The Los Angeles Rams have added linebacker Nate Landman to their roster in a surprising yet strategic move that many believe could bolster their defense. The signing, announced on March 20, 2025, comes as the Rams look to solidify their linebacker group after parting ways with several key players.
Landman, a three-year NFL veteran, previously played for the Atlanta Falcons from 2022 to 2024. During his time with the Falcons, he made quite an impact, accumulating 192 total tackles, three sacks, six forced fumbles, and one interception, while starting in 23 of the 36 games he participated in. Notably, 110 of those tackles came during his remarkable second season, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly on both defense and special teams. Although he experienced a slight drop in production last year—finishing with 81 total tackles—his track record indicates a player capable of bouncing back.
Signing a one-year "prove-it" deal, Landman is eager to make a mark with the Rams. He expressed that returning to California, where he spent much of his youth after being born in Zimbabwe, played an essential role in his decision. In addition, his previous relationship with Rams’ assistant coach Jimmy Lake also influenced his choice, as Landman highlighted the importance of familiarity with coaching styles in adapting to a new system.
"A lot of things went into it. One is the success of this program. Two, I’m a West Coast kid. Growing up in California and coming back home was a clear choice. Then, I built a pretty strong relationship last year with Jimmy Lake. All those things combined allowed for an easy decision. Just super excited to be here, grateful for the opportunity and excited to get rolling," said Landman about his decision to join the Rams.
His familiarity with Lake, who was an assistant with the Rams last season and has returned to the team after a stint with the Falcons, bodes well for Landman as he transitions into new surroundings. Landman believes this connection will ease his adaptation into new defensive schemes and vocabulary, which can often be a significant hurdle for new players.
Regarding his interim interactions with Rams’ head coach Sean McVay, Landman noted they had a brief conversation, emphasizing McVay’s reputation for connecting with players and maximizing their potential. "You can tell he really relates to his guys and he gets the best out of his guys. I'm super excited for him to give me this opportunity and I could tell that they're excited too. It's going to be a special year with the pieces they're adding," he said.
The Rams are betting on Landman's experience and past performances to strengthen their linebacker unit, which has struggled over recent seasons. Despite being an undrafted free agent, Landman has shown remarkable resilience and determination to carve out a place in the highly competitive world of professional football.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Landman had an overall grade of 65.7 last season, which places him in the middle tier among linebackers. His performance particularly stood out in run defense, where he was ranked 44th out of 189 linebackers—a category that the Rams desperately need improvement in.
Adding a player like Landman with the potential for growth under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Chris Shula may yield fruitful results for the Rams. If Landman can replicate his statistics from his strong sophomore season or even improve upon them, this could turn out to be one of the more astute free-agent signings in recent memory.
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, a healthy and motivated Landman could be the key to shoring up a defense that has faced challenges. His previous achievements speak volumes about his abilities, and both fans and coaching staff alike are hopeful that he can bring the same intensity and performance to Los Angeles that he demonstrated in Atlanta.
This season may very well determine Landman’s future in the NFL, and for the Rams, his addition could signal a shift towards bolstered defensive play. After all, the NFL is a league defined as much by opportunity as it is by talent and commitment. So though his signing might have been under-the-radar, Landman is poised to make a tremendous impact—a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts across the league.
