​After trading away Ernest Jones in 2024, the Los Angeles Rams found it difficult to secure consistent play from their inside linebackers. Christian Rozeboom proved not to be the answer, so the team rolled the dice on Nate Landman in free agency last year. Landman had familiarity with Raheem Morris’ defensive scheme, and Los Angeles viewed him as a natural fit for Chris Shula. That decision paid off in a big way. Landman began the season playing at an exceptionally high level, earning a three-year, $22.5 million extension with the Rams in November to keep him under contract through 2028. His performance cooled somewhat in the latter part of the season and through the playoffs, but he remained a valuable contributor to the defense.
Landman currently sits as the 15th-ranked player on our list of the Rams’ 26 most important players for 2026. In free agency the previous year, Landman signed a modest one-year deal worth $1.1 million with just $75,000 guaranteed. It was a low-risk, high-reward move for the former Falcons starter who aimed to prove his value in Los Angeles. In a larger spotlight for the Rams, he delivered a standout season that earned him long-term security midway through the year, posting career bests in tackles, sacks, forced fumbles, tackles for a loss, and pass breakups.
In 17 games (17 starts), Landman compiled 132 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 4 forced fumbles, 8 tackles for a loss, 5 quarterback hits, and 6 passes defensed. He returns as the Rams’ primary inside linebacker and defensive signal-caller, a role he held throughout last season, patrolling the middle on all three downs. The Rams did not make significant internal upgrades at inside linebacker beyond adding Grant Stuard, who functions more as a special-teams contributor, so Landman, along with Omar Speights, is positioned to anchor the unit again this year.
Where Landman must improve is in coverage. He isn’t the speediest linebacker and can struggle in space, especially when covering tight ends and running backs. But against the run, he takes solid angles and attacks the ball when opportunities arise, punching out four fumbles last year. Including the playoffs, Landman forced five fumbles, according to Pro Football Focus, which was more than any other linebacker in the NFL. That achievement, paired with three forced fumbles in each of the prior two seasons, gives him 11 forced fumbles over the last three years.
The Rams’ defense desperately needed a steady, dependable presence in the middle after eradicating Jones, and Landman has proven to be an excellent replacement. While his playmaking in coverage and interceptions may not reach the same level as Jones, Landman compensated with a string of well-timed turnovers and reliable run defense, highlighted by his knack for knocking the ball loose with precise “Peanut Punches.” Additionally, his leadership on defense, including relaying Chris Shula’s calls to the rest of the squad on every snap, has been invaluable. His presence as a run defender significantly impacted Los Angeles’ performance last season, underscoring his role as a cornerstone of the Rams’ middle-field strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.