The Los Angeles Rams considering signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is currently a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers, could indeed be seen as a risky move for several reasons, primarily due to his injury history and the team’s past experiences with similar signings.
Greenlaw, aged 27, has shown himself to be a talented three-down linebacker, particularly strong against the run and effective in coverage, which aligns well with the needs of the Rams’ defense under coordinator Chris Shula. However, his injury history raises significant concerns. Greenlaw has not played a complete season since his rookie year in 2019, with notable injuries including a groin injury requiring surgery in 2021 and a torn Achilles. His 2024 season was limited to just two games due to ongoing recovery from the Achilles injury and a subsequent calf injury, which sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season.
The Rams’ linebacker position has been a weak point, with current starters Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder both hitting free agency, and the team ranking 25th in defensive EPA last season. While Greenlaw could potentially fill this gap, his injury concerns mirror the Rams’ past experience with linebacker Bobby Wagner. Wagner, signed to a five-year, $65 million contract after Super Bowl LVI, despite performing well, Wagner moved on to the Commanders after one season. Greenlaw’s potential contract could carry a significant cap hit, estimated at least $20 million annually, which poses a financial risk given his injury history and the Rams’ need to manage their salary cap effectively, especially in win-now mode.
The Los Angeles #Rams, Carolina #Panthers and Miami #Dolphins are three teams prepared to go after LB Dre Greenlaw, per sources.
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) March 10, 2025
They are prepared to have him be the leader of the LB room & Captain of their Defenses. 49ers need to up their offer to keep Greenlaw pic.twitter.com/R6b2Sc5ohS
Moreover, the Rams’ front office, led by Les Snead, has historically not prioritized the linebacker position, often opting for cheaper alternatives like Reeder and Rozeboom, or releasing players like Wagner and Cory Littleton when their costs became prohibitive. Signing Greenlaw could repeat this cycle, especially if his injuries continue to limit his availability.
Given these factors, the Rams might be better served exploring other options, such as re-signing Reeder or Rozeboom on cost-effective deals, or looking to the draft for younger, healthier talent. The risk of investing heavily in Greenlaw, only to face potential cap constraints and limited on-field contributions due to injuries, makes this signing a potentially unwise move for the Rams.
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