Former Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Nick Hampton stepped into unknown territory this offseason, and it has not worked out for him.
Hampton is in his fourth NFL season.
An outside linebacker, he chose to join a noteworthy NFC rival this offseason, surely seeking a larger role than what he was facing with the Rams. While injuries ahead of him on the depth chart provided a greater opportunity, Hampton was unable to capitalize.
Ex-Rams OLB Nick Hampton Cut
GettyNick Hampton left the Rams for the Panthers in free agency, but now he needs to find a new NFL home.
Hampton, whom the Rams drafted in the fifth round with the 161st overall pick of the 2023 draft, signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency this offseason.
He was part of a larger roster shuffle for the Panthers on Monday.
“The Carolina Panthers have added veteran tight end Darren Waller, the team announced on Monday,” Panthers.com’s Kassidy Hill wrote on August 17. “In a corresponding move, offensive lineman Josh Gray was waived. The team also waived outside linebacker Nick Hampton with an injury settlement.”
Hampton, who turned 26 in April, appeared in 36 games for the Rams during his three-year tenure. He recorded 17 total tackles and 2 pass deflections during that time, logging most of his snaps on special teams.
Per Pro Football Reference, Hampton has logged 510 snaps on teams compared to 188 on defense so far in his career.
Notably, Hampton and the Rams defeated the Panthers in the 2025 NFC Wild Card Playoffs.
However, that was only after the Rams suffered one of their five regular-season losses to the Panthers in Week 13. That was one of three losses down the stretch that cost the Rams the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They also lost home-field advantage to the Super Bowl.
This is the final step for Hampton to depart the Panthers. He first went through the waiver wire process, starting on August 9.
Since he went unclaimed, Hampton reverted to the Panthers’ IR.
From there, and perhaps even beforehand, Hampton and the Panthers worked out an injury settlement. He is now free to sign with any team. However, if Hampton wants to return to the Panthers, he must wait an additional three weeks beyond a date set in their agreement.
Nick Hampton Has Had Roller-Coaster Journey
GettyNick Hampton has not made a major impact yet in his career.
Hampton’s latest setback has become par for the course for the former Appalachian State standout.
The Rams cut ties and reunited with Hampton multiple times last season, as well as multiple stints on their practice squad during his tenure. Their decision-making was largely driven by injuries and roster additions at other positions.
In the end, Hampton found himself seeking a new NFL home.
However, it also provides the opportunity for another fitting turn of events for the veteran outside linebacker.
Rams Could Continue Pattern With OLB
GettyThe Rams’ injury concerns with Myles Garrett are a strong argument to bolster roster depth.
The Rams have frontline talent at EDGE in Myles Garrett and Byron Young, and depth options they like in DesJuan Johnson, Josaiah Stewert, and Keir Thomas. Still, teams can never have enough pass rushers, and Hampton’s familiarity with the Rams makes him a fitting option.
He has not recorded a sack in his career, so Hampton may not jump off the page as a strong depth piece.
If the Rams are forced to rely on him in a significant way, though, his experience is a plus.
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