughout his career, but injuries have plagued him in recent seasons. In 2024, he missed significant time due to recurring neck and groin issues, limiting him to just 9 games. When healthy, Mosley remains a high-level performer, excelling in run defense and providing veteran leadership in the middle of the defense. His release by the Jets was largely cap-related, as his $12.78 million cap hit in 2025 was deemed too high for a player with injury concerns.

Pros

• Veteran Presence: Mosley’s 10 years of experience and leadership could stabilize the Rams’ young defense, particularly alongside 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Jared Verse and emerging linebacker Omar Speights.
• Run Defense: Mosley has consistently graded well against the run, with a 73.0 run defense grade in 2024 despite limited play. His instincts and tackling ability would complement Speights’ skill set.
• Low-Risk, High-Reward: Given his injury history, Mosley is likely to sign a team-friendly deal, potentially in the $5-8 million annual range. This makes him a cost-effective option for a contending team like the Rams.
• Flexibility: Mosley’s signing wouldn’t preclude the Rams from drafting a linebacker early in the 2025 NFL Draft, allowing them to address both short-term and long-term needs.

Cons

• Injury Concerns: Mosley’s age and recent injury history (missing 8+ games in 2 of the last 3 seasons) make him a risky investment. The Rams would need to manage his snaps carefully to keep him healthy.
• Declining Coverage Skills: While Mosley has historically been solid in coverage, his lateral speed has declined with age. He struggled in zone coverage in 2024, allowing a 75% completion rate when targeted.
• Cap Considerations: Even on a reduced salary, Mosley’s contract could limit the Rams’ flexibility to address other needs, such as cornerback or wide receiver, especially if his health continues to falter.

Isaiah Simmons – Athletic Upside with Positional Uncertainty

Player Profile

• Age: 27 (as of the 2025 season)
• Experience: 5 years (Arizona Cardinals 2020-2022, New York Giants 2023-2024)
• 2024 Performance: Played 14 games, 68 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 passes defended
• Career Stats: 258 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions
• Accolades: 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft

Recent Results

Isaiah Simmons, a former top-10 draft pick, has struggled to find a consistent role in the NFL despite his elite athleticism. After being traded from the Cardinals to the Giants for a seventh-round pick in 2023, Simmons showed flashes of potential but remained a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. In 2024, he played a hybrid linebacker/safety role for the Giants, lining up at inside linebacker, edge, nickel, wide corner, and free safety. His athleticism (6’4″, 238 lbs, 4.39 40-yard dash) makes him a unique coverage option, but his lack of production has raised questions about his fit in any defense.

Pros

• Athleticism: Simmons’ rare size-speed combination makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL defenses that prioritize coverage linebackers. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs could address the Rams’ need for better pass defense.
• Versatility: Simmons’ ability to play multiple positions (inside linebacker, nickel, safety) gives the Rams flexibility in their defensive alignments. He could be a high-level special teams contributor while developing into a starter.
• Upside: At 27 years old, Simmons is still young enough to unlock his potential. If the Rams’ coaching staff can refine his instincts and find a defined role for him, he could be a steal on a short-term, prove-it deal.
• Recent Improvement: In 2024, Simmons showed flashes of improved tackling (68 tackles, 1.5 sacks) and coverage (1 interception, 2 passes defended), suggesting he could be trending upward.

Cons

• Lack of Production: Despite his athletic gifts, Simmons has never consistently produced at the NFL level. His career-high in tackles is 105 (2021), and he has struggled to make game-changing plays.
• Positional Uncertainty: Simmons’ versatility has been a double-edged sword, as coaches have struggled to find a permanent position for him. The Rams already have Omar Speights as a run-stopper, and Simmons’ skill set may overlap too much with existing personnel.
• Run Defense Concerns: Simmons graded poorly against the run in 2024 (58.0 run defense grade), often taking poor angles and missing tackles. The Rams need a linebacker who can hold up in the box, and Simmons may not fit that profile.
• Bust Risk: Given his underwhelming NFL career to date, there’s a risk that Simmons’ athleticism never translates to consistent production, making him a disappointing signing.

Kyzir White – Versatile Tackler with Injury History

Player Profile

• Age: 29 (as of the 2025 season)
• Experience: 7 years (Los Angeles Chargers 2018-2020, Philadelphia Eagles 2022, Arizona Cardinals 2023-2024)
• 2024 Performance: Played 16 games, 137 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 9 tackles for loss
• Career Stats: 497 combined tackles, 8.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions
• Accolades: 2018 4th-round pick

Recent Results

Kyzir White has emerged as a reliable linebacker since transitioning from safety to linebacker early in his career. In 2024, he had a strong season with the Arizona Cardinals, finishing with 137 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. His speed and tackling ability make him a valuable asset in both run and pass defense, though he missed time in 2022 due to a torn ACL. White is currently searching for his fourth NFL team, and his familiarity with the NFC West (having played for the Cardinals) could make him an attractive option for the Rams.

Pros

• Tackling Machine: White’s 137 tackles in 2024 tied a career-high, and his 73.0 run defense grade shows his ability to stop the run. He could fill the void left by Christian Rozeboom’s departure.
• Coverage Skills: White’s background as a college safety gives him an edge in coverage. He excels at transitioning routes and locating the ball in the air, making him a good fit for the Rams’ need for better pass defense.
• NFC West Familiarity: Having played for the Cardinals in 2023 and 2024, White understands the division’s offensive schemes and could provide valuable insight for the Rams’ defense.
• Age and Experience: At 29, White is in his prime and brings seven years of experience. He could serve as a captain for the Rams’ young defense, mentoring players like Speights and Verse.

Cons

• Injury History: White’s torn ACL in 2022 raises concerns about his long-term durability. While he played 16 games in 2024, the Rams would need to monitor his health closely.
• Zone Coverage Weakness: While White is strong in man coverage, his zone awareness needs improvement. He struggled to read quarterbacks’ eyes in 2024, allowing a 70% completion rate when targeted in zone.
• Lack of Elite Traits: White is a solid all-around linebacker but lacks the elite size, length, or strength that some teams prioritize. He may not be a transformative addition to the Rams’ defense.
• Contract Cost: Given his 2024 production, White could command a multi-year deal in the $6-8 million annual range, which may limit the Rams’ flexibility to address other needs.

Which Linebacker Fits the Rams Best?

The Rams’ decision will depend on their priorities for the linebacker position. If they value veteran leadership and run defense, C.J. Mosley could be the best fit, provided they can manage his injury risk. If they prioritize athleticism and upside, Isaiah Simmons offers a high-ceiling, low-floor option, though his lack of production is a concern. For a balanced approach with tackling and coverage skills, Kyzir White is the most well-rounded choice, though his injury history and contract cost are factors to consider.

Given the Rams’ current roster and cap space, Kyzir White may be the safest bet, offering immediate production and familiarity with the division. However, if the Rams believe they can unlock Isaiah Simmons’ potential, he could be a game-changer in the right scheme. C.J. Mosley, while a proven leader, may be better suited for a team willing to take on his injury risk. Regardless of their choice, the Rams must balance short-term needs with long-term development, potentially pairing a free-agent signing with a linebacker prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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