The Los Angeles Rams have solidified their inside linebacker position by signing former Atlanta Falcons player Nate Landman to a one-year contract, as announced on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. At just 26 years old, Landman arrives in Los Angeles with a strong background, having spent three seasons with the Falcons where he played 36 games, accumulating 192 tackles, two sacks, and six forced fumbles, underscoring his potential as a capable starter in the NFL.
In the 2023 season, Landman demonstrated his capabilities by starting 14 of the 16 games he played, concluding the season with 110 tackles—impressive numbers that caught the attention of Rams’ management. The Rams have been in need of reinforcement in linebacker after losing two key players, Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel, earlier this offseason. Despite Landman not being the high-profile addition that some fans hoped for, the Rams are banking on his proven skills to help uplift their linebacker depth this coming season.
Landman, who is originally from Zimbabwe but moved to California at a young age, attended Monte Vista High School in Danville. After that, he moved on to play collegiate football at the University of Colorado, where he left an undeniable mark. During his five years at Colorado, he played in 48 games, amassing 409 total tackles, which ranks fifth in school history. He was also a standout player during college, earning all-conference honors four times—two times on the first team and twice on the second.
According to statistics, during his last campaign with the Falcons, he recorded 81 tackles and forced three fumbles, maintaining a significant presence on the field. His tackling efforts revealed a missed tackle rate of only 10.4% in 2024 and solidified his position in run defense. However, Landman’s coverage skills remain a concern, with a reception percentage of 92.6% against him and a quarterback rating of 144.0 when targeted, indicating he may need to improve in that area.
The signing comes at a crucial time for the Rams, who are looking to maintain competitive play within the league. Coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula must fill the gaps left by Rozeboom and Hummel and establish a strong defense for the team. While the framework for the Rams’ offensive and defensive units continues to develop, many eyes will be on Landman to see if he can live up to the expectations set by his previous performance with the Falcons.
Furthermore, the Rams have kept their strategy consistent by opting not to invest heavily in high-priced players at the inside linebacker position. They have a history of selecting undrafted free agents and giving them a chance to shine—a plan dating back to their last significant draft pick made in 2021. Historically, the Rams’ roster has been bolstered by players who were overlooked by other franchises, mirroring Landman’s own journey from an undrafted free agent to a solid NFL player.
As the Rams head forward into the next phase of the offseason, they will need to remain alert in both the free agency market and the upcoming draft to ensure a well-rounded team. While Landman represents one step towards filling the current vacancies, the question remains as to who else the Rams might sign to round out their lineup in line with their historical preferences. The integration of new players into the system will be critical in enhancing the Rams' strong defensive framework.
In concluding, Nate Landman's transition to the Los Angeles Rams is not only a personal achievement for the player but also a calculated move for the team as they fortify their defense. As they prepare for the NFL draft, the Rams will be keen to develop their linebacker strategy and see how Landman integrates into the defense, creating opportunities for success in the 2025 season.
