After failing to return to the Super Bowl since the 2021 season, the Los Angeles Rams are focusing on the next season.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula will return for a third season after being a hot commodity in the 2026 head coach cycle.
Head coach Sean McVay mentioned that the defense will continue to work and build an identity now with two years of inventory with the returning DC.
With free agency beginning in around a month, the Rams can prepare to bring new weapons for Shula.
Adding 436 Tackler To Squad
GettyThe Rams are urged to acquire this four-year veteran
The Los Angeles Rams aren’t a team that usually rewards linebackers with hefty contracts, but this season saw the opposite.
Nate Landman signed a veteran minimum deal with the team and has become a core member of the team’s defense. The linebacker was the leading tackler and was rewarded with a three-year, $22.5 million contract before Week 12.
While the linebacker has been a good addition to the Los Angeles defense, Landman wasn’t the best in coverage. The Zimbabwean-born player received a 62.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranks him 48th out of 88 qualifying linebackers — he also allowed a 111.1 passer rating when targeted.
Fansided’s Wynston Wilcox believes Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd is the “perfect” offseason free agent target for the Rams, who can be paired up with Landman.
“The Rams need a pass coverage linebacker to bolster their defense. Adding Lloyd would be a smart decision for a couple of reasons. For one, it would give them an experienced linebacker to add to this young defense, and it would give them some depth in a major positional need. They should still look to the NFL Draft too, but adding Lloyd could ultimately pay off,” Wilcox wrote.
Lloyd, who was a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, had a down season in terms of tackling compared to his previous three, but was an elite cover linebacker.
The Jaguar defender received a 78.9 coverage grade by PFF, which ranked him in the top 10 best at his respective position, while also having a 69.2 passing rating allowed. Lloyd recorded 5 interceptions in the 2025 season, with one being returned for a touchdown.
In his four-year career so far, the former first-round pick amassed 436 tackles, 9 interceptions, 26 pass deflections and 3.5 sacks. The linebacker was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in the 2025 season.
PFF also ranked Lloyd as the best free agent linebacker, which is an easy sign that the former first-rounder will have quite a market.
All first-round picks have a fifth-year option with their teams, but Jacksonville declined to pick up the linebacker’s option before the start of the 2025 season.
Where Do The Rams Priorities Land?
GettyLos Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua
The Los Angeles Rams will have around $48 million in available cap space for the 2026 offseason, but with priorities lying elsewhere, LA may miss out on Devin Lloyd.
Puka Nacua will enter his fourth season in his rookie contract, making him eligible for a contract extension.
The wide receiver, who has been one of the better players at his position since being drafted, is expected to receive a projected four-year, $154M deal.
Key defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young will also enter the final year of their rookie contracts, which may prompt the Rams to steer clear of Lloyd and retain players who are familiar with Chris Shula’s defensive system.
But if the Rams were to target free agents, Lloyd would be a good addition to the defense.
All-Pro Named ‘Perfect’ Offseason Target for Rams