The Rams’ Linebacker Dilemma
The departure of Ernest Jones via trade to the Titans before the 2024 season left a void the Rams never fully filled. Jones, a former third-round pick, had blossomed into a three-down linebacker with an 86.2 run-defense grade in 2023 (per PFF). His absence forced the Rams to rely on Rozeboom, a solid but unspectacular starter, and a rotation of backups who struggled against the run. The Eagles exploited this weakness in the divisional round, gashing Los Angeles for 148 rushing yards. With roughly $30 million to $34 million in effective cap space (after accounting for draft picks and dead money), the Rams have the resources to pursue a veteran linebacker who can stabilize the position and complement their young, ascending defensive front.
Top Free Agent Targets
The 2025 linebacker market is deep with talent, ranging from breakout stars to savvy veterans. Here are the prime candidates the Rams should consider:
1. Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles)
- 2024 Stats: 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 90.2 PFF overall grade
- Projected Contract: 2 years, $19.5 million ($9.7 million AAV, per Spotrac)
- Why He Fits: Baun was the breakout linebacker of 2024, transforming from a Saints special-teamer into an All-Pro for the Super Bowl-champion Eagles. At 28, he’s in his prime, offering sideline-to-sideline speed and elite tackling (98 solo tackles led the NFL). His 87.5 coverage grade would address the Rams’ struggles against tight ends and backs in the passing game, while his downhill aggression fits Shula’s attacking scheme. The Rams’ $42 million to $46 million in raw cap space easily accommodates his price tag, and pairing him with Jared Verse and Kobie Turner could elevate the entire defense. The catch? Philly may fight to keep him, but if he hits the open market, LA should pounce.
2. Robert Spillane (Las Vegas Raiders)
- 2024 Stats: 153 tackles (avg. over 2 years), 2.75 sacks, 5 INTs, 87.3 PFF run-defense grade
- Projected Contract: 3 years, $24 million ($8 million AAV, estimated)
- Why He Fits: Spillane, 29, has been a tackling machine since becoming a full-time starter for the Raiders, logging 306 tackles over the past two seasons. His 5% missed-tackle rate is among the league’s best, and his five interceptions since 2023 show surprising ball skills for a thumper. The Rams need a linebacker who can clog running lanes behind Turner and Braden Fiske, and Spillane’s 87.0-plus run-defense grades over consecutive years make him a plug-and-play option. He’s not a coverage star (67.8 PFF coverage grade), but at a mid-tier price, he’d be a cost-effective upgrade over Rozeboom, freeing up cap space for other needs like wide receiver or left tackle.
3. Bobby Wagner (Washington Commanders)
- 2024 Stats: 134 tackles, 2 sacks, 82.4 PFF overall grade
- Projected Contract: 1 year, $8 million
- Why He Fits: A familiar face, Wagner starred for the Rams in 2022, earning a 90.7 PFF grade at age 32. Now 34, he’s still a tackling metronome, notching his 13th straight 100-tackle season in 2024 with Washington. His football IQ and leadership would be invaluable for a young Rams defense transitioning post-Aaron Donald, mentoring players like Speights or a potential draft pick. Wagner’s 91.0 pass-rush grade this year adds versatility, though his coverage has slipped (61.2 grade). A one-year deal keeps the Rams flexible, and his history with Sean McVay could make LA an appealing destination if he doesn’t re-sign with the Commanders.
4. Dre Greenlaw (San Francisco 49ers)
- 2024 Stats: Limited to 34 snaps (Achilles recovery), 85.6 PFF grade in 2023
- Projected Contract: 1 year, $6 million (“prove-it” deal)
- Why He Fits: Greenlaw’s Achilles injury from Super Bowl LVIII sidelined him for most of 2024, but at 27, he’s a high-upside gamble. Before the injury, he was a near All-Pro in San Francisco’s stingy defense, with an 85.6 overall grade in 2023. His speed and physicality would pair well with the Rams’ aggressive front, and a one-year deal mitigates risk while he rebuilds his value. Stealing him from a division rival would be a bonus, though his injury history might scare off bigger bidders, making him a realistic target for LA’s budget.
5. Nick Bolton (Kansas City Chiefs)
- 2024 Stats: 106 tackles, 3 sacks, 11 TFL, 3 turnovers
- Projected Contract: 4 years, $48 million ($12 million AAV, estimated)
- Why He Fits: At 25, Bolton is a cornerstone of Kansas City’s defense, blending youth with proven production. His bruising style (7 QB hits in 2024) and knack for big plays could transform the Rams’ linebacker corps into a strength. However, his $12 million AAV might stretch LA’s cap, especially with Matthew Stafford’s extension looming. The Chiefs will push hard to retain him, but if he slips to free agency, the Rams should consider a big swing—though it might mean letting Cooper Kupp go to free up funds.
Strategic Considerations
The Rams’ linebacker pursuit hinges on their broader offseason priorities. Extending Stafford could unlock $20 million in cap relief, while trading Kupp might add another $20 million, pushing their effective space toward $50 million. That’s enough to chase a high-end option like Baun or Bolton while addressing other needs (e.g., a WR2 or Alaric Jackson’s replacement at left tackle). Alternatively, a cheaper veteran like Spillane or Wagner preserves flexibility to re-sign key free agents like Ahkello Witherspoon or bolster the secondary.
Drafting a linebacker is another route, but the 2025 class lacks first-round talent at the position, and the Rams’ No. 26 pick is better spent on a tackle or receiver. A mid-round flyer—like Oregon’s Jeffrey Bassa, who impressed at the Senior Bowl—could complement a free-agent signing, but the immediate need calls for proven help.
Recommendation
Zack Baun stands out as the ideal target. His age, versatility, and 2024 breakout align perfectly with the Rams’ timeline and defensive identity. At $9.7 million annually, he’s a worthwhile investment that doesn’t break the bank, leaving room to retain core players. If Baun’s price climbs too high, Robert Spillane offers a budget-friendly alternative with similar run-stopping chops. Either way, the Rams can’t afford another year of linebacker mediocrity—not with a Super Bowl window still cracked open around Stafford and McVay. Signing a difference-maker in free agency is the smart play to keep LA in contention in 2025.
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